Setup, skimmer, refugium questions

TTime · 12/28/2014, 01:43 PM

Hey all I have a couple questions for you. I'm looking to start a 12 or 20 long reef this year, planning on a couple fish with LPS/SPS/Zoas.

My list so far is:
T5 or LED lights, Hydor powerheads, heaters, skimmer, refugium, misc.(thermometer, timer, salt, live rock, etc.)

I'm pretty confused on the refugium and protein skimmer. I'm trying to to keep it simple(no drilling, no sump), and as cheap as I can.

In your opinion how important is a refugium? Not very cheap but are hang on skimmer and refugium the simplest I can do? I'm sure I have more questions I can't think of right now so I'll take any suggestions you all have!

RocketEngineer · 12/28/2014, 01:52 PM

For a tank that small you would do well to go with the skimmer and water changes. Being that small, a refugium has limited benefit.

Personally, I would also consider T5 over LEDs especially for your first tank. It is much easier to change out a bulb to change the look and lets you play with the lighting without having to spend big bucks if you don't like what you have.

Keep researching. Take your time and do it right. No good things happen fast.

TTime · 12/28/2014, 03:04 PM

Sounds good I'll focus more on a skimmer than a refugium. Thanks for the reply, definitely going to take my time with it.

12/28/2014, 01:43 PM	#1
TTime Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: CO Posts: 13	Setup, skimmer, refugium questions Hey all I have a couple questions for you. I'm looking to start a 12 or 20 long reef this year, planning on a couple fish with LPS/SPS/Zoas. My list so far is: T5 or LED lights, Hydor powerheads, heaters, skimmer, refugium, misc.(thermometer, timer, salt, live rock, etc.) I'm pretty confused on the refugium and protein skimmer. I'm trying to to keep it simple(no drilling, no sump), and as cheap as I can. In your opinion how important is a refugium? Not very cheap but are hang on skimmer and refugium the simplest I can do? I'm sure I have more questions I can't think of right now so I'll take any suggestions you all have!

12/28/2014, 01:52 PM	#2
RocketEngineer Space is big. Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Maryland Eastern Shore Posts: 3,226	For a tank that small you would do well to go with the skimmer and water changes. Being that small, a refugium has limited benefit. Personally, I would also consider T5 over LEDs especially for your first tank. It is much easier to change out a bulb to change the look and lets you play with the lighting without having to spend big bucks if you don't like what you have. Keep researching. Take your time and do it right. No good things happen fast. __________________ -RocketEngineer "Knowledge is what you get when you read the directions, experience is what you get when you don't." - Unknown Current Tank Info: None Currently

12/28/2014, 03:04 PM	#3
TTime Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: CO Posts: 13	Sounds good I'll focus more on a skimmer than a refugium. Thanks for the reply, definitely going to take my time with it.