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05/31/2011, 06:24 PM
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#1 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 5
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Beginner with a 20 gallon saltwater tank
hey everyone i have a 20g tall aquarium and this is what i have so far.
heater thermometer 20lbs live rock crushed coral hydrometer filter incandescent hood with light strip-t8 1800k lighting(im upgrading because i want to keep a reef tank now) so my tanks been running for about 2 months now and what else do i REALLY need so that i can keep a nice looking reef tank thanks for help |
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05/31/2011, 06:56 PM
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#2 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 216
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Better lights, a powerhead for flow, and you may want to with sand as opposed to crushed coral. Crushed coral can trap detritus.
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05/31/2011, 06:57 PM
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#3 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: nc
Posts: 96
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I would def add a protein skimmer. Do you have any pics?
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150 gal w/ 55 gal sump/refugium I have no clue what Im doing in this world, but my tank looks cool. Current Tank Info: 120 sps reef |
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05/31/2011, 07:00 PM
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#4 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: derby ny
Posts: 297
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i agree with posts above ,i would make sure to use ro/di water also . good luck with your tank
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05/31/2011, 07:16 PM
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#5 |
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-RT * ln(k)
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Little Rock
Posts: 9,705
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+1 to each of the comments above.
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David Current Tank: Undergoing reconstruction... |
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05/31/2011, 07:16 PM
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#6 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Fresno,Ca.
Posts: 2,545
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Test kits. You dont want to rely on the lfs to test your water.
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600g (96x36x46) FOWLR |
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05/31/2011, 07:17 PM
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#7 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: The Salty D! Sandy let go of my eggo!
Posts: 1,962
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For a tank this size the best protein skimmer is a basic water change. Protein skimmers are great for larger tanks, but for a tank this size you'll be fine with WC.
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Fish tanks and Chevys... And my cousin's Datsun too. Some call it paranoid. I call it prepared. You have more post than I do... You MUST be right then! |
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05/31/2011, 07:34 PM
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#8 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 5
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can i keep crushed coral in it? or will i have to switch to sand ?
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05/31/2011, 07:43 PM
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#9 |
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Reef Madness!
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Perryville, Missouri
Posts: 616
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I would definitly get some agranite type sand. Crushed Coral later on down the road will leach stuff into your water.
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The Shoe String Budget Reef Aquarium. Possible?? Compared to 7 55 breeding Discus days well we see and try! :P Current Tank Info: 10g nano with 2 clowns 1 Royal Gorama 1 RBTA! |
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05/31/2011, 09:16 PM
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#10 | |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Harrisburg PA
Posts: 120
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Quote:
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05/31/2011, 09:26 PM
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#11 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,883
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IMO WC for that size tank will out do the skimmer. Put the $ saved from the skimmer and add it to your lights or an ATO system.
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05/31/2011, 10:12 PM
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#12 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 292
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You should get a refractometer to replace your hydrometer, as well.
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05/31/2011, 10:53 PM
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#13 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 270
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Just out of curiosity, what kind of lighting are you looking to upgrade to?
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06/01/2011, 08:39 AM
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#14 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 236
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I recommend a hydrometer over a refractometer .
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06/01/2011, 08:55 AM
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#15 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Yakima, Wa
Posts: 54
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+1 on refractometer, they are more accurate and you are able to calibrate them. If you want stable water you need one.
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________________________ 75 Gallon, 29 Gallon sump, Reef Dynamics INS135, Iwaki 30 return, Pacific Sun BP LEDs, Reef Angel Controller, MP40. Current Tank Info: 75 Gallon AGA w/ Megaflow |
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06/01/2011, 04:42 PM
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#16 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Providence, RI
Posts: 280
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refractometer, then sump for equipment.. makes the tank look so much cleaner.
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| Tags |
| beginner, live coral, live rock, reef tank |
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