Newbie tank questions!

Matt E · 07/14/2012, 12:11 AM

Hey guys,
I've always dreamed of having a salt water tank and I'm finally going to set one up. It will be a 20 gallon. If it's harder to run then that's fine, I'll figure it out! No other sizes are an option.

I'd like to have live rock, an anenome or two, and some smaller fish.

Questions:

Do I need a protein skimmer and a filter (like an aquaclear)? or Just a filter?

What kind of lighting would you recommend?

I'm planning on getting 2 Koralia nanos for circulation and a 100 W heater. Anything else besides the salt and chemicals?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

Tschupe · 07/14/2012, 01:14 AM

Read every sticky thread on the top of this forum. Then read them again. There is so much to learn about this hobby it's rediculous.
A tank should be at least a year old before you get a nem. But read read read. And ask as many questions as you want.

TX..r33f · 07/14/2012, 01:49 AM

Not to shoot you down or anything ,but their is much to learn. and alot of $$$$ going into the tank & equi. As far as a hang on filter yes you can use one ,but if your looking for long turn succesfull reef tank go with a sump. As far as lighting goes their are many chocies. i like Led & MH. Ir really depends on the budget you have in the hobby? Also you will need a skimmer. Dont go cheep on your stuff, because its all really important. Also like i said ealyier if you want to have tank for a while and have it thrive you might want other things suck as.. Monitors, probes ect,ect,

ONE MORE THING***DONT FORGET TO GET AN RODI UNIT!

Matt E · 07/14/2012, 02:16 AM

Thanks for the replies. I'll be sure to read the sticky threads. I realize there is bunch to learn. I'll be in dental school for the next 4 years so this is a great chance for me to tackle something I've always wanted to do. I'll ask questions as they arise. Thanks.

ajcanale · 07/14/2012, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt E

I'd like to have live rock, an anenome or two, and some smaller fish.

Questions:

Do I need a protein skimmer and a filter (like an aquaclear)? or Just a filter?

What kind of lighting would you recommend?

I'm planning on getting 2 Koralia nanos for circulation and a 100 W heater. Anything else besides the salt and chemicals?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

Live rock + circulation will be one of your forms of filtration.

An anemone is one of the last things you should consider starting with, especially with a tank that small. Maybe something to look at 6+ months down the road.

An overflow + sump would be the best way to go, but I realize that may not be possible given your situation. That said, a HOB protein skimmer is definitely the way to go. I would avoid a filter unless you plan on cleaning it out every other day.

As far as lighting goes. LED or T5, and I would definitely recommend LED over T5. There are so many different options available in the market now, in regards to LED's. Up front they will cost a little more, but they will use less power, produce less heat, last longer, and unlike T5's they produce that sexy shimmer that most of us like to see in our tanks.

Good luck

Matt E · 07/14/2012, 01:06 PM

Thanks AJ, that's really helpful.

I'll skip on filter and just get a skimmer and live rock. I'll steer clear of the anenomes as well. My goal is to get a few hardy fish while I learn the ropes and upgrade tanks down the road as I get better.

07/14/2012, 12:11 AM	#1
Matt E Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 3	Newbie tank questions! Hey guys, I've always dreamed of having a salt water tank and I'm finally going to set one up. It will be a 20 gallon. If it's harder to run then that's fine, I'll figure it out! No other sizes are an option. I'd like to have live rock, an anenome or two, and some smaller fish. Questions: Do I need a protein skimmer and a filter (like an aquaclear)? or Just a filter? What kind of lighting would you recommend? I'm planning on getting 2 Koralia nanos for circulation and a 100 W heater. Anything else besides the salt and chemicals? Thanks in advance, Matt

07/14/2012, 01:14 AM	#2
Tschupe Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: chandler, AZ Posts: 1,144	Read every sticky thread on the top of this forum. Then read them again. There is so much to learn about this hobby it's rediculous. A tank should be at least a year old before you get a nem. But read read read. And ask as many questions as you want. __________________ TIM Current Tank Info: 29 biocube. Rkl with alc. mp-10. DIY CREE LEDs. Tunze 9002. 10 gallon with kessil 150 ocean blue

07/14/2012, 01:49 AM	#3
TX..r33f Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Houston Tx :) Posts: 611	Not to shoot you down or anything ,but their is much to learn. and alot of $$$$ going into the tank & equi. As far as a hang on filter yes you can use one ,but if your looking for long turn succesfull reef tank go with a sump. As far as lighting goes their are many chocies. i like Led & MH. Ir really depends on the budget you have in the hobby? Also you will need a skimmer. Dont go cheep on your stuff, because its all really important. Also like i said ealyier if you want to have tank for a while and have it thrive you might want other things suck as.. Monitors, probes ect,ect, ONE MORE THINGDONT FORGET TO GET AN RODI UNIT!*

07/14/2012, 02:16 AM	#4
Matt E Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 3	Thanks for the replies. I'll be sure to read the sticky threads. I realize there is bunch to learn. I'll be in dental school for the next 4 years so this is a great chance for me to tackle something I've always wanted to do. I'll ask questions as they arise. Thanks.

07/14/2012, 01:06 PM	#6
Matt E Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 3	Thanks AJ, that's really helpful. I'll skip on filter and just get a skimmer and live rock. I'll steer clear of the anenomes as well. My goal is to get a few hardy fish while I learn the ropes and upgrade tanks down the road as I get better.