Inherited Equipment - Need Advice

Mymoose · 05/14/2016, 02:35 PM

I've wanted to enter the saltwater tank world for many years now, but haven't been able to afford it. Recently a new friend gave me his old tank and set-up. I have some questions before I dive in. The basic plan is to have small fish (clowns, cardinal, blenny - beginner fish really), invertebrates (shrimp, star fish), an anemone, and soft corals.

Here's the package. I know enough to know that the under gravel filter is a very outdated idea, but my friend said it might be helpful just to aquascape. The major piece of missing equipment is a protein skimmer (suggestions?). I also see a wave devise that I have no idea how to operate and doubt I'll need it for what I'm planning.

The tank is 55 gallons (12 feet x 48 feet). I've cleaned the equipment and tank with white vinegar, and am going to reseal the tank before starting my water cycling.

I believe this is a called a canister filter. I know sumps are far superior, but is this still viable. I'm not worried about having to do frequent maintenance - more about having my tank crash.

How do I open this thing? Do you typically have to unscrew lighting like this? I will have to replace the bulbs, but when is that a must - ie. during water cycling, or not until I start putting in corals?

There is no line on this heater to indicate a level where it cannot be submerged. Anyone know if the whole thing can go underwater - ie I don't have to worry about a motor frying?

These push water well and are the least concerning for me. Should I be?

Sorry for the monster post. Any advice is highly appreciated!

Mymoose · 05/14/2016, 02:36 PM

Brief Summary of Questions:

1. Protein skimmer recommendation?
2. To sump or not to sump? Will this canister system still work (Key factor is cost remember)?
3. Lights – when will the new bulbs be needed? And how do I open this thing?
4. Heater – submersible or not?
5. Fans – sufficient or not?

Percula9 · 05/14/2016, 06:42 PM

Heater is completely submersible.It's not necessary to use the wave maker.Just put each pump on opposite sides of the tank.

Percula9 · 05/14/2016, 06:48 PM

[QUOTE=Percula9;24526002]Heater is completely submersible.It's not necessary to use the wave maker.Just put each pump on opposite sides of the tank.Protein will be needed later once bioload is established.Look into Eshopps hang on the back skimmers.

fudsey · 05/14/2016, 07:19 PM

Glass or plexi should slide out one end or the other to allow access to the bulbs.

kmbyrnes · 05/15/2016, 06:42 AM

Nice friend!
What kind of tank did he keep? That should tell you a lot about the ability of that setup.
The canister will work but will require a lot of attention. I would read some more on sump options before you start investing in corals. Sumps make your life much easier.
Without a sump, you need to research HOB skimmers. I have no experience with them, so I can't offer an opinion
The lights will be fine until you get corals. I would replace the bulbs before you get your first one, unless you friend can tell you when he last changed them. The output changes over time and may not produce what your corals need. Most recommend changing the bulbs every 6-12 months.
The power heads look strong enough to start, but that may change based on your coral selection.
Welcome to the addiction!

Mymoose · 05/15/2016, 10:09 PM

Thanks for the suggestions all!

05/14/2016, 02:35 PM	#1
Mymoose Registered Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 3	Inherited Equipment - Need Advice I've wanted to enter the saltwater tank world for many years now, but haven't been able to afford it. Recently a new friend gave me his old tank and set-up. I have some questions before I dive in. The basic plan is to have small fish (clowns, cardinal, blenny - beginner fish really), invertebrates (shrimp, star fish), an anemone, and soft corals. Here's the package. I know enough to know that the under gravel filter is a very outdated idea, but my friend said it might be helpful just to aquascape. The major piece of missing equipment is a protein skimmer (suggestions?). I also see a wave devise that I have no idea how to operate and doubt I'll need it for what I'm planning. The tank is 55 gallons (12 feet x 48 feet). I've cleaned the equipment and tank with white vinegar, and am going to reseal the tank before starting my water cycling. I believe this is a called a canister filter. I know sumps are far superior, but is this still viable. I'm not worried about having to do frequent maintenance - more about having my tank crash. How do I open this thing? Do you typically have to unscrew lighting like this? I will have to replace the bulbs, but when is that a must - ie. during water cycling, or not until I start putting in corals? There is no line on this heater to indicate a level where it cannot be submerged. Anyone know if the whole thing can go underwater - ie I don't have to worry about a motor frying? These push water well and are the least concerning for me. Should I be? Sorry for the monster post. Any advice is highly appreciated!

05/15/2016, 06:42 AM	#6
kmbyrnes Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 2,055	Nice friend! What kind of tank did he keep? That should tell you a lot about the ability of that setup. The canister will work but will require a lot of attention. I would read some more on sump options before you start investing in corals. Sumps make your life much easier. Without a sump, you need to research HOB skimmers. I have no experience with them, so I can't offer an opinion The lights will be fine until you get corals. I would replace the bulbs before you get your first one, unless you friend can tell you when he last changed them. The output changes over time and may not produce what your corals need. Most recommend changing the bulbs every 6-12 months. The power heads look strong enough to start, but that may change based on your coral selection. Welcome to the addiction! __________________ 125g Mixed Reef 5/26/2015; 350 Butterfly Dominated FOWLR 11/26/2015 - 11/17/20217 & 07/31/18 to ??? ; 100g Mixed Reef 11/16/2013 to 06/16/2017 Current Tank Info: Too small

05/14/2016, 02:36 PM	#2
Mymoose Registered Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 3	Brief Summary of Questions: 1. Protein skimmer recommendation? 2. To sump or not to sump? Will this canister system still work (Key factor is cost remember)? 3. Lights – when will the new bulbs be needed? And how do I open this thing? 4. Heater – submersible or not? 5. Fans – sufficient or not?

05/14/2016, 06:42 PM	#3
Percula9 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Orange County CA Posts: 3,819	Heater is completely submersible.It's not necessary to use the wave maker.Just put each pump on opposite sides of the tank.

05/14/2016, 06:48 PM	#4
Percula9 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Orange County CA Posts: 3,819	[QUOTE=Percula9;24526002]Heater is completely submersible.It's not necessary to use the wave maker.Just put each pump on opposite sides of the tank.Protein will be needed later once bioload is established.Look into Eshopps hang on the back skimmers.

05/14/2016, 07:19 PM	#5
fudsey Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: NH Posts: 15	Glass or plexi should slide out one end or the other to allow access to the bulbs.

05/15/2016, 10:09 PM	#7
Mymoose Registered Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 3	Thanks for the suggestions all!