Newbie Finally Setting Up SW Tank.

twodaend · 08/09/2006, 12:06 PM

Firstly I would like to say thanks to everyone for all the informaiton I've read thus far and plan on reading in the future. I've been reading as much as I could about SW tanks for about a month now, and I think I have some questions.

I'm thinking of starting small for now and getting a 29 gallon tank or may the 37 gallon, not sure yet and setting it up as FOWLR. My wife won't let me go bigger yet because I already have a 75 gallon FW tank with 1 Oscar and 4 Silver Dollars.

My plan thus far is to get the 29 (or 37 which ever is better) and I want to stock it with at least 2 clowns (true or false). However, I'm wondering what else I can stock it with. So far, I've been looking at the possibility of 2 clowns, 1 yellow tail damsel, 1 yellow goby, 1 cleaner shrimp, ?? hermits, ?? snails. As for anything else, I'm not sure. I'm wondering if I can get a coral beauty as well and any other inverts. As far as other inverts, I'm clueless to what else if anything.

As for my shopping list, so far it looks like this:
1 All-Glass 29/37 Gallon Setup (tank, deluxe full hood (possible upgrade on light), stand
1 AC 110 Filter (not sure if needed)
2 AC PH 70 (both for the tank, but maybe one to mix salt water in bucket)
2 200w heaters
2 thermometer
1 bucket Instant Ocean
50 lbs Sand
20 lbs LR
25 lbs BR
Air Line Tubbing
2 30 Rubbermaid
Refractometer

So far I think that is it. Am I on the the right track. As for light, I'm not sure if I have to upgrade but I do want a good growth on my rocks so need be I will.

Thanks for the help, I'm sure more question will follow.

nickterp · 08/09/2006, 12:36 PM

I would definitely go with a skimmer as well. For a real good introduction to saltwater I'd buy a book, like Robert Fenner's The Conscientious marine Aquariust. Trust me it will save you lots of money and time and it has some good example setups (with pictures ) that you can use.

If you are getting the 29 gallon, then the 2 clowns, damsel, and goby are probably a good amount of fish. You really can't stock many fish in saltwater tanks compared to freshwater.

A larger tank I think would be easier to maintain and allow more stocking choices. If you can get away with it

.

Lighting I would get at least some kind of power compacts or vho lights. They really aren't expensive for smaller tanks and will help with the growth on the live rocks.

good luck!

theatrus · 08/09/2006, 12:43 PM

Looks ok

Your stock list looks ok, but I may suggest ditching the damsel for another small goby if you like. Damsels are amazingly mean and territorial for their small size.

You probably won't need both heaters, but its not a bad idea.

I'd go with the 37 if you can, but the 29 is fine. If you get the 37 you may be able to keep the coral beauty.

For other inverts, if you like crabs a small emerald crab can help with eating algae. Or perhaps a fighting conch for a more interesting snail. Cleaner shrimp are great and fun to watch though.
The AquaClear is useful to run carbon in, may be worth having. Also, you mention airline tubing? I hope you're not trying to run the AC power heads with the air venturi. Your tank will be a giant sea of tiny white bubbles hiding everything (and basicly turn your tank into a skimmer)

Speaking of skimmers, consider it. Well worth the nutrient control potential. Look into an AquaC Remora or other hang on back one. Seaclones aren't very good.

chip721 · 08/09/2006, 12:44 PM

Caution: This hobby is habit forming

. But sounds like you're off to a good start. While you're still gathering materials, I'd add some basic test kits to your list: Ammonia (NH4), Nitrite (NO2), Nitrate (NO3), and pH. You'll need these to gauge your nitrogen cycle and remove guessing when it's safe to add creatures. For a FOWLR I'd at least consider Power Compact lights and maybe higher if you think there's a possiblity of getting corals later (you will). I have a Coral Beauty in my 54g. They don't get really big, but are pretty good swimmers. Take a look at the Pygmy (Cherub) Angel. As previously mentioned, a skimmer is a tremendous help in maintaining water quality. And last but not least, do a liitle research on QT. A simple setup up can save you some big headaches. Good luck and enjoy the habit ...oops I mean hobby.

itz frank · 08/09/2006, 12:56 PM

i second the removal of the damsel. Not only are they mean. But they're hard to catch. So after you decide to remove the damsel later, you'll need to get rid of all your LR in the tank before it'll be possible. Just keep that in consideration. Lastly, if this is going to be FOWLR you don't need to upgrade lighting. Just enough light for you to see them is all they'll need.

santi · 08/09/2006, 01:09 PM

I agree, a skimmer is a must have item. You may want to skip on the 2 ac70 and get like 3 maxijet 900 or 600. With the ac70, your sand will be all over the tank. The more random flow, the better off you'll be. You can use the filter to run carbon,etc. 2-150watts heaters, instead of the 2-200watts unless you plan to convert your 75g fw tank to sw. Why not go for it?-You'll love a 75g sw setup ALOT more than a fw.

Andrew · 08/09/2006, 01:36 PM

To Reef Central

twodaend · 08/09/2006, 01:52 PM

WOW, thanks for all the help. As for the 2 heaters, 1 would be for the tank and ther other would be for my 30 gallon rubbermaid for my mixed water. From what I've read, I think that is how people are doing it. I have a Master Test Kit for my FW tank it is it for both FW/SW so I'll stick with that for now.

As for light, will the basic get me a good growth on my LR. I pretty sure I won't be going as far as a reef setup (bigger tank someday), but I do want a good growth on my LR .

The air tubbing was to be only for using the drip method. I was reading this is how to adjust your fish and/or inverts. It won't connect to my PH.

I'll ditch the damsel and go for the coral beauty and maybe another small goby. More than likely I'll get the 37 then. It has the same footprint as the 29, only about 4" taller.

theatrus · 08/09/2006, 02:04 PM

What is the light? A normal fluorescent single tube striplight? You might need more to get coraline growth going, it is a photosynthetic algae after all. A cheap (but not Jebo/Odyssea, those are junk) CF single or double bulb setup should do fine for it. You don't need a lot of light, just more than the average fish light. The live rock will still be live without light, but it may lose its red/purple coloration due to the coraline dieing off.

Good choice on the coral beauty, its a nice looking fish

The drip acclimation method is good. I sometimes use the "turkey baster" acclimation method myself on hardier specimens (periodically put water into bag via baster

). It also double as the food dispenser, and the clowns flock to it whenever it gets near the tank. I think they like food a little too much.

twodaend · 08/09/2006, 02:31 PM

The light is more than likely the strip light from All-Glass. I haven't gotten any equipment yet, so making changes is still an option. Should I get this High Output Compact instead. I prefer to get an All-Glass as I can get a slight discount from a friend of a friend.

theatrus · 08/09/2006, 02:34 PM

The high output compact sounds like compact fluorescent (CF or PC, same thing). If possible, get that with a 10k bulb and an actinic bulb (or a 50/50, where one tube is of each type in the bulb)

twodaend · 08/09/2006, 02:43 PM

Ok, I'll get this All-Glass SmartLight which I'm guessing is a 50/50. The strip I get will only be 30" and these only come with one bulb.

theatrus · 08/09/2006, 02:46 PM

That should be enough to get some coraline growth going, and bring the fish out of the gloomy single normal fluorescent tube past

08/09/2006, 12:06 PM	#1
twodaend Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Plainfield, IL Posts: 263	Newbie Finally Setting Up SW Tank. Firstly I would like to say thanks to everyone for all the informaiton I've read thus far and plan on reading in the future. I've been reading as much as I could about SW tanks for about a month now, and I think I have some questions. I'm thinking of starting small for now and getting a 29 gallon tank or may the 37 gallon, not sure yet and setting it up as FOWLR. My wife won't let me go bigger yet because I already have a 75 gallon FW tank with 1 Oscar and 4 Silver Dollars. My plan thus far is to get the 29 (or 37 which ever is better) and I want to stock it with at least 2 clowns (true or false). However, I'm wondering what else I can stock it with. So far, I've been looking at the possibility of 2 clowns, 1 yellow tail damsel, 1 yellow goby, 1 cleaner shrimp, ?? hermits, ?? snails. As for anything else, I'm not sure. I'm wondering if I can get a coral beauty as well and any other inverts. As far as other inverts, I'm clueless to what else if anything. As for my shopping list, so far it looks like this: 1 All-Glass 29/37 Gallon Setup (tank, deluxe full hood (possible upgrade on light), stand 1 AC 110 Filter (not sure if needed) 2 AC PH 70 (both for the tank, but maybe one to mix salt water in bucket) 2 200w heaters 2 thermometer 1 bucket Instant Ocean 50 lbs Sand 20 lbs LR 25 lbs BR Air Line Tubbing 2 30 Rubbermaid Refractometer So far I think that is it. Am I on the the right track. As for light, I'm not sure if I have to upgrade but I do want a good growth on my rocks so need be I will. Thanks for the help, I'm sure more question will follow.

08/09/2006, 12:43 PM	#3
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	Looks ok Your stock list looks ok, but I may suggest ditching the damsel for another small goby if you like. Damsels are amazingly mean and territorial for their small size. You probably won't need both heaters, but its not a bad idea. I'd go with the 37 if you can, but the 29 is fine. If you get the 37 you may be able to keep the coral beauty. For other inverts, if you like crabs a small emerald crab can help with eating algae. Or perhaps a fighting conch for a more interesting snail. Cleaner shrimp are great and fun to watch though. The AquaClear is useful to run carbon in, may be worth having. Also, you mention airline tubing? I hope you're not trying to run the AC power heads with the air venturi. Your tank will be a giant sea of tiny white bubbles hiding everything (and basicly turn your tank into a skimmer) Speaking of skimmers, consider it. Well worth the nutrient control potential. Look into an AquaC Remora or other hang on back one. Seaclones aren't very good. __________________ Custom electronics purveyor. blueAcro.com Current Tank Info: 90g SPS+mixed reef (10 yrs): LEDBrick LEDs, 40g custom sump, Ca reactor, chiller, Vortech, lots of custom electronics

08/09/2006, 01:09 PM	#6
santi Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Arkansas Posts: 169	I agree, a skimmer is a must have item. You may want to skip on the 2 ac70 and get like 3 maxijet 900 or 600. With the ac70, your sand will be all over the tank. The more random flow, the better off you'll be. You can use the filter to run carbon,etc. 2-150watts heaters, instead of the 2-200watts unless you plan to convert your 75g fw tank to sw. Why not go for it?-You'll love a 75g sw setup ALOT more than a fw. __________________ If you want God to laugh, make a plan.

08/09/2006, 02:04 PM	#9
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	What is the light? A normal fluorescent single tube striplight? You might need more to get coraline growth going, it is a photosynthetic algae after all. A cheap (but not Jebo/Odyssea, those are junk) CF single or double bulb setup should do fine for it. You don't need a lot of light, just more than the average fish light. The live rock will still be live without light, but it may lose its red/purple coloration due to the coraline dieing off. Good choice on the coral beauty, its a nice looking fish The drip acclimation method is good. I sometimes use the "turkey baster" acclimation method myself on hardier specimens (periodically put water into bag via baster ). It also double as the food dispenser, and the clowns flock to it whenever it gets near the tank. I think they like food a little too much. __________________ Custom electronics purveyor. blueAcro.com Current Tank Info: 90g SPS+mixed reef (10 yrs): LEDBrick LEDs, 40g custom sump, Ca reactor, chiller, Vortech, lots of custom electronics

08/09/2006, 02:34 PM	#11
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	The high output compact sounds like compact fluorescent (CF or PC, same thing). If possible, get that with a 10k bulb and an actinic bulb (or a 50/50, where one tube is of each type in the bulb) __________________ Custom electronics purveyor. blueAcro.com Current Tank Info: 90g SPS+mixed reef (10 yrs): LEDBrick LEDs, 40g custom sump, Ca reactor, chiller, Vortech, lots of custom electronics

08/09/2006, 12:36 PM	#2
nickterp Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 263	I would definitely go with a skimmer as well. For a real good introduction to saltwater I'd buy a book, like Robert Fenner's The Conscientious marine Aquariust. Trust me it will save you lots of money and time and it has some good example setups (with pictures ) that you can use. If you are getting the 29 gallon, then the 2 clowns, damsel, and goby are probably a good amount of fish. You really can't stock many fish in saltwater tanks compared to freshwater. A larger tank I think would be easier to maintain and allow more stocking choices. If you can get away with it . Lighting I would get at least some kind of power compacts or vho lights. They really aren't expensive for smaller tanks and will help with the growth on the live rocks. good luck!

08/09/2006, 12:44 PM	#4
chip721 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alexandria, Virginia Posts: 1,260	Caution: This hobby is habit forming . But sounds like you're off to a good start. While you're still gathering materials, I'd add some basic test kits to your list: Ammonia (NH4), Nitrite (NO2), Nitrate (NO3), and pH. You'll need these to gauge your nitrogen cycle and remove guessing when it's safe to add creatures. For a FOWLR I'd at least consider Power Compact lights and maybe higher if you think there's a possiblity of getting corals later (you will). I have a Coral Beauty in my 54g. They don't get really big, but are pretty good swimmers. Take a look at the Pygmy (Cherub) Angel. As previously mentioned, a skimmer is a tremendous help in maintaining water quality. And last but not least, do a liitle research on QT. A simple setup up can save you some big headaches. Good luck and enjoy the habit ...oops I mean hobby.

08/09/2006, 12:56 PM	#5
itz frank Gives Bad Advice. Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ft Lauderdale, FL Posts: 2,168	i second the removal of the damsel. Not only are they mean. But they're hard to catch. So after you decide to remove the damsel later, you'll need to get rid of all your LR in the tank before it'll be possible. Just keep that in consideration. Lastly, if this is going to be FOWLR you don't need to upgrade lighting. Just enough light for you to see them is all they'll need.

08/09/2006, 01:36 PM	#7
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	*To Reef Central*

08/09/2006, 01:52 PM	#8
twodaend Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Plainfield, IL Posts: 263	WOW, thanks for all the help. As for the 2 heaters, 1 would be for the tank and ther other would be for my 30 gallon rubbermaid for my mixed water. From what I've read, I think that is how people are doing it. I have a Master Test Kit for my FW tank it is it for both FW/SW so I'll stick with that for now. As for light, will the basic get me a good growth on my LR. I pretty sure I won't be going as far as a reef setup (bigger tank someday), but I do want a good growth on my LR . The air tubbing was to be only for using the drip method. I was reading this is how to adjust your fish and/or inverts. It won't connect to my PH. I'll ditch the damsel and go for the coral beauty and maybe another small goby. More than likely I'll get the 37 then. It has the same footprint as the 29, only about 4" taller.

08/09/2006, 02:31 PM	#10
twodaend Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Plainfield, IL Posts: 263	The light is more than likely the strip light from All-Glass. I haven't gotten any equipment yet, so making changes is still an option. Should I get this High Output Compact instead. I prefer to get an All-Glass as I can get a slight discount from a friend of a friend.

08/09/2006, 02:43 PM	#12
twodaend Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Plainfield, IL Posts: 263	Ok, I'll get this All-Glass SmartLight which I'm guessing is a 50/50. The strip I get will only be 30" and these only come with one bulb.

08/09/2006, 02:46 PM	#13
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	That should be enough to get some coraline growth going, and bring the fish out of the gloomy single normal fluorescent tube past __________________ Custom electronics purveyor. blueAcro.com Current Tank Info: 90g SPS+mixed reef (10 yrs): LEDBrick LEDs, 40g custom sump, Ca reactor, chiller, Vortech, lots of custom electronics