Suggestions on a protien skimmer anyone??

[Aquaskilz]

Hey Guys.

Im starting a small salt water (30g) Right now I have a penguin Bio-wheel running on it (330)and a older model fluval 3. It has aragomaxx sand for substrate just to give a little insight.

I want to purchase a protien skimmer. Book recommends the
Seaclone Protien skimmer. I was wondering about the Prizm Deluxe. Any suggestions?? Oh.... didnt add any salt yet. Should I go with Insant Ocean, Reef Chrystals or some other brand??

Thanks !

[DeltaUguy]

As far as salt goes I use Instant Ocean and am happy with it. Over all I don't think there is much difference between the different brands.

Fluval 3, that's a canister filter right? If it is you can probably take it off, you won't need it especially if you're already running a penguin 330.

As far as your protein skimmer, the Seaclone is ok, I hear mixed reviews on it, as is the same with the Prism. You should look at the CPR Backpak skimmer as well. Here's a link:

CPR Backpak at MarineDepot.com (http://www.marinedepot.com/a_ps_cpr.asp?CartId=)

What do you plan on keeping in your tank? How much live rock do you plan on having?

[mogurnda]

I'm with DeltaUGuy. Instant Ocean is my salt of choice, and either the CPR BakPak or AquaC Remora if you don't have a sump. You won't need the other filters, although the Penguin, without the biowheel, will be good for filtering debris. The biowheel will become a salty mess. Just be sure to clean it regularly so that it doesn't become a source of nitrate.

[BrianH]

Another recommendation for IO, and the Aqua C Remora or the CPR Bak Pak. If you already plan on spending the $$$ on a prizm pro, get a remora. A much better skimmer at about the same price.

Brian

[greeneyedlady]

IO and Remora, can't go wrong;)

[Aquaskilz]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate your suggestions.

To Delta: (or anyone)
I dont know what selection of fish to chose. For a thirty gal. Im sure it would have to be small. I open for suggestions.
Also, how many pounds of live rock do you think I need??
Any advice on which online aquarium supplier has the best live rock. Im taking into consideration: price, quality/color, shipment, precured, etc. I live in NY. The best price I seen for live rock was 5.99-6.99 perlb. The rock had some pretty nice color to it and I believe it was precured/.

[latazyo]

I got my LR at www.liverocks.com great guys, great products

I'd say 40-50# for your tank

and I also use IO

[Aquaskilz]

Thanks latazyo. Ill check it out
PS> This may be a stupid question but what does IO stand for?:confused:

[latazyo]

Instant Ocean

[liquafaction]

INSTANT OCEAN........ I also have problems with everyones short hand......lol... have not been in the game long enough, but can usually figure it out

[BrianH]

I would not buy "precured" LR online. IMHO you lose the benefit of "precured" due to shipping out of water. If your going to buy LR online just buy uncured and cure it in your tank. The die off from the rock will also cause ammonia and kick off your cycle.

Brian

[Aquaskilz]

OOOOH! Instant Ocean!! DUH! OK, I get it Now this is a new one for me- IMHO:confused: Can some one explain that one.

PS Thanks Brian, youir advice is very much appreciated! I thought precured would be benificial so you dont have to worry about Bristle worms and other parasites in the rock. Also, do they really die the rock?/

[latazyo]

In My Honest/Humble Opinion

[BrianH]

Aquaskilz,

You want as many of the hichiking critters(including bristle worms) as possible to survive. Most of these critters are benficial detrivores and will clean up the detritus in your DSB.
Rock "die off" means that some of these critters that come on the rock and the bacteria will actually die during shipping. These living organisms are what gives live rock the LIFE in live rock. Anyway, this die off will cause an ammonia spike in your tank and start your cycle. I recommend buying uncured because you pay a premium for precured rock and you will lose the life you just paid extra for during shipping.

I like florida aquacultured rock and recommend Gulf-View (http://www.gulf-view.com) . Dale the owner is a great guy and will talk you through the process of purchasing his rock over the phone. You can also buy some live sand from him to seed your sand bed.
Here is a link to a NYC board wheere I saw some LR for sale by a local reefer in case your interested.manhattanreefs (http://www.manhattanreefs.com/)

Brian

[DeltaUguy]

I've heard good things about Gulf-View. With that rock you will probably have to worry about mantis shrimp hitchhiking in on the rock.

As far as fish for a 30 gallon here's some fish you should take a look at:

Royal Gramma or a Black Cap Basslet
Some sort of clownfish
Gobies
Blennies

I would stay away from damsels (other than clowns of course!). They are far too territorial for such a small tank.

[Aquaskilz]

Sorry for the late responce guys you've both been very helpful. I'll take your advice.