Want to set up a new 29g saltwater

ryverrat

ryverrat

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Feb 14, 2008
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I am absolutely new to saltwater (have 5 FW and 1 brackish tank). I am planning a 29g FOWLR tank for a spotted sharpnosed puffer :perv:(don't have room for a bigger tank at this time). He will be the only fish in it and no coral (obviously). Things I would like to know:
1. What type of filter is better for saltwater (HOB, canister- sump is not a possibility due to space)
2. How much filtration (ie how many times per hour should the filter exchange the tank?- currently run the rest of tanks at a minimum of 10 X per hr.)
3. Protein Skimmer?
4. Substrate- thinking of live sand but how many inches?
5. RO units- saw it in another post but was wondering if any small ones on the market?
6. Lighting- since I will not have any coral how much will work?
7. Marine salt- I have been using Instant Ocean in the brackish but is there a better brand out there? I have been having issues with it dissolving in the tote I use for mixing the brackish water even after letting it sit for an hour.
8. Anything else that you can offer will be appreciated.
 
I also have a 29 gallon SW tank and it is very simple.
1: For the filter, I just use a regular whisper and it does the job nice.
2: hmmmmmm
3:I don't think you need a protien skimmer
4:I use about an inch of live sand
5:hmmmmm
6:For lighting you can use 3-5 units of lighting per gallon
7:Hmmm I'm not sure about the salt because I also use the same brand

Good luck with the tank :)
 
My 29 has a larger hang on filter and a nano korellia. I run a deep sand bed, and about 40 or so lbs of liverock. Lighting is mostly from the window. I do have a double 24" flourecent, with one actinic and one brighter one to see with.

I also have used Instant ocean, but trying out the coralife and that seems to be fine also.

I don't use a skimmer on it, but hopefully sooner than later will be adding a refugium/sump to house equipment. If you like to feed heavy, I might suggest the rio nano skimmer, I have one on my 55 and it does well, maybe a little small for the 55, but it is lightly stocked.

The rio is a Hang on type and easy to set, and clean. Not real quiet.
 
For fish only, you don't really have to worry about lighting. Enough for you to view your inhabitants is fine. A hang on the back or a canister are fine, but with a good amount of live rock, sand, protein skimmer, and good flow you don't really need one. With weekly small water changes with ro/di water you should be fine. Also, I've been using Instant Ocean for 10+ years with no problems. I now use the reef crystals for the added trace elements. As for the skimmer I would recommend the Aqua C Remora for your small system. It is really easy to set up and maintain. Do your homework before buying any skimmer as their are many bad ones on the market that do little more than move water around. Good luck!
 
1) I always like a canister for FO.
2) You would want about 10x + for water movement. 29gal---about 300+ gal/hr
3) A Ramora is nice for a 29gal--but you can do without it if you do lots of water chages.
4) LS---I only have about 1/2inch to cover bottom.
5) RO/DI unit. There are lots of good ones---IMO-with a FO, you do not need it.
6) With no coral---use what ever comes with tank.
7) I use different brands ( I keep switching), but I like IO. I mix a week before use.
8) Get some test kits, and a refractor.
 
i would get a bio cube i have a 14 gallon and its nice it comes with filter light evey thing great starter tank
 
I am not buying another tank. Also 14g is way too small for any species of SW puffer.
 
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