First time SW 29 gal Setup

[rcervel]

Hi guys, first time posting in the SW section. Was originally planning to setup my empty 29 gal with FW. But after going to my LFS, wandered over to the marine section and decided to give it a try.

Here's what I'm planning...

Start off with with some LR and LS, was planning on just a FOWLR but willing to try my hand at a beginner reef. Should I start off with just LR/LS and add fish and inverts first and then some corals over time? Or put the LR/LS & corals in first and then add the fish and inverts?

As far as fish, I did a little research and these are the ones I definitely want to try...

2 Ocellaris Clownfish
1 Six Line Wrasse
1 Yellowtail Damselfish
1 Yellow Watchman Goby

What do you think? Too much/too little, bad combos?

I'm certainly not an expert on Corals, can anyone recommend some for a beginner?

For equipment, this is what I'm planning on...

Lighting: 24" T-5 Nova Extreme w/ Lunar Lights
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+12772&pcatid=12772

Protein Skimmer: SeaClone 100
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+4400&pcatid=4400

Flitration, the guy at the LFS said with the LS/LR I wouldn't need a filter so much, but I have a brand new Penguin Bio-Wheel 200 still in the box. So any reason why I shouldn't add it?

Circulation: 2 #1 Hydor Koralia Pumps

As far as water sources. I was planning on just using my tap water. I didn't want to spend $$$ on RO or distilled water to fill a 29, perhaps for water changes yes, but not to fill the tanks. Space is limited so I wasn't looking into any major setups. I know the tap water has the potential for algae growth. Would it reach an equilibrium if I added some kind of algae eating fish/inverts to balance out the problem?

BTW, as far as inverts... what kind and how many do you guys suggest? I'm open to any ideas. Hermits crabs, shrimp, anenomes, fan worms, sea stars, anything that will work with a 29 gal reef?

Any advice will help -thanks.

-Rich

[rcervel]

::Bump:: Anybody?

[egkid]

I'm also a newb and just started my first saltwater tank at the end of july, but I'll help you to the best of my abilities.


I also started with a 29 gallon and your tank is 30" not 24" so that light fixture wont work, I'm using the 30" Sundial 4x24w t5HO http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~category~30_inch_Current_USA_SunDial_T 5_HO_4x24W_w__Timers___LED_30in_Units~vendor~Curre nt_USA~SearchStr~sundial~action~view~idProduct~CU0 1151~idCategory~FILTFIT53U.html
I cant say much on it's performance because I have corals that dont require strong lighting. But the built-in timers are awesome kinda confusing at first but they're a huge convinence.

As far as stocking most advise against damsels because they're very aggressive, maybe try going with a firefish instead. Again I'm just starting out so wait for someone to back me up but I think everything else on your list would be fine in the tank.

I can't see how adding a filter will hurt, although some don't like to run carbon in their tanks, I forget the reasoning but they usually run carbon just to remove medications from the tank or when a fish is sick.



I also have that same skimmer on my tank and haven't heard anything good about them, but mine has been doing ok except for every once in a while it will randomly start pouring out microbubbles into the tank. Usually I just close the air valve for a day and when I open it back up it returns to normal.

I currently have a koralia 2 and a koralia nano in my tank, I think two koralia 1's will take up a lot of space and be an eye sore in a tank this small.

Don't use tap water, I did and I'm battling crazy algae problems with my tank, I wish I would have taken the extra time and trips to the LFS to fill it with RO water.

Heres my tank thread by the way http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=161041

[OldManOfTheSea]

The T-5 aren't as hot then the MH. Much of the soft corals, can do rather well under VHO lighting. Other then this Penguin Bio-Wheel 200. This filter may be OK, but now, this is my thoughts on the idea of such filters. Their limited to how well they will do for you in any long term. Nothing however will do better then the best skimmer you can buy for your nano tank.

egkid, your nano tank is looking good, and I see that your taking it slow, not to stock up so fast.

Rich, one thing I can add for you is that the sixline can be rather aggressive, and more so in a smaller tank.

Another view in my opinion is that the seaclone I feel will fail you, please look into some better ideas to what skimmer you would like to try out :)

Buddy