I've finally decided to go with CC for my first ever 35gal FOWLR setup. The tank measures 12"x30" and i was wondering how do i estimate how much i will need? I want to go with about 4-5 inches of it because i will be running an UG filter. Any help is appreciated! :hi:
CC Estimation
- Thread starter bladeruner143
- Start date
That may be a difficult question to get an answer for. Not very many people use crushed coral or an underground filter.
Why did you decide to go that route?
Kim
Why did you decide to go that route?
Kim
I decided to go that route basically because it would be the cheapest thing for me to do, and because the LFS that i go to told me that that would be one of the easiest and cheapest route for me to go to first learn from. I trust the people at the store because they have been there for about 25 years. I do know that this way is one of the older ways to go, but it is a lot cheaper than buying all the the wet/dry type filter stuff as well as a protein skimmer which i dont really think is a necessity. Am i wrong? Oh, i also will be running a power filter that uses a bio wheel and carbon.
Crushed coral will be more work, because you'll have to gravel vac it. Go barebottom with live rock, a good skimmer, and lots of water movement (to keep crap from the bottom of tank) so your skimmer can get rid of it. There are alot of barebottom threads here www.reefcentral.com
HTH,
Kim
HTH,
Kim
you don't need a protein skimmer on a 30. I have never run a skimmer on anything less than 40 gallons. My first tank was a 20 and it never saw a skimmer... neither did my 33.
Anyway CC is a pain in the butt. sure, it's cheaper, but you're going to pay for that in other ways. If you want the more economical route, go to the local home depot and pick up a bag of aragonite sand for under $20. One bag should be enough for your tank. I also recommend you get rid of the UG filter, and instead maybe put an AC mini on the back to catch the floaties, and then add 2 powerheads.
Anyway CC is a pain in the butt. sure, it's cheaper, but you're going to pay for that in other ways. If you want the more economical route, go to the local home depot and pick up a bag of aragonite sand for under $20. One bag should be enough for your tank. I also recommend you get rid of the UG filter, and instead maybe put an AC mini on the back to catch the floaties, and then add 2 powerheads.
Aragonite sand is preferd but any type of play sand will work (the smaller the grain size the better), some people even use sand blasting sand. If you go this route (called a Deep Sand Bed, or DSB for short) you will want it to be about 2-3" deep, and should never require vaccuming or other types of cleaning if you have a good clean up crew.
I would go with a turnover rate of 30x per hour, half an inch of live sand or even BB, lots of LR and just do water changes weekly of like 20%, that is the cheapest option and i think it is easier than a UG, then normally become nutrient loaded and nitrates generally creep up to quite high and dangerous lvls.
Skimmer isn't required, but they do a great job of eliminating waste. If you don't get a skimmer, do larger water changes.
Kim
Kim
some people beleive you dont need a skimmer. i beleive a skimmer can only help, no matter how big/small the tank is. if it can make your fishes water cleaner to be in, why not go ahead and get one.