First Marine Tank

F

fishboysv

AC Members
Feb 7, 2005
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Hi there!
I've been researching a new project (29g mini-reef) and need some advise before I start dropping the big $$$$$. This will start out as a fish/live-sand/live-rock tank and eventually work into a coral reef tank. My current shopping list is as follows:

RedSea PrizmPro Deluxe H.O.T.
200 watt external in-line heater
110 watts 10K PC, 55 watts actinic PC lighting
2 Rio 80 powerheads
Generic chiller (LFS sale, rated 120 gals [ I doubt it at $400])
50/50 live sand/aragonite - 60lbs.
30lbs Indonesian live rock
AquaClear Mini (or larger ) PF for chem. media

Stock will include ( after lengthy cycling):

red hermit crabs ( 8-10)
asst. snails (8-10)
fighting conch (1-2)
skunk cleaner shrimp (2)
blue-green chromis (3)
false percula clown (1)

Livestock will be added gradually with plenty testing to monitor water pars.
Estimating about a year for total stocking time for fish/cleaning crew. Later will be gradually adding corals.

One main question is the size of the skimmer. On another forum, someone suggested that the PrismPro was too much. I want a bit of an over-kill to help keep the tank clean and clear, but is too much a bad thing? Can't find info. that would cause worry. Anyone here can speak from experience?
Also, I'm aware of the many additives available-some neccessary, some not- such as calcium, strontium, iodine, trace, bottled plankton.
What is good? Bad? Ugly :D ?
Advice/input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Steven
 
Most skimmers are adjustable--and IMO, over-rated by the manufacturers. So, going a bit bigger isn't a problem.
I would replace the Rio's with something better--maxi-jets are a favorite. Rio's tend to break down quickly.

For additives--I wouldn't worry about them right now. Without knowinh water parameters, there's no way to know what you need. In FO tanks, some things aren't as biug a concern as they are in reefs. So, while supplementing may be needed, we can't predict what you will need.
 
Thanks OrionGirl,
That was a quick reply! So I guess I'm on the right track, mostly, to start?
I've been using Rio's on my planted FW tanks for a while with no probs. but will look into your recommendation. Tax returns will be coming in soon, so I'll have some money to up-grade my plans. Any others? All input is welcome. :)
 
sounds pretty good to me. Going a little bigger with stuff liek a skimmer is never a problem(not with me anyway). I find it to be better actually. Keeps tank cleaner,nicer,better than my friends and they have "the recommended" size by the LFS. I always go about one size bigger just incase. You'll love marine. It's so incredible. Nice fish choices as well. But for now dont buy any additives because you cant predict water qaulity and needs. So wait till the tank is cycled then go buy what you need.
 
Very active forum! Thanks for the reply, Fishman89. On the subject of additives- should I be adding calcium during cycle for the coraline? I seem to remember mention of coraline algae requiring calcium for good growth. True? Not true? Anyone? Maybe the calcium in the rock and sand is enough?
 
Coralline algae does require calcium levels to be normal (~300-350) for growth. The slat mix should get you close to this, and with regular water changes, keep it stable. Once you have corals in there, supplementing is needed to provide enough for lots of growth. With just coralline algae, though, regular water changes should be adequate.
 
Another question answered. Thanks, OrionGirl.Checking in frequently for more responses. This is a great forum!
 
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