I would look into getting a HOB protein skimmer. And if your looking int sea horses that means no fish except maybe a neon goby or two. Personally I would do a lot more research first, You can easily accidentally throw a lot of money.
First SW with a 20 gallon?
- Thread starter joel.uejio
- Start date
Yes, I hear that 
I'm leaning away from seahorses at this point -- seem a little tricky for a SW newb.
I'll take a look at HOB protein skimmers -- thanks for the tip.
I'm leaning away from seahorses at this point -- seem a little tricky for a SW newb.I'll take a look at HOB protein skimmers -- thanks for the tip.
That would be ok to start but you might end up wanting more flow. Is the AC 50 HOB to replace the 10g sump? If so I would go big with the HOB. You might think an AC 110 is too much but the bigger the better IMO and you could even mod the AC 110 into a small HOB refugium. Guess you could do that with any AC filter but the 110 provides more volume and the flow rate is adjustable (to an extent). Here is a good rundown of the fuge mod. I have seen these being run on a 10 gallon.
http://www.michiganreefers.com/forums/do-yourself/49091-aquaclear-110-fuge-mod.html
If you are sticking with the sump you will get some water movement from your return and if you need more you could add another PH in lieu of the HOB. The HOB fuge might still have some benefits. HTH
http://www.michiganreefers.com/forums/do-yourself/49091-aquaclear-110-fuge-mod.html
If you are sticking with the sump you will get some water movement from your return and if you need more you could add another PH in lieu of the HOB. The HOB fuge might still have some benefits. HTH
Have been doing more research / planning / crawling over my place with a tape measure -- I'm thinking I might pick up a 30g tank (36x12x16) and do that w/o a sump.
Would a 30g with (1) AC 110 diy fuge, (2) AC 50 power head, and (3) HO protein skimmer make a for a good, stable tank?
Also, anyone care to make a recommendation for a skimmer brand I should look at?
Thanks!
Would a 30g with (1) AC 110 diy fuge, (2) AC 50 power head, and (3) HO protein skimmer make a for a good, stable tank?
Also, anyone care to make a recommendation for a skimmer brand I should look at?
Thanks!
AS far as skimmers go AquaC Remora is an excellent one, Cpr BakPak is a good one, red sea makes one that would still be suitable and is less expensive. Coralife actually makes a decent HO skimmer too. Check around you can find used ones usually pretty cheap. Check www.Reefcentral.com see if you can,t find someones used one on there.
Also that does sound like a good plan. You dont need a sump for that tank ( i dont have one) but it will increase max gals and let you put more fish in it. Also you dont need a skimmer but again it lets you put more fish in and helps keep tank stable.
Absolutely, Reef Octopus is a good HOB skimmer for a great price. Get the preskimmer box since you're not going to have an overflow/sump. There is also a surface skimmer attachment you can get for the aquaclear HOB. Surface skum reduces light in your tank.
http://www.reefoctopus.com.au/v2/pub/range.cfm?category=5EF3AA65-C7AE-411A-9D2BE8FE975382A3
Keep in mind that overskimming a can do harm pretty quick in a small/nano tank. Since you have a smaller water volume the elements that will help your tank thrive can be removed quickly. If you skim, don't get a huge skimmer . Get one that is just a hair over what a 30 gallon requires. On the same vein, don't underestimate the importance of a water change to replenish elements. You may also want to look into dosing a 2-part if you go with a skimmer.
Also if you are looking for a 30 gallon have you considered a 30 breeder? THey have a great foot print and the 18" depth (front to back) makes it nice for aquascaping. Breeders are 36x18x14 the 40 breeders are 16" high. Here is a sweet 30 breeder:
http://www.nano-reef.com/featured/?tank=29
Also if you are looking for a 30 gallon have you considered a 30 breeder? THey have a great foot print and the 18" depth (front to back) makes it nice for aquascaping. Breeders are 36x18x14 the 40 breeders are 16" high. Here is a sweet 30 breeder:
http://www.nano-reef.com/featured/?tank=29
Thanks for the suggestions all!
Regarding tank size, though, I'd like to keep the front of tank no more than 20" or so from the wall behind (otherwise it will seriously jack up my Feng Shui [ha-ha]). I think a tank with 18" of depth would put the front around 23-24", given the equipment that has to go behind.
So, basically, that's why I'm thinking of the 3og tall (or maybe even a 38g) with a 36"x12" footprint...
Who know for sure though -- I'm on active tank patrol, ready to strike if I come across a nice rig!
Regarding tank size, though, I'd like to keep the front of tank no more than 20" or so from the wall behind (otherwise it will seriously jack up my Feng Shui [ha-ha]). I think a tank with 18" of depth would put the front around 23-24", given the equipment that has to go behind.
So, basically, that's why I'm thinking of the 3og tall (or maybe even a 38g) with a 36"x12" footprint...
Who know for sure though -- I'm on active tank patrol, ready to strike if I come across a nice rig!
Well ive got a 30 gal breeder and know from experience that you can put a variety of cool fish in it. Gobies, clowns, darts, and cardinals all fit inside my tank. Good luck no matter what you pick.
