Setting up 2.5 pico.. questions

[yonsu]

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Hi everyone. Let me first start off by saying that I am a complete noob to saltwater tanks. Due to very limited space, I have decided to undertake the challenge of a 2.5 pico tank. I realize this will be time consuming and a pain to keep up with (or so I've read).

I've done some reading, but I'm still unclear on a few things..
Right now, the only supplies I have are the tank and the heater. The heater is 25W.
-I am planning on purchasing an AquaClear 20 HOB. Will this be sufficient for water flow?
-As far as substrate is concerned, which is best for a smaller tank? I have access to the aragonite sand as well as play sand, but I am hoping to go for the most economical, yet beneficial option..
-As far as lighting is concerned. This tank will only have live rock and a couple inverts.. Do I need any type of special lighting? Right now, the tank has a 7W fluorescent bulb..
-The local LFS has all of their live rock in a giant black bin.. how do I know which pieces are 'good?' I plan on getting 3 pounds or so.. and I'm hoping that they're cured before-hand. When I get them, do I immediately put them into the tank?

Finally, is there any type of fish that will be comfortable in a tank this size? I have read, controversially, that certain species of gobies will do alright. Any recommendations?

The tank is just in planning stages right now. Any input is appreciated.
Thanks everyone!

 

[Reefscape]

Hiya Yonsu...Am glad you appreciate, that its not going to be the easiest tank to look after, but as its not going to house corals, that lightens the burden somewhat on your...

1) Not used that filter, so i cant comment, maybe JoJo or Germanman will shout up about that..
2) Substrate, aragonite is your best option, play sand is usually high in silicates
3) Lighting, all you need is standard lighting as there is not going to be any corals in the tank. What i would suggest is a day light that is bright enough for viewing pleasure and an actinic bulb so you can replicate a dusk and dawn effect for the inhabitants...actinic only on early till mid morning..white in the day...actinic only in the evening..
4) Live rock, it all depends on the quality of the stock...a good indicator is to smell it..if it stinks, then it is not fully cured, if all you can small is saltwater, then that is better...When you buy the rock, yes, get it straight into the tank with the sand and saltwater..You may wan to have a review of the sticky in the newbie section on cycling the marine tank and choose an option..The cycling with a raw shrimp/prawn is a good viable option to choose. About 3lbs is just fine for your system.
5) there are very few fish that can be kept in such a small tank. See these two threads below...

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103101

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103524

hope this helps a little...

Niko

 

[jojo22]

The AC 20 will be great, you may have to mod the intake tube to keep it out of the sand depending on how deep you go with that, they make great HOB refuge's for small tanks, if the flow is to high you can grab an impeller from an AC 10 and lessen it a bit that way but you shouldn't have problems.

I have used an AC20 on my 2.5 and it worked fine but had to be on the lowest flow setting.

 

[yonsu]

So, I went with the aragonite sand and my tank is now set up. Salinity is at about 1.023.. I have one question though.. the heater I purchased can not be completely submerged.. and because of that, the very end of it is submersed in the sand.. will this be alright? Also, how do I know how much flow is enough? On the highest setting, the flow pushes the sand in one area of the tank and essentially creates a big ditch.. and on the lowest setting, the sand is not moved at all.

 

[Reefscape]

the heater itself, should not be in the sand..When your setting the flow, you dont really want sand disruption, rather a flow over the top...What powerhead are you using for the tank?

Niko