Starting a new tank need your help!!

[Aquaskilz]

Hi Guys! Im new to the forum and I really appreciate the advice you guys give. You all have my upmost respect.
My question is: My wife gave me $200.00 for Valentines Day towards the start up of my 29gal. salt water tank. My problem is Im scared to buy the wrong thing... I want SUCCESS!! The tank already has water in it (no salt), Aragamax sand, and a fluval 4 keeping the water clear until I get started. I was considering ordering Live Figii rock from Fosters&Smith. Is this a good move?? I need reccmedations for the following also:

Filter (least exspensive, most efficient) (Skilter has built in p. skimmer is this any good??)
the best salt (Instant Ocean vs. Reef Crystals vs. Kent?)
Lighting (Power Compact smart ligt vs. AGA compact fluorescent?)
Trace elements or whatever supplements I need- Brand name?
Master test kit

I already understand about Ph, temperature, heating, maturation etc. but I need advice on these basic start items and any other advice you may have. Thanks for your help. PS I know bigger is better but I really dont have space for a larger tank, plus I may be rellocating in another year or so. Thanks again!!

 

[BrianH]

For a cheap skimmer I would recommend a prizm. You can find a used one for about $40 and a new one for about $73 online. The skilters really do not skim at all so I'd stay away from them.

You should try add between 1 - 1.5 lbs per gallon of live rock. You can start with base rock(lace) and add as mush actual LR as you can afford.

The lighting depends on what type of tank you want. If your planning a fish only tank, then the NO fixtures are fine. If you plan on having some corals, I would suggest at least a 2 x 55 watt power compact fixture to keep some softies and mabye a couple LPS. If you want sps, metal halide is the way to go.

You could also use a power head to go along with the canister, which by the way I suggest using either empty or with some base rock inside. I would suggest a maxijet 900.

Brian

 

[Aquaskilz]

Thanks Brian, Did you ever use a skilter or know some body that has?? What about a millinium wet/dry?? they seem pretty affordable for a tank my size. PS. Im considering a small reef-maybe.

 

[BrianH]

I had a skilter on my 10gal quartine tank. I say had because when I upgraded to a Remora pro on my 50gal reef I moved the prizm from that tank to my 10 gal which is now a grow out tank for frags. The skilter barely produced any foam. I wouldn't recommend a skilter fir a protein skimmer.

If you plan on having live rock and a DSB you don't need a "filter" as in the freshwater sense. The LR and DSB act as your biofiltration. A traditional filter with biomedia will only increase your nitrates which is undesireable in a reef tank. I would suggest you add between 1 - 1.5 lbs per gallon of live rock and a 4 - 6 inch sand bed for your biofiltration. You then need to provide between 10-15 times per gallon water turnover. For this you can use powerheads.

Brian