Starting out a 29G

[lshin037]

I've read through the posts to try and find out what i'd need but it seems that the needs are different according to tank size. I have a 29g, with a Penguin 330, play sand from Lowe's, and a couple of rocks in there. Currently, I have a couple African cichlids in there but I'd like to convert it into SW. I'd like to know what I need to start out. I plan on keeping two clownfishes and maybe a damsel.

Here's what I know:
- Need hydrometer
- Need salt mix

Here's what I dont know:
- Can I reuse the play sand?
- Will the Penguin 330 be enough filtration?
- What else do I need?

 

[gman52]

i would get some new sand. u can get a 50lb bag for 3 bucks at lowes. make sure its playbox safe.

the filter will be enogh for filtering, but u will need some powerheads for circlation.

 

[Blinky]

Are you planning on setting it up as a FOWLR (fish only with live rock), FO (fish only) or a reef tank? What you'll need to get depends on the eventual setup. If you're planning to keep corals, you'll want to look at some new lighting (PC or better yet MH). If you use live rock, it will be your primary source of biological filtration, and you can use your HOB filter for circulation and mechanical/chemical filtration when needed.
Ditto Gman on the powerheads, you'll want more circulation than your current setup. I'd definitely buy new sand. I'm not sure about using play sand - some (Southdown) is similar to the Aragonite sold by LFSs AFAIK, but difficult to find. Others may work too, I've seen people with concerns over silica type sands (silicates in the water = diatom blooms) so you may want to research the particular sand you're getting. I opted for 'sugar sized' Aragonite sand from the LFS, I love it.

 

[lshin037]

i would get some new sand. u can get a 50lb bag for 3 bucks at lowes. make sure its playbox safe.

the filter will be enogh for filtering, but u will need some powerheads for circlation.

Thanks. Is there a reason for using new sand? I just want to know.

Are you planning on setting it up as a FOWLR (fish only with live rock), FO (fish only) or a reef tank? What you'll need to get depends on the eventual setup. If you're planning to keep corals, you'll want to look at some new lighting (PC or better yet MH). If you use live rock, it will be your primary source of biological filtration, and you can use your HOB filter for circulation and mechanical/chemical filtration when needed.
Ditto Gman on the powerheads, you'll want more circulation than your current setup. I'd definitely buy new sand. I'm not sure about using play sand - some (Southdown) is similar to the Aragonite sold by LFSs AFAIK, but difficult to find. Others may work too, I've seen people with concerns over silica type sands (silicates in the water = diatom blooms) so you may want to research the particular sand you're getting. I opted for 'sugar sized' Aragonite sand from the LFS, I love it.

Thank you. I'm planning on setting up a fish only tank. Last time I checked the LFS, live rock was pretty expensive. So I just need some sand, salt mix, and a hydrometer in addition to my current setup? Do I need buffers and/or crushed coral?