Hey everybody, I know I have already asked a couple questions but I figured I would post a thread here. I'm new to saltwater, and I'll be starting up a 29g tank. I'm using reef octo skimmer and using an emporer 400 that I already have for filtration, but eventually I want to build a sump. As far as lighting goes I've read a lot of good reviews about the Ocean Revive Arctic-S026 LEDs, so that's what I'm going with for lights. I am probably getting the hydor koralia reef kit for circulation. I haven't decided on a heater or controller yet. I have been doin a lot of research and found that a reverse osmosis system makes life a lot easier, does anyone know of a decent one that won't break the bank? I appreciate all of the advice I have gotten on here so far and I'm sure I'll be asking a lot more questions in the future. I will have to wait until I get home to get things going, so it will be a few months. In the mean time what do you think of my proposed set-up?
Hi Chief, Welcome to site! Seems like you're on the right path with all of the researching you've been doing. In this hobby, you can never do enough. While I've never personally had a Reef Octopus skimmers, they always get good reviews and have been around a long time. Those lights look pretty nice. One piece of advice I would give on using LEDs, is start out slow. Its definitely easy to roast a coral so monitor your stuff once you get them in and adjust accordingly. Are you currently using the biowheels on the emperors? Nice in the beginning to get the bacteria going, but once your tank is up and running with enough live rock, I would take them off. They can become nitrate factories if not cleaned on a consistent basis. Can't wait to see pics once you get everything going!
I have the bio wheels but I'm wasn't sure if I should use them or not. You said they are good in the beginning, so would you recommend leaving them on while the tank is cycling and then removing them? Or would you leave them on longer? Thank you for the advice.
Welcome to Razorback Reef Chief! I agree with Allen, LED's can work great but do need more caution than T5's or MH. I would also highly recommend getting a sump set up. It increases water volume (increased stability), gives you a place to hide essential equipment(skimmer, heater, mechanical filtration,etc) and can give you a place for additional live rock for biological filtration. As far as heater choices, if you do opt for a good controller I think your choice becomes less critical. With a controller you can place a "safety net" in case a heater sticks in the on position. They are prone to do that. Try to make some meetings if you can. Great place to make friends, learn and get access to lots of free/cheap corals, equipment and fish
Oh I will go to some for sure! Right now I'm out of the country until the fall but when I get back I would like to. I think it would be good to meet some new people and have someone to call for advice if things go south. It will also be a bonus for my wife, who is getting sick of hearing me talk about the tank, for me to have someone else to talk about this stuff with.
I only have room for a 10g sump in my stand and I was told that building a sump with a fuge in that would be pointless. He said the fuge wouldn't be big enough to do any good. What do you guys think?
I could fit something bigger if it had the same length and width but was taller. I expect I may have to make something like that custom though.
I have to disagree. A 10g sump would be great for a 10g tank. Your doubling your water volume and theirs plenty of room for rock rubble, heater, appropriate size skimmer and return pump. It's 100 times better than a HOB or even any All In One. Your typical 8g all in one only holds around 2g of water in the back wall (which is just a built in sump). I agree with not being able to hold enough macro for a very effective fuge but I don't know that I would even bother with one for your size tank. Just speaking ratios that's a well worth the investment. Almost everyone's sump is smaller than their display tank. But yours would be the same size. But that's just my opinion.
There is some confusion, chief's tank is a 29. dreamworld is who is starting a 10 gal. I think a 10 gallon sump is worthwhile though the refugium aspect is probably not so important. I would still do it to get the extra live rock and volume. Nutrient export will probably not be significant.
Sorry guys I miss-read. You might could find a 15 or even a 20 long. That's what happens when you don't go all the way back to the top to check what your committing on.
Do any of you know where I can get a 15g high tank at to build a sump with? I can't seem to find any online.
Thanks for the help. Just out of curiousity, how much can I expect to pay for an ocellaris clown at a LFS?
A straight up regular color ocellaris should be about $20-30 depending on the size. I think I paid $45 for my black and whites. Get tank bred (most of the ones in LFS are tank bred these days).
Thank you. Tank bred regular colored one is exactly what I want. I prefer the look of the orange rather than the black.
