Help And Information Needed

[mjag]

Ok Im really new to this hobby. I just switched over from fresh water. I have a 29 gallon tank wih an eclipse hood. Now I KnowIneed more light for a reef tank and a few other things. Now how far can I go with this combo, And also What can I change to have more light,with keeping the hood, Also Will I need a sump if so what size will be good. Thanks for any information


Mjag

 

[mpoed1]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by mjag:
<strong>Ok Im really new to this hobby. I just switched over from fresh water. I have a 29 gallon tank wih an eclipse hood. Now I KnowIneed more light for a reef tank and a few other things. Now how far can I go with this combo, And also What can I change to have more light,with keeping the hood, Also Will I need a sump if so what size will be good. Thanks for any information


Mjag</strong><hr></blockquote>

 

[mpoed1]

First things you need are some good books. Its important to have a text your can refer to with basic questions. I recommend The Reef Aquarium vol 1. The ISBN 1-883693-12-8 as a good start.

 

[mjag]

Thanks guys I have been reading alot But as everyone on this board knows Its not all in the book. Like both of my questions would not be in a book. So I wanted to ask the experts Well the ones that gave me answers besides read a book. Thanks for the info on the lights and the sump I think I can get Pc in the hood.

Thanks
Mjag

 

[xKEIGOx]

yeah yeah yeah~ book is impotent. read more about reef coral keeping first.
but well.. since you ask, sump are not really impotent if for coral keeping. but if you have it it's better. If you gonna have a fish only tank, you should have a sump. don't forget to get a good skimmer. Skimmer are really impotent. And about the lights... one 150w Mh bulb will do with 2 more 15watts FL or 18PL will be better. And watch your temperature too!
ah~ you should read some book first. then only go for the quastion.

 

[danmhippo]

Keigo, "impotent"?

 

[danmhippo]

Um, if you still want to keep the existing Eclipse hood, MH is out of the question. You may be able to convert it to hold PC instead. If you are able to change it to PC, you will have more choices of corals to choose from.

If not PC, you may be able to get by with just the hardiest mushrooms, or maybe some non-photosynthetic gorgonians and sponges. But the last two requires strong currents and phytoplankton dosing. If you have a sump, that's a plus as more water volume means more forgiving tank (more stable conditions).

Skimmer is really important, get the best your budget can afford.

 

[mpoed1]

I didn't mean to dismis your questions. I hoped that my book suggestion would illict recommendations from others. Its not just reading its the quality of the info. We've all spent money on books that were not useful or acurate. I agree with the others direct comments. I'd lose the hood and go with a pendant lighting. Your 29 gal tank is probably high allowing less surface area for oxygen exchange. The hood only impedes this and traps heat. Don't go ovekill on the skimmer. Get one sized for your system. A good air driven model will probably work great. Go slow and keep it simple.