Setting up 30 gal reef

[ryddo]

Hello everyone, I am setting up my first Reef tank in a 30 gal. tank. I have purchased a dual 175mh w/ 2-55w PC lighting system. I also purchased a RO system and wave maker from FlyingFish. Do I need a protein skimmer; I have read many articles that contradict each other on this web site? Also, do you suggest using Southdown and purchasing a LS activator from IPSF or would you just buy the LS direct? Also, would you recommend putting the sand, activator, and LR in at the same time or in stages? I am planning on making a refugium out of a 20 gal. tank that I have by inserting dividers in it. Sorry for all the questions, I have read so many books, it is hard to decide with all the different approaches they each take, and this site has so much info it is hard to decide on one direction and stick with it. Thank you for any information you might be able to give me, and feel free to add anything I might of overlooked.

Thanks
Ryan D.

 

[purple_tang2001]

Wow. dual m/h over a 30g with pc's to boot? Id be worrying about the possible alge problems with that much light over a small tank like that. I have a single 175w 14k pendant over a 20 gallon, and i keep to lawnmower blennys in there to keep the hair alge back. I myself have never run skimmerless, But i would say being new to it all, your better off runnning a skimmer till you get your brain burned in on proper care for your reef.

I have 3 inches of SD sand and 2 inches of LS in my 20 as well. and about 35 pounds of LR. Added it all at the same time. And it turned out just fine. Hopefully the experts will give you better details on your skimmer qustion.

 

[reefatic]

Hello Ryan,
To address a couple of your questions:
I would add the sand (either one is fine, if you have access to Southdown, it is cheaper) first, then let it settle for a day. Then you can feel free to add your rock, and aquascape for what is surely the first of many times.

As for the skimmer question, it is a matter of personal opinion. I agree that on a tank this small, nutrient export is important, so I would go with a skimmer, at least at first. With a refugium in time, you could remove the skimmer and be fine. It depends on the fish load and feeding as well.

I don't think the tank is over-lit at all, especially if you intend to keep clams of SPS. Keep using R/O and get yourself a decent clean-up crew and you are on your way to a great reef. Have fun.

 

[ryddo]

Thank you for the quick responses,
reefatic- that is exactly why I went with the dual halides, I would like to try clams. I have read that you should leave the tank run for atleast 6 months before attempting one of these specimens, would you recommend a calcium reactor if I were planning on trying 2 clams?

 

[purple_tang2001]

You got some money to burn huh?

Just dose kalkwaser, can be time consuming, But works great for me

 

[ryddo]

Not really, I just want to do the right thing the first time and not wish I had done something different once I got started. Know what I mean?

 

[SurfsUP]

It's nice to see someone taking their time to setup a tank properly and not rushing and killing things in the end.

I have to agree too that in such a small tank keeping a skimmer is a good idea to keep things in check. In such a small tank the nutrient levels can rise pretty fast if not kept in check. I too have skimmers in my 2 tank, 12g & 46g. I only have them on during the evenings when the lights are out and when the oxygen level drops, and also to prevent it from over skimming my tanks. BTW, I have a Remora on my 12g, great skimmer.
Which wave maker are you getting? I have the Seaswirl in my 46g and it works great.
Here is a pic of my 46g after a year and its been running very well so far. I only have 4-55w pc's on the tank, I don't have enought money yet for a halid system, trying to save up for a HQI dual system.
Keep us posted on how it's going along, Good Luck!

 

[howie099]

That is good amout of light. I have a 400w MH and 95w VHO on my 30g. I have never had any hair alage only Micro on the rocks, I do need to scrape the side every 3 days. I an housing 4 baby Maximas, 1 Deresa, 7 SPS grangs that are growing fast. I sied Kent A&B to keep calcium and buffers up now. If I need a Calcium boos I use Turbo Calcium. My skimmer just quit so I am workign on a new one.

 

[Rich-n-poor]

Howie

turn out the lights on your tank I cant see !!! With all them lights aint airplanes landing in your driveway by mistake ? just kidding Man
_________________
economics forum

 

[esmithiii]

For sure you will need a skimmer. If you can afford a Ca reactor, it is a good idea. It is less work than kalkwasser. I dose kalkwasser and have had good results with it.

I would wait at least 6 months on the clams so you don't kill them.

A good book is invaluable, and the most important piece of equipment you will own. I like tullock's Natural Reef Aquariums.

Ernie