help on seting up 29 gal tank

[ppat35]

I just got a 29 gal tank from a friend was looking for a good set up for live rock and coral .some here in fl recommend canisters and skimmers but would like the advise of a professional. do you have any recommendations of good books for a starter into salt tanks? my dad is a ocean engineer and had 1 room set up with tanks but that was 30 years ago every thing has changed. any new info would be grateful . I have 29 gal tank and trying to get everything together for went the water is ready in 3 weeks . trying to stay on a budget but if there is a place to spend more please let me know .and which brands are best and middle range thanks very much pat

 

[bleedingthought]

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Bob Fenner and The New Marine Aquarium by Michael Paletta would be excellent choices for you!

And welcome to RDO!!!

 

[recoiljpr]

While I am somewhat of a newbie myself, I have setup my own 29 gallon tank. I am using the "little bit" at a time approach.

I first started out with addin my sand and a few live rocks (about 15 lbs) with a cheap JEBO Oddesea 1200 lph powerhead and a jebo oddesea dual 65k (130 watts total) lighting system (the powerhead & lights together cost under $200). I ran my tank that way for a few months, adding fish as appropriate & live rock. The part I did not skimp on was the protein skimmer (CPR BAKPAK). But, with you just starting out you can get away without using a skimmer for a while (I was skimmerless for 4 months).

 

[Sula]

I also have a 29g tank. I have VHO lights (PFO brand - 3 X 75 watts) and a CPR Bak Pak skimmer. I started out with about 30 lbs of sand and 20 lbs of live rock, then added more rock slowly over time, I believe I'm up to about 35-40 lbs now.

 

[ppat35]

it seems like every one so far likes the CPR Bak Pak skimmer.I want to set it up nose .and not skimp. isn't there one that mounts in the tank ore is the hang on better. I will be checking out the books that commended.is there any other reel good ones. the tank cam with a hood with a light it sass 20 watts can I change the bulb or do I need a new hood you have bin a grate help . thanks pat

 

[ppat35]

I forgot to Minchin.. the tank came with a new cascade 700 canister filter .I am gassing I should not use it with a coral set up . my father likes under gravel filters and the best skimmer.or is there a way to use the 700 with different medea installed thanks pat

 

[LA-Lawman]

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Bob Fenner and The New Marine Aquarium by Michael Paletta would be excellent choices for you!

And welcome to RDO!!!

u read my mind.... Fantastic books. and both are easy reading...

I would do some reading and then look at others tanks... you will learn real quick to get good equipment first and start slow...

there is no hurry in this hobby. you have an enitre ecosystem you have to balance in a little tank. so take your time. there is a ton of seasoned reefers here to help.

welcome to RDO..... let us know if you need anything. feel free to private message if you are too embarrased to ask publicly.

 

[recoiljpr]

For what my advice is worth stay way from any kind of Under Gravel Filter or running a canister filter full time. Research the "BERLIN METHOD" which is using live rock/sand in concert with your protein skimmer for all of your filtering needs. The canister filters are good for periodic "polishing" of your water but not running one full time as they can cause nitrate buildup.

I use the hangon cpr bakpak skimmer on my tank, it's a great skimmer IMO. Also, what worked for me was after running my bakpak for a while was taking out the bio-bale that comes with the skimmer. It started causing nitrate problems on my tank.

 

[Anonymous]

I am for keeping it simple. Get a good hang on tank skimmer, a good light (type to depend on what you want to keep) and good circulation (again amount to depend on what you want to keep). No need for a canister filter, although they can be handy for running carbon and the like. I would skip the undergravel filter. Get 1-2 pounds per gallon of nice live rock and you should be good.