Getting back into saltwater tanks after a few years

[Kelz88]

+1mil for the dry rock.

bought almost all live rock for my big tank (the cost was ugly at 15.99lb and 7.99lb)

For the 30g fowlr i added dry rock and it cycled faster and cost a hell of a lot less. the dry rock was only 2.99lb

 

[cvcdrk]

I'm strongly considering this as a lighting fixture. Can't beat the 150watts of metal halide with an independent blue night time light for well under $20

JBJ K2 Viper Deluxe Tank Mount HQI Aquarium Light System

 

[cvcdrk]

So Im still working on lighting. It's a pain in the buttt to find decent clamp on lighting.

New questions this a good lighting system...as in if my tank is lets say 20in deep will this still grow harder things to keep like anemones?
Reef Aquarium Lighting & LED Lights: Marineland Reef Capable LED Lighting System

 

[little_fish]

Reef Aquarium Lighting & LED Lights: Marineland Reef Capable LED Lighting System

This light is a little cheaper and you wont have to replace the bulbs

 

[little_fish]

In a small tank, that seems to be able to keep nems

 

[FishyReef]

I just wanted to add something that no one else has mentioned yet - you are going to have to add powerheads to your equipment list to get flow into your tank - they are as essential as a heater for saltwater tanks. You want the powerheads to turn over 20-40x the number of gallons in your tank per hour. I would recommend getting a couple of hydor koralia powerheads. The ones that you can get off the shelf from petco burn out pretty quickly and aren't worth the money.

Good luck!

 

[cvcdrk]

How much flow do I need in my tank?

I have read varying things. A lot of things say that soft corals won't grow with more than 20 times the waterflow....but then other places recommend heavy flow for all reef systems.

Right now I have 250gph total. I realize this isn't enough but for now while the tank cycles it will be ok. I can buy a $40 Koralia Wavemaker to add another 450gph OR I can spend $40 and just get a straight powerhead for $40 that will add 750gph.

How much more flow do I really need for a diverse reef system.

 

[cvcdrk]

I had $60 saved on my Amazon Rewards card from points and just used it to buy a koralia wavemaker that maxes out at 450gph and a PH stabilizer.

 

[Smitty]

I read your whole topic with your 29gal reef tank and am duely impressed! i hope in a couple of years this tank will be half as nice.

Thank you...i appreciate that. In due time, yours will look awesome I'm sure.

 

[little_fish]

How much flow do I need in my tank?

I have read varying things. A lot of things say that soft corals won't grow with more than 20 times the waterflow....but then other places recommend heavy flow for all reef systems.

Right now I have 250gph total. I realize this isn't enough but for now while the tank cycles it will be ok. I can buy a $40 Koralia Wavemaker to add another 450gph OR I can spend $40 and just get a straight powerhead for $40 that will add 750gph.

How much more flow do I really need for a diverse reef system.

I have my tank turning over at 36x per hour and i have softies growing like crazy. When I increased my from from about 25x to 35x per hour, i noticed a remarkable increase in healthy with all of my corals and fish. I think you will find that most people have a similar experience. Having good water flow is so important for such a wide variety of things in your reef, I wouldnt hesitate to aim for higher flow.

 

[Bifferwine]

In my opinion, the more flow the better. I would just get another powerhead or two (skip the wavemaker).

 

[cvcdrk]

Ok so I bought a bunch of stuff and set it up, I've made a topic on the showcase board:

https://www.livingreefs.com/cvcdrks-29g-mini-reef-t42048.html