Hi there, I bought a 20 gallon tank a couple week ago with a penguin 150 filter and ordered in some live rock as well and hoping to get the tank cycling in a couple weeks. Basically I am wanting to set up a fish only tank to start off to see how I enjoy it with a couple damsels and a percular clown fish (spelling??). I still need gravel, a heater, a protien skimmer, Salt, and a Hydrometer.
My first question is what type of gravel do you reccommend? I would prefer sand because I like the look, but my LFS only carries crushed coral, is one better that the other? Does any offer benefits? I have heard crushed coral raises the PH? Would sand get sucked up into my penguin filter? What about what they call "live" sand?
Second question is a protien skimmer recommended? I am sitting on the fence about it, but if it will make starting off easier then its worth it, I am looking for something cheap for a 20 gallon though, I dont need a fancy one, will it still be very beneficial? What price range would a cheap one run?
My third question is for the size I have I was told I should go with a powerhead or a protien skimmer, I do not need both?
My last question is brand names, when buying a heater or a protien skimmer is there any brands you would recommend? Or do they all work well? I was thinking a submersible heater because it would be more hidden?
Thanks in advance for any replies.
My first question is what type of gravel do you reccommend? I would prefer sand because I like the look, but my LFS only carries crushed coral, is one better that the other? Does any offer benefits? I have heard crushed coral raises the PH? Would sand get sucked up into my penguin filter? What about what they call "live" sand?
Second question is a protien skimmer recommended? I am sitting on the fence about it, but if it will make starting off easier then its worth it, I am looking for something cheap for a 20 gallon though, I dont need a fancy one, will it still be very beneficial? What price range would a cheap one run?
My third question is for the size I have I was told I should go with a powerhead or a protien skimmer, I do not need both?
My last question is brand names, when buying a heater or a protien skimmer is there any brands you would recommend? Or do they all work well? I was thinking a submersible heater because it would be more hidden?
Thanks in advance for any replies.
Last edited: