Absolute Minimal Salt Water Aquarium - Page 4 - Aquarium Advice

mrg02d · 06-02-2009, 06:33 PM

Hello,
I found this: 20 Gallon 24x13x16 Rectangular Aquarium By SeaClear FREE SHIPPING!

Its a 20 gallon acrylic 24in long, 13in wide, 16in high. I think I will go with this. Shipping is free for me to on it!
I also found this for the light: 24" 65 watt Aqualight by Coralife

Its a 65W coralife light. 24in

This should be pretty good for what I want, and allow me to have some coral as well, no? This is as big as I can go with the furniture I have.

Thanks!
Matt

handb94 · 06-02-2009, 07:09 PM

You can find a 20 gallon for a lot cheaper than that.

mrg02d · 06-02-2009, 07:32 PM

Hello,
Not an acrylic one shipped. Deffinately not from a local pet store. This same one is 160$ at my local shop (on sale this week for $160). I dont see small glass ones anymore in the stores near me. Nothing decent comes up on craigslist either. I will check out some other places around town for a glass tank.

How about that light?
Matt

thincat · 06-02-2009, 07:48 PM

Matt, I think you are good to go. That light should get you by with what you where talking about having.
Good luck and Happy Reefing...
PS: Remember to take it slow and watch your readings and don't be in a rush to add to many things.. One more thing.....No anemones Please.......

thincat · 06-02-2009, 07:50 PM

A shout out to our new member from England.....

mrg02d · 06-02-2009, 10:08 PM

Alright! I will order most the stuff tomorrow. I had an idea about the live rock. I live near the coast. About 45mins away. The water isnt very nice, but PLENTY of rocks along the shoreline. Would this limestone stuff be suitable? It looks just like the stuff I see for sale. Its actually a place where a river flows into the sea. (Gulf of mexico). Its easily accessible. Could I just take some pieces of this home in a bucket of water? Is this safe? Any tips on collecting live rock?

EDIT: Sand....How about this? : http://cgi.ebay.com/30-LBS-PURE-WHIT...lenotsupported

Matt

thominil · 06-03-2009, 12:21 AM

Being acrylic thats not a bad price. Just be warned, it will scratch very easily, so be careful. For the sand thats not bad either although you can just buy a 30lb. bag of dry aragonite for $30 and it will become live over time.

As for the rocks, I wouldn't, who knows what's on it.

thincat · 06-03-2009, 12:49 AM

You should check with the local laws as to collecting from the shoreline. If it is allowed just give it a good scrub before you put it in your tank. This will knock off loose things that you don''t want in your tank anyway.
I would try to get away from any freshwater rivers though.

mrg02d · 06-03-2009, 02:27 AM

Hehe, now that I think about it, it may be a BAD idea to collect. Florida has alot of laws against collecting near the coast I believe...Maybe something small. Just to get some stuff happening in my new aquarium!

Live rock is $$$!!!

How fast does this stuff "spread"? If I got alot of dead, base rock and a bit of live rock from the coastal areas (hand sized piece) how long might it take to cycle the aquarium and be ready for some hermit crabs? ( A ball park figure)

I have also read about putting a dead shrimp into the tank and letting it rot as a way to jumpstart the system? Any ways to get a very fast cycle?

Thanks,
Matt

Dr_Doom2 · 06-03-2009, 03:41 AM

In the words of a fellow reefer-ette that I might not be able to mention on here (sally jo)

Save a Coral Reef...Grow Your Own!!