ahochan
Aquarium Advice Regular
Hi,
I've finally taken the plunge and bought a new aquarium... Its a 60 cm overflow tank with a 40 cm sump. Total water volume is about 100 liter (26 gallons). It will be a fish only with live rock tank (although I do plan to put some hermit crabs and shrimp in).
(picture of the tank and sump is here: http://www.pleco.jp/image/ofty_600.jpg)
The aquarium I bought is quite different from what I had planned to buy initially when I posted here a few months back, so I'll consider what fish to put in later on.
I'm looking for some advice for how to set it up properly, specifically:
- What filter media to use.
The shop recommended that I put wool mats in the small intake chamber and fill big chamber below with ceramic rings.
I don't really know much about refugiums, but the sump tank that I got doesn't really seem very well fit for one (picture here: http://www.pleco.jp/image/enbi_rokasou.jpg) so I guess a more "traditional" filtration approach is better for now.
- Do I need a protein skimmer and what kind to get.
The sump tank is quite small, so if I get a skimmer it will have to be a hang on back type. I've been looking at the Red Sea Prism, but I'm open for other suggestions in a similar price range (quiet models a big plus).
Also, should I add the skimmer immediately, or is it ok to add it as an upgrade after a month or two.
- Heater
Will a 300 W heater suffice? Is it enough to have only a single heater in the sump, or should I add an additional (smaller) one in the main tank as well?
- Powerhead
I guess the ideal amount of current will depend on what type of fish I end up getting. In general, will the overflow and sump mechanism provide enough current in itself, or should I aim for an in-tank powerhead as well (preferably one with adjustable output).
- Using material from running tank
I've been running a tiny 25 cm tank thats been home to a single blue yellow-tailed damselfish for the last few months. The tank seems to be doing fine, and has stable water parameters. Its hooked up to a small canister filter. Would it be a good idea to take some of the ceramic rings and sand from the small tank and use it to kick-start the new tank, or am I better off cycling it completely with live rock only? I'm also confused as to whether or not I should get normal argonite sand or live argonite sand.
I've finally taken the plunge and bought a new aquarium... Its a 60 cm overflow tank with a 40 cm sump. Total water volume is about 100 liter (26 gallons). It will be a fish only with live rock tank (although I do plan to put some hermit crabs and shrimp in).
(picture of the tank and sump is here: http://www.pleco.jp/image/ofty_600.jpg)
The aquarium I bought is quite different from what I had planned to buy initially when I posted here a few months back, so I'll consider what fish to put in later on.
I'm looking for some advice for how to set it up properly, specifically:
- What filter media to use.
The shop recommended that I put wool mats in the small intake chamber and fill big chamber below with ceramic rings.
I don't really know much about refugiums, but the sump tank that I got doesn't really seem very well fit for one (picture here: http://www.pleco.jp/image/enbi_rokasou.jpg) so I guess a more "traditional" filtration approach is better for now.
- Do I need a protein skimmer and what kind to get.
The sump tank is quite small, so if I get a skimmer it will have to be a hang on back type. I've been looking at the Red Sea Prism, but I'm open for other suggestions in a similar price range (quiet models a big plus).
Also, should I add the skimmer immediately, or is it ok to add it as an upgrade after a month or two.
- Heater
Will a 300 W heater suffice? Is it enough to have only a single heater in the sump, or should I add an additional (smaller) one in the main tank as well?
- Powerhead
I guess the ideal amount of current will depend on what type of fish I end up getting. In general, will the overflow and sump mechanism provide enough current in itself, or should I aim for an in-tank powerhead as well (preferably one with adjustable output).
- Using material from running tank
I've been running a tiny 25 cm tank thats been home to a single blue yellow-tailed damselfish for the last few months. The tank seems to be doing fine, and has stable water parameters. Its hooked up to a small canister filter. Would it be a good idea to take some of the ceramic rings and sand from the small tank and use it to kick-start the new tank, or am I better off cycling it completely with live rock only? I'm also confused as to whether or not I should get normal argonite sand or live argonite sand.
