New tank set-up questions

[LubeyIFT]

Hi all. I just got a 29 gallon starter kit and have some questions. The kit came with the basics ( salt, master kit, thermometer, hydrometer, lighting, 3 stage filtration.

1. Is there anything else that I should consider buying for initial set-up?

2. Is there a difference between reef sand, coral sand, and crushed coral? Which would be better? How much sand to use?

3. How much live rock is appropriate for a 29 gallon tank? Should I cure it before I put it in or cure it in the tank? If I cure it in the tank, Will that cause the tank to cycle or will I have to start the cycling process after the rock cures?

I need all the advice that I can get. Look forward to hearing from everyone.

 

[Ziggy953]

Welcome to AA!!!

What kind of filter is that?

I would suggest using regular white sand (non-silica based) better for the tank and looks nice too. I use a product called natures ocean. I'm not sure about the "reef sand" crushed coral and coral sand tends to be larger and will trap food and particles and create problems. How much sand depends on the kind of filtration that you are look for and what kind of animals you plan to keep. I have a Deep Sand Bed of about 4.5" I don't know exactly how many pounds of sand that is but I would guess around 110-120.

As for the LR you will want 1.5-2lbs per gallon so you would need 40-60lbs of rock in your tank. This again depends on the type of animals you are going to keep. The LR will be your biological filter along with the sand.

Your tank will begin to cycle with the addition of some LR or by using the Shrimp method.

I would suggest buy a protein skimmer for your tank. A nice HOW something like a Aqua C remora would do well on that tank.

Read these http://www.aquariumadvice.com/article_cat.php?fldAuto=2/

They will help you out a lot!

 

[melosu58]

Here is a sand calculator to figure out how much you need

http://www.fantasyreef.com/flash/calculator.html

Ziggy already covered the LR amount. IMO LR and a skimmer is all that is needed. What type tank is this going to be? Reef , Fish only or FOWLR. You lighting will be OK for the last two but if you go reef it most likely not enough. As far as your cycle read this. It explains it all.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/article_view.php?faq=2&fldAuto=15

As far as any initial things needed I would suggest a skimmer and some PH`s. You can check out the lighting later as your tank cycles.

 

[roka64]

WELCOME TO AA!!!

Please do not cycle your tank with living animals.

It sounds like you have enought to cycle your tank. As you experience this, it will give you some time to check out the different critters you can add to your tank. The above advice is great.
I would go with sand. I personally had CC, this can trap waste and will limit your clean up crew, and ended up switching to sand. But it is a personal preference, some love it and other's don't.
I would look into a Refractometer http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1 for more accurate salinity readings.