My 30 Gallon Freshie Build

[bskerrichard27]

So I been out of the freshie hobby for a few years in the saltwater hobby I have a 55 g reef a 75 reef and a 24 nano reef so I had a 30 gallon fish only salt that the fish went in the 75 so I figured I convert my old 30 salt to fresh ..this is what I got done tonight .. I'm going with a undergravel filter and crushed coral substrate since I have two 5 gallon buckets of the stuff ....question is can I use the crushed coral in fresh water as I will rinse it real good ? Tomorrow what're lights filter begin cycle

 

[fishfanatic]

So I been out of the freshie hobby for a few years in the saltwater hobby I have a 55 g reef a 75 reef and a 24 nano reef so I had a 30 gallon fish only salt that the fish went in the 75 so I figured I convert my old 30 salt to fresh ..this is what I got done tonight .. I'm going with a undergravel filter and crushed coral substrate since I have two 5 gallon buckets of the stuff ....question is can I use the crushed coral in fresh water as I will rinse it real good ? Tomorrow what're lights filter begin cycle

Sounds like fun!
I am just going to be blunt and straight to the point... I hate under gravel filters! They work well for a few months but then there is no way to clean it without taking out all the gravel. I think you would be much better off with an aqua clear hang on back filter. IMO
I don't think the crushed coral is a very good idea, it will change your water perimeters. What kinds of fish do you plan to keep?
Sorry about the harsh post, I have strong feelings about UGF...

 

[absolutangel04]

Hooray for freshwater! That is an attractive tank. Yep, you can use the crushed coral. Definitely rinse it really well to minimize cloudiness.

 

[Coursair]

Crushed Coral is used in African Cichlid tanks to raise PH. If you want normal community fish don't use the Coral.

For inexpensive substrates,
You can use Pool Filter Sand ( white)
Or
Black Diamond blasting sand ( you guessed it, black )

NOT with a UGF. Sand used with HOB filter or canister.

 

[bskerrichard27]

Ok I do have two hob a aqua clear and a wisper .I'm painting the back today ... As of right know I have a goldfish I inherited that's in a two gallon he's the main reason for this build because I feel so bad he's been kept in a small tank like that as for fish not sure of every thing yet except hank the goldfish lol

 

[bskerrichard27]

Peeped and ready to paint

 

[bskerrichard27]

Hanks current housing looks bigger in pic deff not making him happy

 

[bskerrichard27]

Painting of the background is complete once it dries ill remove news paper and bring it back inside

 

[bskerrichard27]

Ok rinsed crushed coral installed lights and hooked up air pump began making ro Di water and began to fill

 

[bskerrichard27]

I'm at river know trying to find some drift wood to put in tank

 

[bskerrichard27]

Got some drift wood and began making rodi water to fill it up with

 

[bskerrichard27]

This is were I'm at I got the drift wood in all filled up with rodi water went with a undergravel filter and my penguin
150 hob biowheel know the cycling begins wandering if I should do a fishless cycle or add fish

 

[jlk]

Depends on whether you want to do daily water changes or not. Fish-in, you will have to keep everyone healthy. I know you mentioned Hank the goldfish- what else are you considering because your options are pretty limited...

 

[bskerrichard27]

No Hanks not going in until cycle is complete I was thinging of getting a few feeder fish to throw in.

 

[jlk]

Considered getting some ammonia? You wont have to worry about what to do with the feeders afterward. Cheap, accurate & easy.

 

[Coursair]

Check your PH. If the Coral is keeping it much too high, consider switching substrate.

 

[bskerrichard27]

I'll check today after work and let u know results

 

[absolutangel04]

It's looking nice. I like that piece of driftwood.

 

[bskerrichard27]

I got some more yesterday day and a pretty cool rock ill post a pic

 

[bskerrichard27]

Tell me