hey guys, new on the boards here, was invited by a good friend of mine.. anyways story is, i've been running a FW setup for about a year now, and recently have been getting the SW itch.. due to space restrictions i wont be able to get what i oiginally wanted (55G) so had to settle for the 20GL. Ive read and heard so many places that the smaller the tank the harder the maintenance is. i dont disagree with that and wish i could go with the 55,but thats not happening anytime soon.... what id like to do is learn as i go. when my situation improves the tank size will grow as well. i intend to do a FOWLR for starters and when i get the hang of it maybe make it into a "nano" reef tank (pipe dreams as of now..)
i hope to get your guys advice to start everything off. i am in no rush and am not stuck to a certain livestock list. your advice is greatly needed and appreceited..
what i have..
-20 G Long Tank
-Marineland Bio-Wheel 280 Filter
-30# Med Agri Sand.(not live)
-Instant ocean salt mix. (enough for 50G)
-Instant ocean Hydrometer.
-Thermometer
what i THINK i need..suggestions and corrections wanted...
-Powerheads (2?)
-Heater(s)?
-Live Rock
-Saltwater Test Kit
-Decent Light (have basic 1 bulb hood light temp.)
what iv done so far is, wash the sand,tank put sand in and turn filter on, threw on a little temp filter as well to get the cloudiness out faster. and also threw a mini heater temp as well.
My question is should i get the Live Rock now, so it starts the natural cycle? or should i wait until the bacteria builds up on its own in the sand? also should the filter be running with the carbon? also on some videos i see people take out this "bio-Wheel" filter. is there a reason for that.. thank you guys for helping me out with these questions,i will read up as much as i can and once again i know this is'int the greatest size for beginners. but its all i can do right now...Thanks! -Edward
i hope to get your guys advice to start everything off. i am in no rush and am not stuck to a certain livestock list. your advice is greatly needed and appreceited..
what i have..
-20 G Long Tank
-Marineland Bio-Wheel 280 Filter
-30# Med Agri Sand.(not live)
-Instant ocean salt mix. (enough for 50G)
-Instant ocean Hydrometer.
-Thermometer
what i THINK i need..suggestions and corrections wanted...
-Powerheads (2?)
-Heater(s)?
-Live Rock
-Saltwater Test Kit
-Decent Light (have basic 1 bulb hood light temp.)
what iv done so far is, wash the sand,tank put sand in and turn filter on, threw on a little temp filter as well to get the cloudiness out faster. and also threw a mini heater temp as well.
My question is should i get the Live Rock now, so it starts the natural cycle? or should i wait until the bacteria builds up on its own in the sand? also should the filter be running with the carbon? also on some videos i see people take out this "bio-Wheel" filter. is there a reason for that.. thank you guys for helping me out with these questions,i will read up as much as i can and once again i know this is'int the greatest size for beginners. but its all i can do right now...Thanks! -Edward