20 gallon build?

[etemp714]

im new to the salt game and im only allowed a max of 20 gallons since im on the 2nd floor. So what would you guys recommend for a small tank? throw some ideas at me, what would do good until i can setup a big tank?

 

[Ibrahim]

im new to the salt game and im only allowed a max of 20 gallons since im on the 2nd floor. So what would you guys recommend for a small tank? throw some ideas at me, what would do good until i can setup a big tank?

If you can go with a 29g for more fish options.

 

[etemp714]

if i were to sneak a 29g in what options do i gain?

 

[Ibrahim]

if i were to sneak a 29g in what options do i gain?

Probably a couple clown gobies.

 

[etemp714]

what kind of 29g setup would you recommend? just live rock with a couple fish or a reef tank? would you recommend those biocubes or go with a regular tank?

 

[spoonman]

I have a 29g rectangle and have a pair of percula clowns, a pygmy angel, algae blenny and a hectors goby. Also several corals.

 

[etemp714]

what kind of filter are you running? for small tanks like a 29g whats the best lighting for it? a guy at my LFS told me that the corals will live but wont grow under LED only MH.

 

[spoonman]

I think if you get the right LED's, they are better than any thing else. There are low power LED's out there that aren't very good.

 

[Ibrahim]

what kind of 29g setup would you recommend? just live rock with a couple fish or a reef tank? would you recommend those biocubes or go with a regular tank?

Go with a fowlr first then transition to a reef over time when you get the idea of it.

 

[etemp714]

Are those biocubes the way to go or are they over rated? I was talking to a different LFS guy and he told me he could set me up a tank and put fish in the same day with a guarantee of no casualties... Is this guy blowing smoke or not?

 

[Ibrahim]

Are those biocubes the way to go or are they over rated? I was talking to a different LFS guy and he told me he could set me up a tank and put fish in the same day with a guarantee of no casualties... Is this guy blowing smoke or not?

The only way he could do that is if he has cured live rock

 

[etemp714]

Do I need a protein skimmer on a 29g?

 

[carey]

I have a 29g biocube without a skimmer and it runs fine, as long as I do proper water changes.

I have also had the 29g straight tank too and I like the biocube better. It comes with everything you need almost except for a heater and an extra powerhead. You have decent lighting for some corals so you dont have to drop $200 or more on a light for a straight 29g.

Hope that helps!

 

[etemp714]

This may be a dumb question but when you do your pwc are you adding saltwater ro or fresh water ro... A buddy told me you add fresh

 

[Sniperhank]

You add RO or fresh for top off. Salt doesn't evaporate.

 

[Ibrahim]

For PWC you add salt. An average cost of a fowlr 29g set-up would be about $150 with out fish or tank costs.

 

[etemp714]

What do you guys recommend doing... The fish less cycle or another way... I read the thread and being impatient is gonna play against but I guess I can suck it up if I have to

 

[Ibrahim]

What do you guys recommend doing... The fish less cycle or another way... I read the thread and being impatient is gonna play against but I guess I can suck it up if I have to

Do fishless. It will finish before you know it. After all it's only 2-3 weeks and you have years afterwards to enjoy your tank

 

[alex07]

Is your tank going to be a 20 long or 20 high?

 

[etemp714]

I think I'm gonna pick up a 29g biocube