I've wanted sw for the past 2years but couldn't accomplish it. This year I might. My original plan was a low tech, low cost 20g fowlr. Like 1 neon goby and 20-30lbs of rock. A maxijet 300gph powerhead and a 330gph filter lacking the biowheels. The only thing that would need upgrading is the lights.
However I do have an empty 55g but if I include protein skimmer, more than twice the rock and salt mix, more filtration... it ends up nearly 3 times as much money which I currently don't have. I also live in an apartment(basement floor with concrete though) so eventually this tank is going to be moved. I'd much rather move a 20g with ~30lbs of rock than a 55g with 60+lbs of rock.
Will the 20g long setup work and can you put a dsb in a tank that low? Is more rock or more space better?
If I did go with the 55g can I get away with very low stocking, no protein skimmer, and add half the rock next year? Also hob filters are probably not enough on a 55g so I'm assuming I'd have to buy another canister. Is an all-glass stand enough to hold up the 55g? They don't look all that sturdy...
I can buy stuff slowly over time and I have patience but I don't have the cash flow or savings(I'm only 20) to set this all up at once.
However I do have an empty 55g but if I include protein skimmer, more than twice the rock and salt mix, more filtration... it ends up nearly 3 times as much money which I currently don't have. I also live in an apartment(basement floor with concrete though) so eventually this tank is going to be moved. I'd much rather move a 20g with ~30lbs of rock than a 55g with 60+lbs of rock.
Will the 20g long setup work and can you put a dsb in a tank that low? Is more rock or more space better?
If I did go with the 55g can I get away with very low stocking, no protein skimmer, and add half the rock next year? Also hob filters are probably not enough on a 55g so I'm assuming I'd have to buy another canister. Is an all-glass stand enough to hold up the 55g? They don't look all that sturdy...
I can buy stuff slowly over time and I have patience but I don't have the cash flow or savings(I'm only 20) to set this all up at once.
