Hello All!
I am happy to join the SW community, I have a few common questions normally asked by a new comer. I have also seen mixed answers, I feel a bit skeptical as well due to size of my tank which may need some additional care.
I have always had fresh water - and been quite successful at it, this is a whole new ball game.
So let me first start with what direction I intend on going in. I have a 26 gallon aqueon bow front. I only intend on adding maybe 4 fish due to tank size, coral not sure as I didnt settle on fish yet. I just set the tank up saturday, the starter kit came with a aqueon 30 filter, 100w heater and air pump. I setup the tank with sand, mixed and added the saltwater to tank, measured and its currently in proper range per hydrometer.
So now for my questions and steps.
1) I plan to pickup about 20-25 lbs of live rock, this should be sufficient?
2) The tank came with a aqueon 30, but I am hearing I should go bigger or protein skimmer. I have a tight budget, so I am trying to go with must haves. Some are saying a little more live rock will help if no skimmer is in place, or a lesser filter.
3) I dont plan to use damsels to cycle my tank, I am going to let it sit for about 4 weeks as I seen in my research. I purchased a bateria supplement, what is a good indication that its ready. Questions is, when can live rock be added? This is supposed to be added at some point as well to help cycle the tank?
4) Powerhead, is it better to stay away since its only 26 gallons?
Thanks in advance to all. I greatly appreciate the support.
I am happy to join the SW community, I have a few common questions normally asked by a new comer. I have also seen mixed answers, I feel a bit skeptical as well due to size of my tank which may need some additional care.
I have always had fresh water - and been quite successful at it, this is a whole new ball game.
So let me first start with what direction I intend on going in. I have a 26 gallon aqueon bow front. I only intend on adding maybe 4 fish due to tank size, coral not sure as I didnt settle on fish yet. I just set the tank up saturday, the starter kit came with a aqueon 30 filter, 100w heater and air pump. I setup the tank with sand, mixed and added the saltwater to tank, measured and its currently in proper range per hydrometer.
So now for my questions and steps.
1) I plan to pickup about 20-25 lbs of live rock, this should be sufficient?
2) The tank came with a aqueon 30, but I am hearing I should go bigger or protein skimmer. I have a tight budget, so I am trying to go with must haves. Some are saying a little more live rock will help if no skimmer is in place, or a lesser filter.
3) I dont plan to use damsels to cycle my tank, I am going to let it sit for about 4 weeks as I seen in my research. I purchased a bateria supplement, what is a good indication that its ready. Questions is, when can live rock be added? This is supposed to be added at some point as well to help cycle the tank?
4) Powerhead, is it better to stay away since its only 26 gallons?
Thanks in advance to all. I greatly appreciate the support.