30G Setup.

[ChrisRD]

Macros and GAC are really two different tools in reefkeeping. It's not an either/or choice IMO.

Personally, I've never seen anything but benefits when using a quality GAC on a reef tank (I mostly use Two Little Fishies or Marineland Black Diamond). Even just running it periodically can seriously improve water quality/clarity.

 

[Ansphire]

Got the tank and the sump.

Let me ask something... Can I buy the rock and store it for a while with no damage?

I got a good deal, 50lb for 150 bucks.. But my tank is not up yet, Can I save it in the closet for a while?

 

[herpencounter]

How would it be stored?

 

[Ansphire]

I got a feeling you are gonna tell me...

However it needs to I guess... What do you recommend?

 

[herpencounter]

If its cured just store it like this.

Place the LR in a tub big enough to fit 50 pounds of rock.
Cover the rock completely with saltwater.
Create constant water movement with a powerhead.

If its not cured cure it that would give you 4 weeks or so.

Place the LR in a tub big enough to fit 50 pounds of rock.
Cover the rock completely with saltwater.
Use a heater to keep the water temperature near 80 degrees.
Create constant water movement with a powerhead.
Keep the area dimly lit to prevent algae blooms.
Perform 100% water changes weekly.
Scrub the rock between water changes to remove dead material.
Check water for ammonia. When test shows no ammonia, the rock is ready. :wink:

Hope this helps!

 

[Ansphire]

Yes it does!!... Thanks...

 

[Ansphire]

How do you guys prepare your Salt mix?.. What do you use and what instruments.....

Thanks in advance!!

 

[herpencounter]

I do 15% water changes (in a 29g) so that 5g.

Red sea salt.
5g bucket.
Something to mix the water, water pump, air pump or a wooden spoon at the end of your drill with an air pump any of that works.
And a hydrometer I use the deep six (this is when I had my FO tank I’m still using it) accurate to 0.001 specific gravity units (this is easier to read less accurate).

I’m going to get a High Precision Hydrometer accurate to 0.0005 specific gravity units (harder to reed more accurate).

 

[Ansphire]

Please tell me this protein skimmer is good for my tank...

I'm looking not to spend much.. but I'm willing to pay more if you think this one wont work...

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem. ... oduct=ACUB

 

[S!mon]

that is a great skimmer for a 30 gal.

 

[Ansphire]

I think I'm all set,, I'm ready to drill my tank.

All I got left is two fresh water fish to sell.. And a batch of 20 fry.

What type of paint should I use for my background? Black paint that is.

Also, to paint the pipes and stuff... is there any waterproof paint for this?

 

[jahorgos]

Why paint the pipes? They will cover themselves in algae anyways. As for background it depends on what you want but normally I just buy mine and tape it to the back glass.

 

[shavo]

hello there Saphire, your going to drill your own tank????

 

[Ansphire]

hey slavo.. no. I'm gonna have a pro do it for me.

If I have algae in my refugium, there shouldn't be any algae in the tank, right?..

I wan't to paint the back of the tank black. What Paint should I use?..



How does it look?

 

[shavo]

lol slavo. ok saphire, i just have a regular background but i remember a thread on here where some guy said it didn't matter what kind as long as it was brushed on. not sure why but it is what I remember.

ok just checking on the drilling part since your new here not to get any DIY drill projects of your own just yet.

 

[shavo]

hey, i have a question for you that has to do with a question you just asked.

your question

"If I have algae in my refugium, there shouldn't be any algae in the tank, right?.. "

I'm sorry i misinderstood the question, you mean macro algea. you can have it in both if you want. but my macros grow so fast it would take over so I don't have any in my display.

 

[Ansphire]

Yup.. Good.. The Idea is to grow macro so that I have minimum to NO algae in the display... Hopefully it will work.

Hey.. I'm new here in Salt, but I've been doing African Cichlids for a while.... I know not to get in trouble and let someone else do the dirty part...lol

So I think I have everything covered, I might start building this weekend...

I gotta go get those cutting boards and the silicone.... Wish me luck.. I will post pics soon.

Imma buy 50lb of LR for this tank.. Is it too much?..

Also,, where do you recommend I buy the sand.. will white play sand work?

 

[Ansphire]

Also.. Can you guys guide me to corals...

I currently have a 55w compact fluorescent.. thats it.. its 6700ks..
Imma get more lighting of course, but need to know what corals Im getting.

What corals can I keep with a medium amount of light?

Make this tank your own and tell me what would you put, and with what lights.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!

 

[herpencounter]

...will white play sand work?

NO! Play sand is full of silicates your tank will most likely get full of brown diatoms.

 

[Ansphire]

So It has to be aragonite?