Looking to setup my own tank. Quick question.

Id start with base rock and a single piece of live rock as someone else said. You don't need live sand.

Just to give you an idea of my cycle time starting this way: I cycled my tank (ammonia spike to undetectable) in roughly 12 days. However, even after your system hits 0 ammonia for the first time, it's not stable and is still "cycling" as water parameters may still swing wildly. 0 ammonia only means it's safe for livestock. I started my tank off with a peppermint shrimp and some snails after ammonia hit 0 and let that simmer for about 3 weeks before adding any other fish, in my case it was a pair of clowns. For a 30 You'd almost be all set with 2 clowns and maybe a small blenny.

for equipment i'd recommend that you get a HOB skimmer, for filtration. airstone isn't needed. Alcohol or digital thermometer, and refractometer. I can't stress enough how helpful the refractometer is. For your first tank, the bigger it is the more forgiving it is water wise.

also make sure you get some appropriate lights, depending on what you want to keep. If you're going to get clowns and an anemone for them, you'll need a good set.

 

Did you put your live rock in from the start or do you allow it to cycle without?

 

you want to cycle the tank with everything that will be in the tank except animal livestock. I'm generally against using damsels and hoping they survive the cycle. feel free to read the posts in my sig for my reasoning.

You don't have to have live sand but I do recommend it. It stores additional beneficial bacteria and for 29 gallons, 30lbs is more than sufficient. It's not a lot of sand, approximately a 1" base. It also makes your live rock more natural, and some fish love playing in the sand.

You will also need a cleanup crew so.... prepare for the shameless reefcleaners plug: ReefCleaners.org | Clean Up Crews and Macro Algae - Home. This guy is the expert in setting up cleanup crews for your tank.

I also generally *GASP SHOCK AWE* don't bother with test strips during a cycle. There's a simple, no fail, works every time method of knowing when your parameters are stable enough to support higher lifeforms... the appearance of diatoms, which look like this:

Once you see those, now check your tank, and compare to the parameters in the form in my signature for the ASAP thread. In fact that form will generally help you self-correct most problems you run into. For the rest you have to ask the happy and insane people here.

Clowns are great, and hard to go wrong with. The sixline wrasse is another reef safe, easy to care for fish. Gobies and blennies are usually ugly but fun to watch. You won't be able to keep a tang due to the tank size, but if you wanted to get something truly spectacular that takes some effort to keep, you might consider dragonets and a copepod farm 6-8 months after your tank cycles. These things are shy, but they're so colorful they're referred to as LSD or psychedelic fish. Yes they really are that insanely cool looking, and with a copepod farm they will keep in a 29 gallon tank.

In closing, read my FAQ, read the ASAP form, look for diatoms on your live rock.

 

you say its for your nieces and nephews. it should be for you too its a very rewarding hobby. not to mention watching a tank is therapeutic.

what everyones told you so far is pretty much the 'cookie-cutter' solution to starting a tank. just be patient during the initial startup. there are various algae outbreaks you'll go through in the first couple months.

one thing i did not see mentioned here is the type of water used. be sure to use ro/di or distilled water only. tap water will have too many impurities and such which can harm the tank and cause all kinds of problems.

a skimmer is a major source of oxygenation besides its actual purpose which is to remove disolved organics and such. i would recommend use of a skimmer instead of an air pump. you're killing two birds with one stone... plus it'll save you on water changes especially if you dont have a good way to get ro/di or distilled water cheaply. you may consider getting a small RO/DI unit for producing RO water. you and your nieces/nephews can drink pure water and you'll always have it onhand for water changes.

 

I see the 30 gallon is on sale at petco. if they have a 55g on sale, I would recommend that. its a good size tank, it isnt small nor to big. you can also build your on tank stand out of 2x4s and plywood yourself to save on money. The petco black wood stands/cabinets I have were about $150 each, but I could build one probly for $40 in materials thats even stronger than the store bought ones.. . Ive had both of my 55g tanks since 1998 and still want bigger tanks.. but im happy with 55g tanks for now at least. 4' wide tank is a min. size for 1 small tang and you can get more fishes too.

 

I own a 55 gallon tank but do not have more than probably $200 right now to purchase the whole tank setup. I was told that if I used a 55 gallon tank it would cost far more for the parts that I need. Is it cheaper if I use my 55 gallon and buy the extras? Can anyone look at Petco and tell me round about what all i would need for a 55 gallon to have it up and running?


I am in this for me also but i love my nieces and nephews and they all would love to see the Saltwater fish but out of my 3 sister-in-laws I make the most and have the ability to own one. Plus i plan on doing Taxes out of my house and it would be a great thing to have for customers to look at while in the waiting room.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. If anyone can look at Petco and tell me what all I need for a 55 gallon and give me the links to each item or the prices i would be very VERY appreciative. I have a like new 55 gallon tank and stand, very nice stand that I made actually. I grew up on a 200acre farm so I am willing to work at this but I really need to know budget wise what i am looking at.

 

No has any hints about what to buy or price for 50 gal?