Newb Just Lookin for Some General Pointers

Hello All,

So I've read a lot on this site and thanks for so much great infor and the warm welcomes.

I have two other threads with questions about a nano sump/fuge and my sump pump/return/overflow box. Thanks to all who helped with those issues!

Basically I have a 20g I'm starting a nano reef if and have never done salt before.

I'm just looking for some general all around pointers, advice, and whatever else may come along. I already have the tank set-up with LR. I'll get some pics posted this evening.

Any books I should read/get?

Other pointers?

Thanks so much!!!;D

 

Having a smaller tank will be more of a challenge, especially for a person new to this hobby. I strongly suggest taking it slow and reading a lot of different materials. Also, buy good equipment. You will regret it later when you need to upgrade a piece of equipment for various reasons. You may spend more now, but you will save money in the long run. Use a sump, one of the best things I've done to my tank and if you can, add a refugium too, the best things I've done for my tank. I would use a 20gal long if possible and put dividers in so you have 3 sections, a drain, refugium then return. My last piece of advice, learn from your mistakes. We all made many mistakes when starting out, just don't repeat them. Good luck.

 

Here's some tips I posted on another forum that may help:

A few quick tips I've known/learned:

- wait for your tank to fully cycle before adding any livestock
- stock your tank slowllllly & always research prior to purchasing, rushing will only cause your tank to crash or cause issues with inverts/coral/fish compatibility
- get a good clean-up-crew for the tank
- don't disturb your sandbed during WC unless it is a very shallow one, leave the SB clean up to your CUC.
- do not dose anything in your tank unless you are 100% sure it's needed
- set up a QT tank if possible
- acclimate all fish/inverts/corals
- test salinity often (Fish only - 1.020-1.025 / Corals 1.024-1.025)
- Water changes should be 15%-20% of your tank volume per month, you can do weekly or bi-weekly equal to that total monthly amount.
- pre-mix your saltwater for at least 12-24hrs before a WC (using a powerhead & heater)
- get a Rubbermaid BRUTE container for mixing (grey/yellow/white only)
- top off your tank with FW not SW
- make sure your circulation is good, you want 10x gph flow based on your tank size.
- RO/DI water is a must if you're going to do corals/reef, you can get away with dechlorinated tap water in a FO or FOWLR but may run into algea issues depending on your water quality
- the cheap will come out expensive in this hobby

 

+2 on that.. hit the nail right on the head!

 

Wow! Thanks for the great responses! I know the 20g will be a task and chore. My "mentor" is a good friend who started with a 10g nano! He learned scores from his mistakes and has since moved on up to a 125g.

I hope between people like you guys/gals and my friend I'll be as educated as possible

thanks again!

 

No prob, we're all glad to help here, we were all once starting out too, every little tip helps in this hobby. Having your "mentor" is def a great thing, when you're ready I'm sure he can give you some frags from his 125g tank. Let us know how all goes and pics are always great too!

 

Ok, so today I was graced with an ASM G-1 Skimmer, which I put in the sump of course. I topped everything off as well. I have some pics below, please excuse the grain. All I have right now is a phone camera (2.3MP).

Whole Tank:


Left Side Close Up:


Center Close Up:


Right Side Close Up:



Here is something that concerns me...I got all my water from my LFS. Salted RO/DI water. I know some evaporated since yesterday, and I came home today to top of. The tank wasn't completely filled, as I was a few gallons short on water yesterday. So, I topped to the original level I had yesterday with fresh RO/DI water. And then filled the tank and sump to the max safe levels. On my crappy $15 Hydrometer, specific gravity is maxed out at 1.032. That's way overboard right? Am I going to have to do water changes, replacing with freshwater until it drops to an acceptable level?

Thanks!

 

make sure there are not any bubbles hanging on the floating arm of the hydrometer...they will make it float higher and give you a false reading...just tap the side if you see any.

 

Buy equipment only onces. Meaning do your research and try not to cut corners on equipment because in the end you will end up buying the right thing anyway and you. So you spent money on crap, + frustration + money you spent on right thing + your time.

Oh yeah and patients... It sucks but you have to wait for things with saltwater.

Learned my lesson hard way.

 

Yeah, I'm an idiot. I just did that and the reading is now 1.022-1.023

Thanks!!!