for those new to saltwater aquariums i offer my help:):)

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by jmsplitfyre

Greeting Reefwars and Canreef!

Been lurking around the forums for quite a while now, viewing build threads and other stuffs and stumbled upon this one. Good to know someone who offers free help for a newbie.

I used to have a FW Fluval edge tank but got bored with it 'coz fw didn't have that option for corals and other weird looking livestock so I got rid of the livestock and turned it into a SW tank. It was nothing fancy, just a couple of LR and one clown from my dads small 10g tank.

Now my dad upgraded to a 29g and I'm pretty annoyed by how wrong he's doing up his tank and want to make my own nano (term I've learned here referring to a small tank, I assume?) and show him how to do a SW tank the right way based on what I've read and will learn from experienced people here.

As for now, I'm still debating on using his old 10g tank or maybe something less than 20g. I don't want it too big because I'm going to put it in my room. As for livestock, I'm undecided yet but definitely only smaller fish, corals, and a small CUC.

But my questions now is for the hardware set-up. Let's say I get a 15g tank, how big should the filter be and should it be hang-on type or submersible? A powerhead and heater is a must, right? As for lighting, does it need to have multiple lights and/or a timer? And do I need a skimmer?

Oh and budget will be a bit on the average side, as my pockets are a bit tight due to bills and other projects.

Thanks in advance!
J

welcome j to canreef


so in regards to your question typically yor liverock will be your filtration but a skimmer is def ideal to have it will keep your tank oxygenated and remove large and small debris.

you can use a hob filter like an aquaclear but i would remove any foam media and fill with carbon and liverock rubble and then your hob will double as a refugium for pod reproduction.......pods are good

as for lights it will depend on what you plan to keep or where do you see this tank going in the future??


a heater is a must and imo you should have 2 small ones in case one breaks and the second one will also help take some of the work off the first.


powerheads arent a "must" if you have a sump with return lines but it is imo good to have in case your pump was to crap out and its also good to have for extra flow.koralias are affordable and a vortech is the way to go if you can afford.


any more question pls fee free to ask, and keep reading and asking its your best weapon


cheers buddy and again welcome to canreef, start up a tank journal its a great way to meet and chat with other reefers and its hella fun cheers!!!