New to salt water

Myka · #1 01-06-2010, 02:22 AM

Hey Chase, check out this link, and the links within the text. Lots of easy-to-read information.

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=48393 You can also click on "My tanks" in my signature for links to some articles I have written for novice reefers.

Chase31 · #2 01-06-2010, 03:40 AM

okay so i should wait on the live rock, get a skimmer first then the rock, ( i go by my paychecks, im a student part time so im working with like $300 bi weekly) i probably wont get a RO/DI till later once i get my tank going, im planning to get corals after i get fish and my rock then the lighting. so lose the biological filter media in my fluval? or just lose the fluval all together and sell it on Kijiji or something?

edit: i also dont have the money for a sump yet, as its still a small tank and pretty expencive

Fishward · #3 01-06-2010, 03:52 AM

I am by no means an expert but went through the same learning curve not too long ago. i would suggest getting about 30-40lbs of LR first, if money is an issue, you can get by without a skimmer by doing more water changes. (may eventually cost more(salt, water, and time), but less $$$ up front). Leave that for a few weeks, testing your water periodically for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. once you get them all to zero-ish, you can start putting in fish. I also suggest going to the library and getting a book on keeping salt water (i learned with Salt Water Aquariums for Dummies and i can definitely recommend it). :-)

The Codfather · #4 01-06-2010, 04:22 AM

Chase31
If you need a few ideas, stop by, you can check out my system. It's not the best, but functional. It may give you an idea or two.
Bob

Chase31 · #5 01-06-2010, 04:22 AM

well i could get a skimmer and just wait longer to get the rock in there would that be a better choice? and removing the biological media b4 i put anything in the tank?
as getting live rock and a test kit will run me $400 and a skimmer will only run me $200

Fishward · #6 01-06-2010, 05:06 AM

First and foremost get rock. You nay be able to find some cheap on here but get as much as you can afford. Base rock is also much cheaper and can be 'seeded' by just a few pounds of live rock. you biological filtrAtion through LR is more important than A skimmer. Many people do SW tanks without a skimmer, I've never heard of one without LR.

Chase31 · #7 01-06-2010, 05:48 AM

any suggestions on a decent skimmer, hang on i guess cuz my tank is a 31G as i said and the hood has very small limited openings.. might have to modify it?

and this is pointed towards Bob, where do you go to get supply's Aquarium illusions as it is the close's salt store to St.Albert, or are there prices high?

MMAX · #8 01-06-2010, 12:36 PM

You don't really have to get rid of your Fluval. That's all I run on my 20gal. Just don't use any of the media or foam that comes with it. Gut it and fill it with live rock rubble. I run carbon and live rock in mine and the outflow is fitted to a spray bar running the length of the tank which is more than enough flow in my system. If you do buy a skimmer stay away from any of the super skimmers by Coralife. Sure the price is tempting but you get what you pay for and you'll wake up on more than one occasion with wet floors.