need info on seting up tank please.

[johnatan2007]

i wish to start a 20g tank with a either a G. ternatensis or a G. smithii. i was wondering about filtration, what should i use besides live rock/sand? and what about flow, does a mantis prefer or require any? I was just planing on using 2 penguin bio-wheels which i retired from my previous freshwater tank and using them as a sort of mini fuge by putting cheato in them. would this be adequate? any input is greatly appreciated, thanks

[micstarz]

A lot of people will tell you to do a live rock and powerhead only setup.

I'd recommend a nice Hang On Back filter with a filter pad and bio rings on top of the life rock and sand. The mantis can do with fairly low flow up to quite high flow (Dr. Roy said that he's found them at places with currents of a few knots)

I'd personally put the bio rings in the penguins instead of chaeto. Just put the chaeto in the tank.

[johnatan2007]

ok, thanks alot!

[Mentat]

20H or 20L? No need for power heads, flow from HOB filter will be enough. In an appropriate sized species only tank, even an UG with 10-20% weekly water changes will usually keep Nitrates below 50 mg/l. There's Mantis care info in here: The Lurker's Guide to Stomatopods (http://www.blueboard.com/mantis/).

Penguins are bad choice for a refugium because they are too dark. BTW, their pumps are power hungry (around 20 watts) and if you plan to use two, it's double the hit. I replaced all my Penguins and Emperors las year with Aqua Clears because of that. An AQ 70 will flow 300 GPH on only 6 watts. Also, they can easily be converted into refugiums, just use search function on forum or Google it.

[johnatan2007]

20H.

As for the penguins, i think i will do bio-rings instead and use some macro algae in the tank. Also, the wattage isnt much of a big deal on my bill because of all the lights and computers but i shall take into consideration and do some research on the AQs

[lionbacker54]

i don't think the penguins are necessary either. good flow is important, as is live rock and a deep sand bed. a good and inexpensive set up would be

20g tank
20lbs live rock
2-3 inches of carib-sea live sand aragonite
aquaclear 70 hang over back filter with live rock rubble substituted instead of the filter pads

this was justinl's recommendation to me when i started out. i ended up going with an all in one tank, but mine is only 9g. if you wanted 20g, i think justinl's sounds really solid.

[johnatan2007]

ok il go with the aquaclear. quick question though, would leaving some carbon in help at all?

[Mentat]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14970463#post14970463 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by johnatan2007
ok il go with the aquaclear. quick question though, would leaving some carbon in help at all?
Carbon can absorb good stuff together with bad from the water. Also, if not replaced frequently, can leach them back. I only use it to remove medications after treatment, it's only in for 24 hour, and gets discarded afterward.

[johnatan2007]

got it, thank you all so much for the help, honestly i though nobody would respond haha

[billysanborn]

i have a 35 gallon hex with 5 inches of sand, 30 pounds of rock, and a coralife skimmer, i had a marineland hob magnum and replaced it with the skimmer to see my peacock perk way up and become more active and he molted right away. i also have a korallia 2 powerhead in the tank to keep the water stirred up for the skimmer.

[johnatan2007]

yea i think a simple skimmer and powerhead should do it