29 Gallon Reef

[Beblebe]

This is my first saltwater tank and I've been building this tank since late January. I've got a Citron Clown Goby, a Firefish, a Royal Gramma, and Zoanthids (not sure what kind, if you could identify please do). It has 26 (roughly) pounds of live rock. No sump and no skimmer because of money. :mad2:

Front of tank

http://flightrisk.smugmug.com/Underwater/Salt-water-fish-tank/IMG0100/832324907_Zz8HH-M.jpg

Zoanthids

http://flightrisk.smugmug.com/Underwater/Salt-water-fish-tank/IMG0105/832324910_ZLm77-M.jpg

[blennydude]

Good start. I don't see any cuc members. You might want to add unless I am wrong and they are hiding.

[miller10]

nice start there on your first SW tank.
i 2nd that on the cuc...dont see them.
you may want to add some more LR in there to.
what kind of lights are you running?

[Beblebe]

nice start there on your first SW tank.
i 2nd that on the cuc...dont see them.
you may want to add some more LR in there to.
what kind of lights are you running?Oh crud, totally forgot to buy cuc yesterday (sometimes I amaze myself). I don't have very much money for the fish tank so I can't really get more LR right now. I'm running T5 HO 10,00k with a Blue HO antic. I know I won't be able to get the corals and clams that need to be blasted with light. Do you think it'll be enough for a BTA?

[cthedaytrader]

Good start, I like those zoos they almost look like small nuclear greens

[Beblebe]

Good start, I like those zoos they almost look like small nuclear greensThanks, the color attracted me at the store. I'll put up a picture when they are all open.

[Patriot54]

Negative on the BTA

[Beblebe]

Negative on the BTACould I upgrade the bulbs on my light or is it the light it self the problem?

[M88A2]

im not sure about the BTA but i have some tips on how u can save money. you may be able to score some cheap/cheaper rocks from reefers in ur area. many people near me were very helpful and some even gave me rocks for free!! also u could look into base rock to cut down on costs.(rocks that have no life what so ever on them in case u werent sure what that was) It will take some time to build up all to goodies u want them to have but it is cheaper. Also check out the club forums and look at the ones near u. theres always people looking to sell things at more than reasonable prices. hope that helps and GL

[Beblebe]

Thanks so much! I'm a member of a local reef forum and I always look for good deals (everyone always wants a trade though). How much a pound is dryrock usually?

[Patriot54]

You need more than 2 t5 HO bulbs to keep a BTA, just my opinion though; I'm sure others would agree with me. You can also add a retro as you grow and want to try your hand at SPS.

Now for some helpful advice. I strongly believe that you should invest your money on equipment before you go and spend it on more livestock or corals. I know many people will say a skimmer isn't necessary, but it makes life so much easier. Also, you can spend some money to get more lights, pumps, heaters, test kits, supplements, etc. Once you are 100% sure that you are doing everything possible to give your aquatic critters the best home you can, then you should go out and buy all the livestock you want.

As for dry rock: I have ordered from here http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/eco-rox-fiji-dry-rock

here is another place: http://www.marcorocks.com/


Let me know if you have any questions, by the way, I too have a 29 gallon just like you ;)

[Beblebe]

Actually might soon get a VHO bulb to replace the non antic light. I have a decent test kit and some new supplements. I can't understand if I need a bulb if I get a retro. Do I? Also most a big and bulky. How would I put it on a little more than a foot wide tank? Thanks, as soon as a good deal on a skimmer comes up I'll jump on it.

[Patriot54]

What is the brand of your lighting system that you have? Most retro kits don't come with a bulb. There are many options to mounting lights, you will just have to come up with one that you like. Also, it may seem like a lot of money up front, but invest in a good solid light fixture, you can't go wrong if you do.

[miller10]

you may want to look into MH for lighting, the price of them have came down alot, you can build/piece one togather for under $200.00 and then once you have all the little things taken care of, powerheads, skimmer (optional) you should be able to keep just about anything you want.

[Beblebe]

What is the brand of your lighting system that you have? Most retro kits don't come with a bulb. There are many options to mounting lights, you will just have to come up with one that you like. Also, it may seem like a lot of money up front, but invest in a good solid light fixture, you can't go wrong if you do.I have a Current USA Nova Extreme. I saw bulbs were very expensive for Retros. Also are mounting lights good for there money and do they cover a lot of the tank? Are they complete with a bulb and everything?

[Patriot54]

Bulbs are the same amount of money for your fixture too, I'm betting you were looking at the wrong kind of bulbs. Most, if not all fixtures, come with mounting legs, unless the fixtures are designed to be hung.

[Beblebe]

I found some bulbs online for my light that will put out 150w. They are dirt cheap. Would those work for a BTA? The trade off is I'd have to take out my anctic for both to fit in.

[Patriot54]

Can you post a link of those bulbs? I'm almost 100% sure that those bulbs wont work in your fixture, and if they do, your ballast life could decrease or your bulbs can burn out fast

[Beblebe]

Here's the link: http:/www.aquacave.com/aquasun-vho-flouresent-brlamps-by-uv-lighting-co-1147.html

[Beblebe]

Just bought cuc and more live rock from LFS. 30 pounds of LR and 8 cuc members. Pictures later. Oredering new bulb and getting a skimmer!

[Beblebe]

My cuc with new rock in background. You can also see my Citron Clown Goby's head in the cave.

http://flightrisk.smugmug.com/Underwater/Salt-water-fish-tank/1000992/834094060_x3oVC-M.jpg

[Patriot54]

Those bulbs aren't T5's

[Patriot54]

But, what skimmer are you getting?

[jtdesotel]

Agreed, they look like nuclear greens to me as well

[Beblebe]

Those bulbs aren't T5'sWow I just noticed it never said that they were T5's anywhere. Do you think they'll still work in my light? I'm getting an Aqua Euro USA Nano Skimmer.

[Beblebe]

Ordered a new light so now I can pretty much keep anything in my tank!

[Patriot54]

If you ordered those bulbs that you gave a link to previously, then no, they won't work in your fixture. What light did you get?

[Mongoose33]

I don't use a skimmer they don't work as well as on bigger tanks.I am able to keep my water parameters in check with weekly water change. Unless you are trying to keep SPS I would save the money from the skimmer and use it elsewhere


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Beblebe]

If you ordered those bulbs that you gave a link to previously, then no, they won't work in your fixture. What light did you get?Lunar Aqualight Power Compact Light Fixture 2x 65 watts 30 inch. It's got some lunar LEDs or something like that that "spawns corals" or something. I all know for sure is: It doesn't suck, and it's better than what I have. A friend said he could build a canopy that could use my new and old lights together. Now that I don't have a piece of junk light I might get some SPS or LPS later on.

[Beblebe]

Light shipped yesterday. 75% chance of etting protein skimmer Wed. Looking for 2-3 cool sps or lps corals. Any suggestions. I was looking at a monti cap. Good, bad easy, hard anything you know or feel I should knbow?

[Beblebe]

Nobody has any suggestons for LPS or SPS corals? Any advice on monti?

[Patriot54]

I really don't think you took a step forward with that light fixture. You can't have sps with it, you can do lps though. As for corals, stick with softies and maybe some really hardy lps, such as trumpets or frogspawn. I have a skimmer for sale too.

[Beblebe]

I really don't think you took a step forward with that light fixture. You can't have sps with it, you can do lps though. As for corals, stick with softies and maybe some really hardy lps, such as trumpets or frogspawn. I have a skimmer for sale too.What are you using to judge and see what corals I can have with my light (I'm just wondering so I can use it in the future :D)?

[fstar25]

there are a few sps that may work very high in your tank. for the most part power compacts are not good enough for sps.

[amutti]

I had moderate success with a green birds nest 3/4 up in cf bulbs. I think a 4 bulb t5 would have been a better choice.

For a less expensive fixture, these aren't bad: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/239343/product.web


At around $200 it's pretty cheap and a decent fixture.
I picked one up for a 29g a couple of years ago for $250 at the LFS.

[nwdyr]

love the tank! always looking for new ideas for mine :)

[Beblebe]

I had moderate success with a green birds nest 3/4 up in cf bulbs. I think a 4 bulb t5 would have been a better choice.

For a less expensive fixture, these aren't bad: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/239343/product.web


At around $200 it's pretty cheap and a decent fixture.
I picked one up for a 29g a couple of years ago for $250 at the LFS.I just ordered my power compact from them for the same price. The power compacts are: 1x 65 watt daylight, 1x 65 watt antic. Still no except for high up for sps? I still might be able to build a canopy using both of my lights. Would that help?

[miller10]

for $200 bucks for can get your self a 150w MH or 250w MH and keep whatever corals you what. dont waste your money on PC lights.

[Beblebe]

I already bought the light.

[amutti]

for $200 bucks for can get your self a 150w MH or 250w MH and keep whatever corals you what. dont waste your money on PC lights.

MH are great if you have the room to dissapate heat.

[amutti]

I already bought the light.

You can always return them, especially if you haven't opened the box. Off course you'll have to pay return shipping. That sucks.

[Beblebe]

I'll try this light first.

[juniorjose]

hows the tank?

[Patriot54]

I'll try this light first.

I would suggest to return it before even using it and either get T5's or MH

[Beblebe]

I would suggest to return it before even using it and either get T5's or MHI don't think you are understanding, I have T5's but they are not enough. My Zoanthids are losing their color, I hope that light helps. I guess if it doesn't work I could sell both lights to get a MH. My LFS said they pretty much point light straight down. The internet said they generate a lot of heat and I don't have a chiller. Also I live in So Cal and it gets very hot here. Other than the Zoanthids losing color the tank is great. The Royal Gramma is out and moves around the whole tank now.

[cmac23]

my metal halide in my bicoube 29g doesnt put off that much heat, but then mine has a glass top

[Beblebe]

Unfortunate News. My Zoanthids are all white and nearly dead (all but like five). We have come up with two things that could be causing this. 1.Not enough light 2.The "scratch proof" coating on my DIY lid could be blocking good light from getting to the Zoanthids.

[Beblebe]

Horrible News! The peppermint shrimp has killed a snail and possibly a hermit crab!

[Patriot54]

Unfortunate News. My Zoanthids are all white and nearly dead (all but like five). We have come up with two things that could be causing this. 1.Not enough light 2.The "scratch proof" coating on my DIY lid could be blocking good light from getting to the Zoanthids.


To comment on your previous post, but the T5's you have would be perfectly fine for your zoas. The pc that you ordered is like downgrading from your T5's, they just don't put out enough intensity as do the T5's and MH.

Now for the above post. Your zoas turned white because they are bleached, meaning they got too much light, when things dont get enough light they usually turn brown. You can also make them pop with different bulb combos. Also, all lids block some light.

My advice for you is too move your zoas to the sand bed or underneath a ledge to shade them from some light, if they are already on the sand bed.

[Beblebe]

Okay, I'll try that. The Hermit Crab survived. RIP Mr Snail. I also asked you how you were calculating what light I need. Please tell me, how do you or what is your system? Also some reef central article on lighting said some good things about PCs.

[grabthereef]

i would get a 4 bulb t5, and get zoanthids and lps thriving before you think about sps.

what is used to measure lighting is PAR, search it. it is basically the amount of light measured for photosynthesis. my buddy has pcs and t5s over his reef and is maintaining a birdsnest with some success as well as tons of lps (which dont really need much light). If you ask him though he will tell you he wished he had all t5s or MH

[Beblebe]

Thanks grabthereef. That's probably what I'll end up doing, having a combo of them. Wish I would have seen the lights on Patriot54 link first. Those are great deals!

[Patriot54]

Search the equipment forum, there is tons of information on different types of lights stacked up against eachother comparing their PAR values, also different bulbs and such. Ask lots of questions too

[pugcrush]

What are your water parameters? Did you cycle your tank? I'm only questioning this due to CUC being added after you already had livestock in the tank. Your shrimp (if it's a peppermint) would not kill your snail/hermit. It would have already been dead.

[Beblebe]

What are your water parameters? Did you cycle your tank? I'm only questioning this due to CUC being added after you already had livestock in the tank. Your shrimp (if it's a peppermint) would not kill your snail/hermit. It would have already been dead.Yes I did cycle my tank. Here are my parameters as of 4/16: PH 8.1 Ammonia 0 Nitrate 0-5 (Hate the close colors on that card) Nitrite 0 Salt 1.028. Right after testing we did a large water change and brought the salt down to 1.024. We think this change may have killed him. I was going to test tomorrow. I tried leaving the light off more today and it seems like there is more life to the zoanthids.

[Beblebe]

Today I just bought an Aqua Euro USA Nano Skimmer and the light came today. It turns out it has two antics (or at least that's what the box said). Please respond to my thread in the equipment forum about where my skimmer should be. The light has a very difficult setup process so it'll be a while before I get it up.

[Beblebe]

Everything is now up and running fine. I plan to get more corals in about 2 weeks. I'll post pics when I get 'em. Happy 100th post!

[Beblebe]

Well I've discovered that my zoas have Zoa Pox. What is the best way to get rid of this disease and the quickest too?

[Beblebe]

Sold my old light. Used the money to buy a new zoanthid colony and Coral RX to try and treat my sick zoanthids. I post pics later.

[Beblebe]

Here's the pics. The first one is a FTS. The second are my new zoas.


http://flightrisk.smugmug.com/Underwater/Salt-water-fish-tank/1000998/846657494_kP2Ny-M.jpg

http://flightrisk.smugmug.com/Underwater/Salt-water-fish-tank/1000999/846657556_fypFK-M.jpg

[Beblebe]

Well the sick zoas are coloring up now. They seem healthier after the dip.

[Beblebe]

Planning to get a new coral in 2 weeks. Old zoas are much brighter now. No comments on anything? If I got a nem and fed it more often, would it not need as much light?

[Beblebe]

The clown goby now has an abnormal white growth on its head. Old zoas are probably about 75% of color when bought them. No real green, but other colors are there. Can someone please answer my questions above?

[Patriot54]

Planning to get a new coral in 2 weeks. Old zoas are much brighter now. No comments on anything? If I got a nem and fed it more often, would it not need as much light?

Nope, you can't get an anemone. They need T5's or MH.

[Beblebe]

Ok I've accepted I can't get a BTA. Any suggestions for the new coral?

[Beblebe]

RIP Clown Goby. He got stuck on the power head.

[Inklinkerman]

You don't seem to be having much luck! I'd stick to softies, mushrooms, zoa if I were you. In a few months maybe try a euphylia like a torch coral.
In future if your making big changes to anything do it slowly, esp. salinty and ph.

[Beblebe]

Well got some GSP today. I going to get trash for this but, I got, a montipora. I know, but my LFS said it would be fine.

[Patriot54]

Well got some GSP today. I going to get trash for this but, I got, a montipora. I know, but my LFS said it would be fine.

LFS will tell you anything in order to sell something.

[juniorjose]

if i were u id listen to ppl on here that what u hear from ur lfs. they are in it to make the $$$, which is right for them its their job just like any other=).

[rfalvey89]

...The LFS is robbing you blind.
Not to be an A$$ but a few things:
the live rock is inadequate. you need more & make sure it is cured. if you are trying to do it cheap that is fine
just go piece by piece but make sure it is cured

IMO ditch some of the sand..it looks like the sand bed is a trap for fish waste.

...look into drilling the tank w/an overflow. @ the very least get a sump if you dont have it already with an external overflow.
if I could figure out how to upload PIC's to this thread I would to try to help.

you need water movement & light.

I would start with those before anything is added...


my tank,
29 Gal AGA plumbed to a 17 Gal. Sump
40 lbs of Liverock
Huge I-Tech Skimmer
Koralia-1
Tunze Return 1073.020
Current Light-
2x24 10,000k
2x24 actinic Giesemann
shrooms,Ricordea,Finger Leather, Hermits,snails,
Pair of Maldive Clarkii's ( which are pretty awesome; by the way )
12 gal water changes every 5-7 days:fish1:

you have the base for a great tank..be patient

[Beblebe]

I know I've messed up, bad. There are so many things I would do different with a new tank. What is cured live rock? Why is my sand bad? I can't afford a sump or even have enough money to get one.

[Darkstar22]

Listen to the advice please...t5's are better than PC's. We know from experience. Send the PC fixture back, and get a decent T5 fixture or DIY retros. I of course am an advocate of Metal Halides, but am going to get some T5's for my 10G. Bottom Line: PC's are obsolete for reef tanks, but great for planted tanks. That is where I use my old PC fixture.

[Xgame2k]

word.

[Patriot54]

I know I've messed up, bad. There are so many things I would do different with a new tank. What is cured live rock? Why is my sand bad? I can't afford a sump or even have enough money to get one.

I think you have picked the wrong hobby to get into. Your main objective should be to provied the best living conditions you can for your livestock, before you go and purchase it. What I mean, and what we have been trying to tell you is to spend your money on equipment first and then livestock. No sense in spending money on something you won't be able to keep alive.