Newbie! I want to start a 5G? Recommendations

[saltman123]

Hello,
Well, I have been reading up on salt water fish for quite some time, but have never actually had a salt water tank. I've had tons of freshwater, and even a Freshwater Stingray which is said to be extremely hard like keeping corals. I don't know how it compares, but I know that Ammonia would spike out of nowhere and it was a process.

I am hoping to utilize a small 5 gallon acrylic tank I have hanging around. I would like to start out slow and learn, possibly just keeping some live rock, a clean up crew of snails/crabs/shirmp, and maybe a clown fish.

I've read tons of books explaining all of the filtration differences and all the jazz. I need someone to help me get a setup that is worthy.

I have a heater, and even a few whisper filters and aqua clears. Are these usable? Do I need to use different media or can I use the standard floss/cotton bag filled with carcoal? I am clueless on the nano filtration needs. I've heard to run 2 HOB's, one with media, another with live rock?

Do I need a skimmer? I've seen the fission mini skimmer all over the place I will consider if necessary.

As far as lighting, what is the cheapest route? Or can I get away without great lighting if I am just starting out with live rock and a fish or so? I am hoping to learn water balance and control. After I am confident I will kick it up in hopes of bringing in corals, etc.

Can Anyone give me some pointers? I have local fish stores so I will plan to buy live rock and live sand if those are the recommendations.

Anyone willing to give me the info and a swift kick to get me going??? All is appreciated!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the PM

On the fission nano skimmer, I don't think you need it in a 5 gallon. It takes up a lot of room. I took it out of my ten gallon since last week to see what kind of difference it made because when I stacked the rock work up all along the back, I didn't have room for it unless I put it up front...and my wife wants to look at corals, not filtration equipment. :roll: :lol:


In a 5 gallon, you should do quite fine with weekly water changes to keep nutrients down.

One of those filters you have with floss and carbon is fine. That's what I use on my 10 along with a powerhead hidden behind the rocks.

You probably want to add a small powerhead for more circulation. Circulation is key in reef tanks.


Good luck with the project. Keep asking questions here...there is no shortage of helpfull people here.

 

[saltman123]

Hey Manny,
Thanks for the details.

So I guess I will hold off on the skimmer until I go with a larger tank.

Do you have a thread on your nano with pics or a list of your equipment? I would be intersted to learn more about exactly what you have going on. I am debating on a 5gallon acrylic or a 10 gallong glass setup. It seems more and more like I should go the 10 gallon route being a newbie to salt.

Any chance you can forward me to your tank details again, or list some possible things that will help me get going.

 

[Anonymous]

Hey Manny,
Thanks for the details.

So I guess I will hold off on the skimmer until I go with a larger tank.

Do you have a thread on your nano with pics or a list of your equipment? I would be intersted to learn more about exactly what you have going on. I am debating on a 5gallon acrylic or a 10 gallong glass setup. It seems more and more like I should go the 10 gallon route being a newbie to salt.

Any chance you can forward me to your tank details again, or list some possible things that will help me get going.

My tank is fairly simple.

It's a standard 10 gallon you can get for $10 at any wal-mart, petco, etc.

I built the hood from sand ply and stained it. Added some trim to the bottom rim of the tank for the look.

I purchased a 20" 96 watt PC retro kit, mounted the balast to the back of the hood, made the reflector out of sheet aluminum, and attached the rig to the underside of the hood lid (hinged at the back). The retro kit should cost under $100 and it's enough light to grow anything you could ever want in that size tank (SPS included).

I used a standard filter...the kind that come with 10 gallon start up kits at petco type stores. I just use filter floss and carbon in it.

I have a 100 watt heater (you could go with a 50 watt on a 10 gallon, but I had this one lying around). Don't skimp on the heater. Get a decent quality heater. It's not worth it to save $10 on this item.

I tossed in an old power head I have. All the writing is covered in corraline so I don't know how many gallons per hour it is, but it's probable between 100 and 200 gallons per hour. You need more circulation than the filter's back flow gives....that is for sure.

I added some rocks from my main tank that had been in my sump and under my other rocks in the tank. This is known as base rock because you use it as a base for your rock work. It has life, but no pretty coralline growth because it has been out of the light. About 3-5 pounds I would say.

Then I added a 1/2" layer of crushed coral and covered that with another inch of aragonite sand. You can go with just sand.


...I'll finish this a little later...have to go.

 

[saltman123]

Great info!!! Keep in coming.

Do you have any pics of your setup online? Or a thread already started? be sure to include that.

 

[Anonymous]

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=84976


That's my thread.

You should look at the nano's build off forum. There are specs and pics of many great nano's there.


To continue what I was posting:

I then purchased some branch rock and some flat rock from the LFS (3-5 pounds) and leaned it agains the back for height. I also added some coralline covered rock from my tank (the bridge in the center of the tank is all purple and came from my 75 gallon).

You can see a list of the corals I'm keeping in that thread.



Good luck