Starting Out

[web2000]

I've had a larger reef system before, but it got too expensive so I had to get out for a while. I'm just starting with the new 28 gallon JBJ modified by nanotuners. I need a refresher. I'm planning on having an 1 - 1 1/2 inch sandbed mixed with live and argonite and about 48 lbs of live rock with some LR Rubble in the filtering area. When first adding the water should I just have the argonite sand and live rock in the tank and then add the live sand after the tank cycles or can I have the live sand in the tank as well as it cycles?

Thank You
Bill

 

[SnowManSnow]

My OPINION is as follows:

1-I don't believe that "live" sand is nessissary. Save some $$ and just use argonite.

2-It seems that almost 50lbs of LR in a 28g tank is going to be a LOT! Make sure that you create a structure that is open enough for fish to swim and warter circulation to be free. I've only got about 45LBS in my 65g and I really like the look compared to what I had in there before. Also, consider that you want the corals to make up a lot of your aquascaping, so leave room.

3-When you say "filtering area" is this the sump?

4-Also, what skimmer are you planning on? I believe you COULD do a 28g with water changes and LR alone, but IMO a skimmer will save $$ on lost livestock.

GL!
B

 

[web2000]

the filtering area is a sump sort of. It's where the water runs over in the back to the skimmer area. I'm removing the filters and adding LR rubble instead of the foam crap. It comes with a skimmer, but I'm upgrading that to hopefully the sapphire aquatics skimmer if it fits into the chamber. I'll definitely just go with the argonite, and lower my Live Rock to about 25 lbs. I want about 1 lbs per gallon, but you are correct that I want the corals to make up alot of the rockwork and I do want it pretty open.

Thank You
Bill

 

[IslandCrow]

The live sand certainly won't hurt, but I agree with Snowman. The stuff they sell in the bag seems to be suspect as far as its benefit (who knows if it's still "live"), and your rock is going to seed the dead sand in no time.

Do some research on those Sapphire skimmers. I can't remember for sure, but I believe I've heard quite a few people say they're just about useless. There are probably some people in the Nano forum who know more. I think Tunze has a good nano skimmer. In a 28 gallon, you may be able to get away with not using a skimmer at all with regular water changes, depending on what you're planning on keeping. A lot of people will also use those Pura pads as chemical filtration. That's all I have in the back section of my 12g, except for the heater and pump. I'm pretty new to nano tanks, though, so I'm still learning the finer points.