New 2.5 Gallon Desk Setup, New Pico Reef Options

[k1netics]

Hello all,

I'm new to these forums and to nano/pico reefing in general. I used to have a large freshwater tank but got rid of it long ago. I've been doing some serious reading the last couple days and have decided to start up a small desk reef. However, before I go out to my local store (www.bigalsonline.com) to get all the pieces I need I wanted to confirm that i'm on the right track. (and spending as little as possible)

My goal is to hopefully have some soft coral, small CUC, and eventually 1 Clown Goby.

So far the setup is looking like this:

Live Sand - Ocean Direct Carribean Sea 5LB Bag (using 2LB)
Live Rock - Cured Pacific Fiji Rock @ 3LBs
Saltwater Mix - Instant Ocean Sea Salt 10 Gallon Mix (Using for 2.5G)
Tank - Mini Bow 2.5G Desktop
Heater - Hydro Theo Submersible 25W
Thermostat - Underwater Treasures Digital
Hydrometer - Biocube Mini Hydrometer
Lighting - Coralife 50/50 Compact 10W
Filter - AquaClear 20 Power Filter
Test Kit - Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Saltwater Master Kit


So basically let me know if everything here is alright or if anything can be eliminated. I'm not big on DIY projects so i'd like to stay away from a refugium and any modding of parts.

Thanks for any help!

[scubasteve]

Welcome!

Everything looks good,

Did you already buy the tank? Just saying I had a 2.5 once and it is alot harder if you dont have some sort of ATO (auto-top off as the water evaps). I eventually just put everything back into my regular tank and put a betta in it. It also limits your stocking. Try finding a 5 gallon minibow, you might thank yourself later. Most people reccomend the largest tank you can have as your first SW and I agree.

Again, welcome. You found the best site for nano-reefing.

Edit: Check out the members pages and look at some other peoples 2.5 tanks for inspiration and equipment recommendations.

This post has been edited by scubasteve: Dec 16 2009, 09:37 AM

[k1netics]

Thanks alot Scuba for the quick response. I haven't bought it yet so i'll go with the 5 gallon Minibow then, I agree that it will most likely payoff if I don't have to be constantly re-topping off.

Will I need a powerhead of some kind to start or will that filter create enough flow for the tank?

[scubasteve]

I would get at least a AC70 so you can put more stuff in it. (heater,filter floss, chemi-pure, etc.)

2.5,5,10,20 you're going to be topping off at least twice a week. The bigger the better. All depends on how much cash and space you have. All the other accesories' prices remain kinda constant until you get into 20+ gallon tanks.

In a 5 gallon I think you would be ok with just an AC70. You can always add one later if you need more flow.

Good Luck!

[travisurfer]

If you're going to be getting a 5g, a standard 5.5g AGA will get you more for your money than a Minibow. For your first tank, I would look at either a 5.5g or a 10g. Either of these would be rather good choices without getting too costly for the right equipment. Give the forums a search and see what other people have done. Hope this helps.

[k1netics]

Awesome. Thanks guys. I went with a 10g AGA and an AC70. Put the water in along with the salt mixture. After putting the sand in, i'm noticing some white residue on the surface. What's the best way to get this out?

Also I went with two 20W Coralife 50/50s and no heater. The ambient area temperature is about 71/72 degrees and I figure with these lights and the hood I won't need a heater.

Let me know what you guys think on both questions.

[scubasteve]

surface film is normal. It from the sand and excess nutrients in the water and it will get worse. Use the search function for this topic.

One way to solve it:
http://www.amazon.com/ROLF-C-HAGEN-Surface...r/dp/B000256CH8

Temp:

Your going to need a heater. 71-72 is a tad low (shoot for 75-80) and a heater will help keep the temperature stable throughout the day/night - lights on/ lights off cycle.

I think at least a 50 watt heater should do.

As for your lighting, it will do for now. You will be severely limited on what corals you can keep. But it will suffice for some soft corals if placed properly in the tank. (shrooms mostly...maybe gsp)

The best advice I hear from people on this forum is take your time. It's an expensive hobby and rushing things usually ends with you watching your money go down the drain.(sometimes literally)

HFGL

[travisurfer]

Sounds like a good start. I would get a small heater (25-50w) and put it in the aquaclear filter so that it's out of the way. Stable temperatures will help you greatly in the long run. With those lights, you should be able to keep mushrooms, zoanthids, various other soft corals, and a few lps. Good luck and be sure to keep researching.

[k1netics]

Thanks again guys, really great responses here.

The surface skimmer looks like it would be great and i'll definitely be adding that in to reduce the foamy surface stuff. Gonna sound annoying but I have a couple more questions after reading your responses.

First off would this heater be a good fit for my setup and be able to go inside the AC70?

Hydor Theo Submersible Heater-50 Watt

Second, i've read its common for the water to be pure opaque after adding sand. How long does or should this last?

Third, is it alright to add the salt and RO/DI water and have them mix in the tank through use of the filter? (I ask because this is how I've done it)

And finally, I just noticed that the hood on the tank I got is rated for two 15W bulbs. I have switched them to two 20W Coralife 50/50s as mentioned above. With 5W extra (10W total) am I risking a fire or blown circuit?

Thanks Again!!

[doug105]

Thanks again guys, really great responses here.


And finally, I just noticed that the hood on the tank I got is rated for two 15W bulbs. I have switched them to two 20W Coralife 50/50s as mentioned above. With 5W extra (10W total) am I risking a fire or blown circuit?

Thanks Again!!

I'm guessing the hood for your 10 gallon tank is rated for 2x15 W incandescent bulbs.....like this
15 W light (incand)
which probably give off much more heat than the 2x20W CF bulbs you are planning on using. You should be fine with the 50/50's

Doug

[k1netics]

Yeah that's exactly what the ones that came with it looked like. Why would it say 15W max under the canopy? Just due to the fact that anything else other than CFs would be too hot at say 20W?

[scubasteve]

They just don't want you to put any incandescent bulbs of a higher wattage inthere due to heat reasons, could melt the plastic. Compact Flourescents can be handled bare-skinned after being on for hours. As for the socket- I'm sure it is rated for more than 15 watts.

The cloudiness will clear up in less than a week- promise.

If there is nothing in the tank then yes you can mix the salt in the tank with the sand.

In the future for water changes

http://www.nano-reef.com/articles/?article=7

Actually, just read all the articles in the library. ; )

Good Luck!