New JBJ 28g nano

[ravens243]

Good evening, I'm completely new to saltwater tanks but I have wanted one and read up on them for many years. After searching craigslist for many months I finally picked up a JBJ 28g nano for $250.00. It came with the stand, aquamaxx hob-1 skimmer, 100 watt heater, 300 watt heater, a refractometer, and a water testing kit. Right now I'm running tap water through the tank to clean it up a little and to make sure there aren't any leaks. Everything works like a charm so the excitement has begun. I'm definitely going to remove the lid and use a kessil a160. I believe I should be fine with the a160 because I don't plan on having any sps coral and if I do, I could place them near the top of the tank. I will probably wait and use the hqi lid until I'm ready to add livestock.

 

So first things first, I would love any suggestions on what to use for the next few months with my tank. I'm going to buy an aquaticlife ro/di buddy system so I can start making my own water. Anything more efficient than the buddy system 1:6 ratio? Any good suggestions on salt mix? I was looking at live rock to add to my system but I was planning on letting it cycle for awhile. So I was thinking about saving the cost and using dry rock with live sand. Any suggestions between Pukani or Fiji reef rock? I like the looks of a finer sand. How small of a mm can I go before I have to worry about it blowing around the tank? Last but not least, I would like to upgrade the pumps because I don't know how old they are. I was leaning towards two maxi-jet 1200s for return pumps and 1 for a power head. However the reviews are pushing me away from that decision. Any suggestions on pumps and/or powerheads that DON'T cost over $100?

 

Thanks so much for everybody's time and I appreciate any and all input.

[Exodus]

Heres just some suggestion I have with my own persoal experience, take them as you please,

 

First. A160w Would be underpowered for a 28 Gallon, the 150 & 160 are supplemental "Spot" lights and the spread I'm not sure would be enough for a 28G, An AI prime would be the same price with more features and though it would be underpowered I believe you would get a much better spread, an A360/Radian/Hydra 26 would be an ideal fit light for your tank.

 

A BRS RO/DI filter with the 75gpd Upgrade kit would take the standard 1:4 ratio of waste water and cut that in half giving you 150GPD, I would start with the standard 75GPD 4 Stage and upgrade from there.

 

For reef salt stick with Kent or Reef Crystals, yes Instant Ocean is tried and true but it simply does not contain all the other trace elements as the others do needed for maintaining corals.

 

As for the type of rock thats your own personal preference in what is more appealing to you in aquascaping. I could never imagine using dry rock but I understand this is a new trend in the hobby, I personally buy established rock with all the hitchhikers and extra benefits that come with it rather than the idea of buying a small piece to "seed" a bunch of rock that has absolutely no benefits other than it's potential to become established. In any case as you are new remember to wait a month or two to let the tank cycle, to many people have little patience and start adding things to early.

 

For power heads more than 1 maxi-jet 1200 in that system would be blowing everything around waaayyyy to much! I would suggest a Maxi Jet 900 for the return pump to match that of the original and a good powerhead in the display 1200 would work but again if not doing SPS I would do another 900 myself as it just seems like a lot of flow without the ability of adjustment that comes with powerheads like the Vortech. If you point the return upwards and put the powerhead on a side wall in the middle and build your live rock up in the center, you will create a good strong circulating current with the bottom of the tank having much lower which would be good for most LPS and keeping sand in tact. Another option is the Koralias which I personally like a lot more for the use of a powerhead than a Maxi Jet.

[ravens243]

Thanks for the input. I'm really liking the hydra 26 reviews.