Quick check of my setup

[mintgreengoblin]

I was hoping that a kind person would do a once over on my setup. I am a total SW noob, I have a 6 gallon mini-reef that I want to move to a 29. The 6 gallon is an eclipse system 6...I never stressed about filters and skimmers and that stuff with it...now I am stressed. The 29 gallon tank is a gift from my future mother in law and I want to do something nice with it. Of course, it was outfitted for goldfish, so all the filters, lights ect have to go. This is what I plan on so far#ed_op#br#ed_cl##ed_op#br#ed_cl#Tetratec 300 w/100 watt heater cap.#ed_op#br#ed_cl#Coralife Super Skimmer#ed_op#br#ed_cl#30" Orbit 2x65W SunPaq w/Lunar Lights#ed_op#br#ed_cl##ed_op#br#ed_cl#Does this seem alright? What kind of coral could I keep with this kind of setup? I want to keep the filter (I have already ordered it anyway) but I plan on having a large sand bed and plenty of live rock. I fell in love with the GSP and the purple firefish at a local fish store and would really like to keep both. I have seen some stunning mini-reefs in the contest section of this forum, and I am hoping that some of those experts come out of the woodwork to give me a little advice. This is much more flustrating for me then any FW tank I have ever set up. Alot of conflicting info is making it more difficult for me to make up my mind regarding the setup of this tank. I want to thank in advance all of the kind individuals who help.#ed_op#br#ed_cl#

[jerryc]

Don't sound to bad.
As for coral you will be able to keep most soft coral and some of the easier LPS

As for as GSP you will have enough light but GSP some have
it grow like mad and others cant keep it. So you will have to just
give it a try

[Sweetpea]

You are right - there is a lot of conflicting advice out and about... your best bet is to do lots of research and compare answers from all sources. If you hear it from multiple sources, it is likely good advice. This forum is a great place to ask questions and get honest opinions from people who simply want to see you succeed and keep happy and healthy critters.

It is possible to keep a small tank without a skimmer... I've seen a couple in my local shops (such as a 5 gallon full of healthy xenia and a 12 gallon with 2 of the prettiest anemones I've seen), and I have kept my 10 gallon since July without one. Also, I have the 40watt Orbit system (just a bit smaller than yours)... it's quite nice.

[mintgreengoblin]

I am glad to hear some praise for the orbit. The light is the part that is stressing me out the most. I think though to keep me in my budget right now I will get this light, and if I decide to upgrade later then I can always sell it. I am looking at a hang on the tank style refuge too, but am undecided on that (and unsure after the filter and the skimmer if I will even have room on the back lol) I definately want to get the skimmer though. I am really excited about the needle wheel, and I see crud at the top of my 6 gallon now...I dont want to do without the skimmer.

BTW sweetpea your clownfish is very pretty, you have an awesome setup and he looks really happy.

Thanks for the replies I am glad to have found a place with such freindly folks.

[jerryc]

Don't forget to include a good power head in your wish list.
Water movement is one of the most important items for a successful tank

[mintgreengoblin]

Oh yea, forgot to mention the powerheads...I am pulling them from a FW tank..between the powerheads and the filter the water will be turned over around 15 times per hour. Is this enough?

I am looking at a hang on the back of the tank style refuge...its going to be a tight squeeze but I think it will fit. My question is what does this thing really do and why do I need one? How do I get microalgae in there? The responses I get to that question will determine if I plan to buy the refuge or not. Thanks a bunch!

[jerryc]

15 times is plenty good envier for soft and sps coral

A Refuge is a a good place to raze pods and put algae for nutrient
export will Worth the time and dollars

[mintgreengoblin]

Good deal, I will get a refuge too...any place in particular that I can get the microalgae and the pods to stock it up with? Since I am doing a fuge I will probably add a mandrain dragonet sometime in the future. Also, looking at DIY 29 gallon stand. The one I received is iron, and I am unsure how long it will hold up. I know that salt is very corrosive. I am moving in 7 months...will the iron stand hold up that long you think? Any links to good DIY stand plans? I am not exactly "handy"
Thanks again!

[davejnz]

I built my stand out of 2x4's and 1/4 pine.Cost less than $30 to build,of course you would need some basic carpentry skills to construct a stand.I'm sure a local reefer in your area would help you out.That said,the iron stand will work fine.
Unless you've already puchased your lights,I would like to offer anothe suggestion.T5 retro kits are actuall cheaper than Pc's.The bulbs last much longer,they're cheaper,aviliable in many spectrums,and are more efficeint than PC's.A 2x39w T5 retro can be bought for $110.That setup will be efiicient for most soft coral and some low-light LPS corals.It will also be brighter than the PC fixture u describe.
One more thing,don;t skimp on powerheads,water movoment is one of the most important things in a reef tank.3-4 powerheads would be idea IMO/IME

[mintgreengoblin]

Great, thanks for the heads up I will look into a few different lighting options and get a couple more powerheads.