Equipment Needs For The Average Joe

DailyKate · Jun 12, 2014

I'm looking to set up a 30 gallon tank. I have a friend giving me some Dry Rock and Live Sand so I'm good to go there. As far as all the other equipment, I'm lost! I've read a lot of articles and it seems like the entire setup kind of depends all on what the person wants. Not looking to spend a billion dollars in one day, but not looking to pay less now so I can pay more later to fix what could have been prevented. I know I want a mix of some softer corals like Frogspawn and polyps as well as just 2 Clownfish. Can anyone set me up with a list of what I'll need to get to get my 30 gallon up and running to start cycling? Any and all advice welcomed and VERY much appreciated! Thanks everyone! - Kate

jasonp87 · Jun 12, 2014

Hi, welcome to the site!

Your basic things are a heater, thermometer, powerheads and a protein skimmer. One really nice piece of equipment is an automatic top off. It really does make a big difference. Your corals are going to want consistency and an ATO helps that a lot. You will also want to make sure that any lights you chose are strong enough for the corals you're keeping. With softies that isn't as hard. Frogspawns are actually a large polyp stony coral (LPS) in the same family as the torch and hammer. They will have a bit pickier lighting and flow requirements.

rako1 · Jun 12, 2014

Things to think about, Are you going with a sump to help with filtration, A sump would add to your water volume for more stable system as well as a place for a skimmer and heaters,and maybe a small refugium, it helps take the clutter out of your desplay. Also Leds or t-5s for lighting? is your tank a cube?

DailyKate · Jun 12, 2014

My tank isn't a cube. I was going to go with the T5 lighting. I do have a stand that has cabinets in the bottom that would allow more than enough room for a sump so I could do that. Which do you think is better? I wasn't sure if I should build it up myself or just by a cube kit that come with (almost) everything I would need. I like the wider tanks because it allows for a greater display but I've seen some amazing setups with cubes. I guess it really just depends on how you build it up yourself. Lol

sponge · Jun 12, 2014

I believe in stable water parameters . That starts with a RO/DI water filter system . The ability to make your own water when you need it is a big plus . Never use tap water !

2nd- would be using either a sump if tank is drilled or a hang on the back refugium. I would stay away from a canister type filter . I use a HOB on my 30L and 46 bow.

3rd- heater , thermometer to monitor temp , power head to circulate water,the t5 light will work on all corals you would want to keep depending on height placement .

You can get a skimmer if you will have many fish , you could do water changes and avoid a skimmer .

The most important thing you need is patience . Nothing good happens fast in this hobby

mrcoffee2 · Jun 12, 2014

RO/DI water filtration system is the first thing you should by hands down. Your looking at $100-200 but it is worth it.

revhtree · Jun 12, 2014

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