Getting new tank.. help with setup

Jamull2852 · Oct 1, 2015

I posted a few days ago about starting a saltwater tank with my 30 gallon. Decided that it wont be bigger enough and hate to have to start over at a later date. I found a 90 gallon corner tank (only have room for a corner tank) it includes live rock, live sand, marine life magnum 350 canister filter, wave makers, LED lights with controller. Not sure on the brand of the lights or the wave makers. He said hes been using the canister filter with no problems but everything I read says to stay away from them.

Im going to need help to set this up. I would like to use the canister filter at first just to get me started and into the groove of things. I ordered a RODI unit from ebay. Once I receive that I just have to add salt and test it correct? Once the water is right I can then add it to the tank along with the live rock and sand, should I cycle the tank at this point beings its new water?

Baaron530 · Oct 1, 2015

I would get new sand just to be on the safe side and the rock should be OK but due to the move it's possible the tank will go through a cycle. I moved my 180 and used all new water with no cycle but it does happen. Also when I started in hobby I ran a canister filter for 6 months but it was a challenge trying to keep water good, I ran some rubble and carbon with floss to keep the yuck out and changed every couple days. If it possible to let the tank run without livestock it would be best. Maybe you can set the small tank up temporarily to be safe

Jamull2852 · Oct 1, 2015

What could I use besides the canister filter. It has no holes in the tank or overflows and don't want a hang on the back skimmer.

veselym · Oct 1, 2015

if you don't drill or use a HOB overflow then you might need a skimmer...if you want to do just a tank with fish you might not need a sump or HOB skimmer

If you are getting an established tank then you won't need to cycle it as long as the rock is kept in water during transfer...you will need new sand however as adding the old will most likely cause an ammonia spike

are you taking any livestock from him? Did he empty his tank already?

Jamull2852 · Oct 1, 2015

Tank is not empty just yet. We will do that when I go pick it up. Im bringing a ice chest to keep the live rock in along with some water in the ice chest. Not getting any fish. Just the live rock and sand.

Im still new to this and been trying to figure this equipment out but theirs so many options. Guess Ill keep researching my options. Don't really want anything hanging from the back on the tank beings its a corner tank and will throw it off. Also don't want to drill any holes in the tank. I know I need to suck up one or the other right.

veselym · Oct 1, 2015

you can use the sand if you want...just get enough water to fill the tank and let it cycle, shouldn't take long considering there will be established bacteria on the rocks

If you can't fill it yet then keep the rock under water with a powerhead, make sure to check the salinity and top off the water with fresh...If you don't have the RODI then you can go to Walmart and buy distilled water

also, If you don't want coral then you can get away with not having a sump or anything hanging off the back...just be very consistent with water changes and keep nitrates down

Jamull2852 · Oct 1, 2015

Tank will be live rock, live sand, few coral, and a few fish. Nothing crazy.....just yet lol. If I got a HOB protein skimmer will that be all I need?

Jamull2852 · Oct 1, 2015

It honestly been pretty basic and simple for now and get me into and something the kids can watch while in the living room. I know theirs PLENTY more I need to learn before getting ahead of my self.

veselym · Oct 1, 2015

leave room for upgrades and just enjoy it

Jamull2852 · Oct 1, 2015

So just a HOB skimmer will be enough? and better than the canister filter?

patrick.mcdonald617 · Oct 1, 2015

When I first started with saltwater/reef aquariums I bit the bullet and went with an HOB skimmer and I'm very glad I did. The skimmer was able to pull all sorts of gunk out of the water and I ended up having an extremely successful tank. I know it may seem like a hindrance now but in my past experience the skimmer was well worth it.