Making the Switch

MoparManiac · Oct 9, 2015

Hey everyone! First post here but long-time searcher on this site. Anyways, i have decided to make the switch from freshwater to salt. I have been researching non-stop for the past 2 weeks about what I'll need and what i won't.
Now, my tank is only 20 gallons so i know about the level of difficulty for water parameters. But, from what I've been reading, most people say a sump would be nice, but won't be necessary for this size tank.
I planed on a 150w heater since i do live in south Florida and it's always so hot here. Will a 250 gph powerhead be enough flow? Do i need a filter or protein skimmer? I plan on doing 25 pounds of rock, with it being a mixture of live and dry rock. Also what should i use for substrate? I was thinking of getting a goby later on so i was thinking a very fine grain but i don't want a sandstorm all the time. Also with lighting, i was thinking of the marineland advanced timer LED strip. Will this be ok for some soft corals down the road?
Sorry for the long post guys, just so many questions. Any input would be awesome. I plan on starting my cycling tomorrow!

melypr1985 · Oct 9, 2015

Welcome to R2R!!

Tahoe61 · Oct 9, 2015

Welcome.

MoparManiac · Oct 9, 2015

Thanks fellas! Really excited to start this

pdiehm · Oct 9, 2015

black friday will be your friend, your wifes friend and your wallets friend.

MoparManiac · Oct 9, 2015

Well, I actually have money to spend on this as i'm only 22. Not married (yet) so it's still mine i guess lol. Anyways, can anyone answer some of the questions i had?

FlyinBryan · Oct 9, 2015

I wouldn't do a 150w heater. Id split it into 2 heaters. If it fails in that small a tank it will boil or temp drop in minutes and all will be lost.
Just get a hob refuge and if you're doing coral def a protein skimmer.
Power head you'll an mp-10 especially for corals.
Imo you should make your 20 the sump and pick up at least a 40 g or larger.
If you can't afford all that and alot more..stick with freshwater.
Not to burst your bubble..just being flat out realistic.

MoparManiac · Oct 9, 2015

I could afford a 150 right now lol. But unfortunately don't have a whole lot of room right now. I'll have to look into the hob refugium

pdiehm · Oct 9, 2015

I only mention Black Friday because it's not far away and you can pick up the most expensive pieces at a fraction of the costs

Luka · Oct 9, 2015

Welcome to R2R!

Ahruk · Oct 9, 2015

20 gallons is fine if you're committed to doing water changes and not set on having acros right off the bat (or potentially ever)

I love my 14gallon (1st tank) it's been great and very easy to maintain. Expect to do weekly waterchanges (occassionally I push it out to every other week and if you only want really easy coral and low bioload you can probably do this but common practice on a tank this small is weekly) Take it slow and learn as much as possible before diving in (which it sounds like you're already doing). Get a good refractometer and test kits. Try to find a local reef club. You do not absolutely need a protein skimmer and I personally would say add one later once you're comfortable with the basics and really know what you want in one. I don't have one and everything is perfectly fine. You also don't need a filter (they're largely considered useless by most reefers). If you don't have AC in your house/apartment get a small fan to blow water across the top of the tank when it's hot. An ATO is one of the greatest investment you can make in your tank. Also need to consider whether you want to buy an RODI unit and mix your own salt water or just buy it from a LFS (if they sell it)which with a tank this small I actually think makes sense as you need to buy quite a lot of equipment to mix your own and if your only buying a few gallons saltwater is pretty cheap (~$1.25g)... Sorry if I didn't really answer any of your questions just stuff that I figure anyone considering a nano should consider/know

Luka · Oct 9, 2015

GOod luck!

Luka · Oct 9, 2015

I am currently starting my tank very soon as well. Take it slow and try to figure things out.

MoparManiac · Oct 9, 2015

Thank you for the fast replies! I'm totally ok with weekly water changes, as that is what I've been doing with freshwater and it's been no big deal to me. I'll probably wait to put a skimmer in. As for the lighting, do you think the marineland would be ok?

Ahruk · Oct 9, 2015

I honestly don't know but I personally would go with a better light if you can. Do your research and get what you think you're gonna keep long term. That light may work for softies but it may not look as nice as you like and may limit what you can add to your tank (like easy sps or anemones). Again I really kno nothing about that light but have read many threadS of people who bought cheap ligjts to begin with and ended up buying more expensive ones just a few months later. Check out different tank threads and see what other people have settled on (ai primes and kessils are two popular though pricier options). Personally if I was setting up a new tank and had the cash, I'd look on Craigslist and local forums for used kessils

MoparManiac · Oct 10, 2015

Good idea, might as well pay for a good one to save money down the road.

pdiehm · Oct 10, 2015

I have a prime on my cube. Great light. If I had to do it over I probably would go with a hydra 26 or an X15pro

MoparManiac · Oct 10, 2015

Got it all set up today. Went with 10 lbs of live rock and 10 lbs of base rock. Also went with live sand. Got a 500 gph power head. Decided to keep the standard LED white lights until the tank is cycled. Was there anything else i should have done?