Newby with lots of questions

[Johnhunterwork84]

This is my first tank... looking for tips and a few questions. I don't have a sump or skimmers or any of that fancy stuff. Are they mandatory? Also since i have fish and coral what do i need to test? Can i add an anenome for clownfish?

 

[Dcal]

Welcome!

everything you want is def possible but for starters: tank size, filter light? Skimmer sump is definitely not mandatory but could limit what you want to do with the tank

If you arent doing sps the most important test imo are nitrates, phosphate, dkh, and calcium last

 

[Johnhunterwork84]

Testing all that. I belive all but phosphate. Ill get that test. Only 20gal tank. I bought a ai 32 light, it has a small heater and small blower...umm and original tank filter as seen in photo

 

[Dcal]

id pick up an aquaclear 50 for a new filter, it'll give you a lot more freedom on what media to run. powerhead looks good, heater looks good, light looks good.

If its in the budget, pick up an auto top off. As the water evaporates, the salt stays there which makes the salinity increase significantly.

 

[Uncle99]

Welcome.
Looks good, both are not mandatory but might increase your need to change water.
From a testing point of view, work towards getting all 8 major parameters in the range and with as little daily fluctuations as possible. An ATO is highly recommended to enhance the systems stability by ensuring salinity stays constant.Salinity changes, changes other parameters.

There will be a point, down the road, where your parameters will “lock in” and your waters will become noticeably different.
Become an expert water maker.

Good solid water chemistry will significantly increase your success.

This tank at three years did have a skimmer, but no sumps or fuges, cheap black boxes and a canister filter.

lighting.....

 

[NashobaTek]

Welcome to R2R and the salty side

 

[Rmckoy]

Welcome to r2r
As mentioned above , no they are not required but think of it like running shoes .
You can win a race without them , but they will help .

as for testing .
id test
Nitrates ( salifert kit )
Alkalinity ( salifert or Hanna checker )
Calcium ( salifert )
Magnesium ( salifert )

salinity
Temp

ensure all are stable and will become easier with maturity

 

[Johnhunterwork84]

id pick up an aquaclear 50 for a new filter, it'll give you a lot more freedom on what media to run. powerhead looks good, heater looks good, light looks good.

If its in the budget, pick up an auto top off. As the water evaporates, the salt stays there which makes the salinity increase significantly.

Im going to look into that. Ty

 

[Johnhunterwork84]

Welcome.
Looks good, both are not mandatory but might increase your need to change water.
From a testing point of view, work towards getting all 8 major parameters in the range and with as little daily fluctuations as possible. An ATO is highly recommended to enhance the systems stability by ensuring salinity stays constant.Salinity changes, changes other parameters.

There will be a point, down the road, where your parameters will “lock in” and your waters will become noticeably different.
Become an expert water maker.

Good solid water chemistry will significantly increase your success.

This tank at three years did have a skimmer, but no sumps or fuges, cheap black boxes and a canister filter.

lighting.....

Gorgeous, definitely going to look for an ATO...a screen for top and a powerhead

 

[Uncle99]

It’s all about the light and the water.
Make them stable and everything becomes so, so easy.
Good luck.