Putting it all together: My comprehensive first tank plan. Need Suggestions.

[ferndog]

I've posted a couple times here before and have done a ton of independent research already, about setting up my first tank.

My plan is to set up a 29-gallon softy/macro lagoon aquarium that has fish and invertebrates themed accordingly.

The macroalgae in the display will act as a pseudo refugium and diligent water changes, ample flow, and a hob filter for media will do the rest of the filtration needs.

Without further ado here is my plan.

Equipment:

• 29 gallon aqueon tank on dollar per gallon
• Current USA Orbit Marine IC LED Reef Aquarium Lighting System w/ LOOP controller
• 100 watt neotherm heater
• Instant Ocean Salt
• RED SEA MCP TEST KIT MARINE CARE MASTER
• Aqueous labs refractometer
• seachem tidal 75 (for chemi pure blue, and filter floss)
• Live Sand
• ice cap ato (Upgrade to later down the line)
• Current USA eFlux Wave Complete Pump Kit - 1050GPH (LOOP compatible)
• TYPHOON 5 STAGE RODI REEFKEEPER (not in the budget initially so I'll get ro water from a trusted lfs for a couple of months)
• 20 lbs brs dry rock
• Aquatic Fundamentals Black Upright Aquarium Stand - for 29 and 37 Gallon Aquariums
• DIY screen top

Inverts:

• Porcelain Crab 2-3x
• Skunk Cleaner Shrimp x1
• Nassarius Snail 4-5x
• Hawaiin Feather Duster x1
• (need some suggestions for some more cuc focused inverts)
• 6 months later: Various Sponges

macro algae:

• caulerpa prolifera
• gracilaria hayi

Corals:

• Duncan
• Toadstool
• Torch
• Mushroom
• Plate Coral
• Colt Coral

Fish: shoutout to @eatbreakfast for helping with the stock

• Bristletail filefish (in keeping with lagoon theme)
• bicolor blenny or one ocellaris clown haven't decided
• Xenojulis margaritaceus also known as the pearly weed wrasse (endemic to lagoons and grass beds and is reef safe)

I just want to get some feedback on my plan to affirm that I am ready to start purchasing equipment, and beginning my plunge into the hobby.

I'm so excited and can't wait to get started!

 

[Anirban]

Will you use a sump or all those goes into the display tank? I started my 1st tank like that but it was a mess inside the tank without the sump...lol. Also cure the rock before you put those in.

 

[ferndog]

I won’t be using a sump as I don’t trust my diy abilities at least with my first tank, but really the Seachem tidal and heater will initially be the only things in the tank that would’ve been in the sump. The ato will come later and I might opt for a lower profile one.

And wow, I had totally forgotten about curing the rock. I’m sure I can find a guide online. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Vahanyos]

I went from a HOB everything to a sump.

I was scared at first because I didn’t want to flood my house but after much research I’m glad I went with a sump. It was so easy too! I chose lifereef overflow and have not had a siphon break. Apparently it’s impossible with these overflows. Much happier with the least amount of clutter in my display. And more water volume too which helps attribute to maintaining better water quality.

Your equipment is good so far!

 

[ferndog]

Thanks! I might set up a sump/overflow later maybe once I demonstrate that I need the extra water volume and/or reactors or a protein skimmer. If I need to add much more than the planned equipment I'll just go full sump. But with my current budget/research level I'll just stick with what I have.

btw thanks for the lifereef recommendation

 

[Vahanyos]

I'll be more than happy to help you build a sump for super cheap - just let me know You definitely do not need to spend hundreds on a sump

 

[ferndog]

Did you just use a standard aquarium diy or did you find a cheap one online?

 

[Vahanyos]

Did you just use a standard aquarium diy or did you find a cheap one online?

Bought a 20 gallon rimmed aquarium from petco and cut baffles to the size I needed at a local hardware store and used silicone to piece it together. 24 hours later after drying, viola, 3 chamber sump.

 

[ferndog]

That does seem pretty easy. Let me see if I can find some measurements online, very interesting.

 

[ferndog]

that does sound easy! I'll do some looking online for some measurements. I might just do a sump to start, but I still very well may just do what I was going to do originally.

Thanks for the advice

 

[Vahanyos]

Happy to help - I was about Buy one for $200 too.

Supplies included 20 gal tank, silicone, acrylic sheet, and common sense lol oh and YouTube videos

 

[ferndog]

Might just give it a shot then. I could do away with the power filter and maybe get a reactor setup down in the sump. If I need any more help I'll let you know!

 

[Vahanyos]

Good luck my man. You will not regret it I designed my sump with space for a reactor and or a refugium, however I ended up loading it with live rock. The reactor was not necessary. Now it’s on auto pilot With the extra filtration it gave me