So here goes....

[Titleist1964]

....looking at the JBJ 20. Keeping it simple, corals, 2 clowns and a CUC, I know most people run this set up but looking for beauty and simplicity. Seems as though the set-up (JBJ) comes pretty much complete. I just need to add a heater and would like a wavemaker, looking at the Jebao MLW10, I think that should provide enough movement.

I don't know much about filter media, sand or rock, I've read several posts, learning as I go. I have some basic equipment picked out, RODI, Salinity tester, just curious on a basic test kit solution. Lighting will most likely be the ever-popular AI Prime HD.

Anything else I should know please feel free to school me.

Thanks

 

[blaxsun]

Red Sea or Salifert would work for base testing.

 

[Titleist1964]

@blaxsun you have some kits in mind? I came from fresh for years, salt is all new. Thanks.

 

[blaxsun]

@blaxsun you have some kits in mind? I came from fresh for years, salt is all new. Thanks.

The Red Sea Marine test kit contains all the basics (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, pH and alkalinity) or you can opt for individual Salifert test kits (skip nitrite). Once you start getting into corals you can look at supplementing with calcium and magnesium test kits.

 

[Titleist1964]

@blaxsun thank you.

 

[Titleist1964]

Quick question about the media and wavemaker. Will the Jebao MLW10 move enough water in a 20Gal and curious what I should run?

 

[OPL]

I used a JBL marine test kit for my tank when it was a fish only system. I moved on to Red Sea test kits when I started adding corals. I know several people who use Salifert and swear by them but haven’t used them personally.

I use Eheim substrat Pro for bio filter media, sponges, Phosguard, carbon with Caribsea live rock and sand. The rock colour will fade after a while but when coraline algae takes hold it won’t be very noticeable.

You could run a second pump, I would make sure that the pump(s) you get can be dialled up/back to suit your tank and minimise dead spots. When you start adding corals, I suggest softies/hardy LPS if your new to corals. It would be worth looking up Alk/Ca/Mg supplements, Coral dipping and most common pests to look out for and how to deal with them. Also worth looking into an Automatic top up (ATO) system if you haven’t looked into them already.

Hope this helps

 

[Titleist1964]

I've been looking into ATO's because I travel often for work. I haven't pulled the trigger on a set up yet because I'm afraid of being away for a few days.

 

[Pistondog]

....looking at the JBJ 20. Keeping it simple, corals, 2 clowns and a CUC, I know most people run this set up but looking for beauty and simplicity. Seems as though the set-up (JBJ) comes pretty much complete. I just need to add a heater and would like a wavemaker, looking at the Jebao MLW10, I think that should provide enough movement.

I don't know much about filter media, sand or rock, I've read several posts, learning as I go. I have some basic equipment picked out, RODI, Salinity tester, just curious on a basic test kit solution. Lighting will most likely be the ever-popular AI Prime HD.

Anything else I should know please feel free to school me.

Thanks

Get an ato, like tunze 3152.

 

[Jekyl]

At least 2 heaters and a controller. I have 3 and use the third for water changes. 2 wavemakers is better for making sure no dead spots.

 

[BrianAnthony]

I have a 12gallon nano. So far the hygger ATO works well. I have a 5 gallon water jug and the mini pump fits inside the spout. I also have the hygger wave maker.

 

[Titleist1964]

@BrianAnthony what size wavemaker are you running? I was actually looking at 15 gal cubes also.

 

[BrianAnthony]

The 1600gph... This should be fine for a 15gal. You can set it on the lower power for soft coral or turn it up for LPS or SPS coral. This pump has a wide angle, which means it won't shoot 1600gph like a fire hose. Really, any pump with this same design will do the same.

 

[mdb_talon]

Welcome

 

[Titleist1964]

@BrianAnthony. Thank you. Just weighing up all my options.

 

[BrianAnthony]

No problem. With our small tanks... It's more difficult to maintain stability. If you need anything, let me know.

 

[tharbin]

I would strongly recommend the ATO right from the start. Small tanks just don't have the volume to endure well with much evaporation. I've been very happy with the JBJ Nano ATO. Flawless for the last seven months, easy to use and quiet.

 

[Titleist1964]

@tharbin I've been reading about ATO's. I think it may be a must have, the tank is for a home office, kinda, but need security for when I'm away on business.

 

[Titleist1964]

Any of you guys running a Protein Skimmer?

 

[jiggysmb]

Some tips from my most recent setup. ATO will provide much needed stability in a smaller tank. RedSea tests kits are more accurate on calcium and magnesium, but API is more accurate on most other parameters. Most noticeable, KH PH, Nitrates/ites and PO4. Tunze comline mini skimmer is a great addition to a smaller tank without a sump. Ecotech is not worth the premium you pay upfront, support is not what I expected and power heads are noisy.