Some noob questions

[Dante123]

I am looking to turn my 29g FW into a SW. Because budget is tight I am thinking of starting out FOWLR, and adding corals as I progress with knowledge and more suitable equipment.

My questions basically revolve around filtration, dumps, and skimmers.

So main thing is obviously having a sump is going to be better and I plan on making one when I can afford, but for now I am not going that route. I have read a lot of mixed reviews on having a protein skimmer on a 29g, is it a real need or more or less a luxury item on this size of a tank? And if I don't purchase a skimmer and do not have a sump then should I bother with any other kind of filtration? I know the Live Rock is technically the filter. I still plan on getting power heads, heater, rodi. So all intents and purposes on a 29g tank do I need a skimmer and if not what do you reccomend to get?

 

[Downbeach]

I would incorporate a skimmer in any SW set up. The use of a decent type of LR will be a big part of your biological filtration, but, by itself may not be enough to keep up with the potential load that you will be placing on your system. A skimmer will remove much of the DOC's that might overload your biological filter. In addition, it will aid in gas exchange which will help to keep your pH stable, by keeping CO2 in check and oxygenating the water. Here is a good article worth reading.

 

[jonbar1]

Most important thing I have found for smaller tanks is regular waterchanges. I would focus on getting the RODI first and worry about skimming if your regular waterchanges don't keep nutrients in check.

 

[Dante123]

If I leave the skimmer out until money comes about what sort of mech/chem filtration should I get?

 

[Reefrookie220]

Marineland bio wheel filter or 2 aquaclear 60g filters. With the 2 filters you'd be able to keep any corals down the road and nice clean water. Basing this from personal experience.

 

[Ahruk]

This question totally depends on how much you hate water changes, how "stocked" you plan on having your tank and what you want to stock your tank with. If you want to really stock your tank up with lots of fish or things that require a lot of nutrients in water, skimmer might be a good investment (never had one but did consider one when considering getting a sea cucumber). Also if you think you're interested in sps (acros) its probably necessarily (again, not speaking from personal experience but from what I've heard).

I have had great success without any of the bells and whistles of this hobby (skimmer, contoller, doser, ect). I have a 14 gallon biocube that I run with heater, pump and light. Just natural filtration (nothing else). I have 2 small clownfish, a skunk cleaner and pom-pom crab. I do weekly or biweekly water changes of 20-40%.

 

[Reefrookie220]

I got a new in box skimmer for 150 gallons on eBay 28.50 free shipping.

 

[Dante123]

So I can start off okay if I just make sure I get quality LR, and good water flow? 30 gallon tank probably 800gph? A heater and a good light source?

Probably will do a clown with anemone, some invert CUC, and a few easy to maintain corals

 

[Reefrookie220]

Wait at least 4 months before you even consider an anemone. Your chances of success increase exponentially at 6 month's. Nems don't handle any type of swings well at all. And a skimmer is mandatory for an anemone especially in a tank that small.

 

[Harold Green]

If you change enough water you can get away with very little equipment. I'd still get a skimmer, the largest that will fit your tank. Several power heads or a small wave maker. Heater. Lighting. A good quality marine filter. Test equipment. Ro filter to provide water. If you really want to start with basics you can use a pond sponge filter with a one inch lift tube and simply put a power head on it. Won't look nice but will give bacteria a place to grow while filtering out detritus.

 

[Ahruk]

While I would definitely recommend waiting at minimum 4 months for an anemone, I don't think you necessarily need a skimmer for one. I have 2 rock flower anemones in my tank and are totally happy (one which I've had for over 7 months and has more then doubled in size).