Starting up a small tank looking for a couple simple things

jimmybling31 · Sep 9, 2012

I am starting up a 20 gallon with a very simple setup. It's just a tank with internal refugium, a powerhead and 4 t5 ho bulbs over it. I will probably add a nano hob skimmer eventually, but it's a really simple setup.

Now for the things I could use some help with. I haven't had a tank in a couple years, but I remember how to keep one up. I could really use some help with some water for my first fill. If you have a big tank that you have to do 20+ gallon water changes I would really appreciate the water from your change. I will pay if I need to for it, but some cycled water would be the perfect thing to start my tank with.

Another thing that would be a big help for me is some good algae ect for my small refugium. I don't need much since my refugium is only 3"x5"x4". I am planning on getting some broken pieces of some type of reef rock to use for the rubble for everything to attach to.

Other than that, I'm glad I'm going to have a tank again. It's been about 2 years since I had a tank in my own home. I hope someone can help me out on this. I now live off Mountain Creek Road in Red Bank.

Thanks,
Jimmy

AlexStinson · Sep 10, 2012

Glad to see someone coming back in, Best of luck to you. I should be doing the same when I get back on the mainland in about a year.

jimmybling31 · Sep 10, 2012

Thanks. Hope you're enjoying Hawaii. It was pretty nice when I was there. Are you in the marines?

AlexStinson · Sep 10, 2012

negative, Army

jimmybling31 · Sep 11, 2012

Ah. I was talking with someone stationed there as a marine not to long ago. He was on leave and back in Chattanooga last week.

fullmonti · Oct 10, 2012

Sorry to say I only have a 7gal nano, no algae.

Trying to get the club started up again, so maybe there will be some help soon.

Jim

jimmybling31 · Oct 22, 2012

some pics of my overkill 20 gallon. I know if I had a significant other I wouldn't be able to have this like this, but I'm single now. The sump was kinda something I did while I was drunk one night and bored after my friends left. I like what it did for water quality. Just waiting till I get the time to build a stand for a 40breeder to switch it all over to a 40 breeder. I think it will be more attractive that way and I can also use my 250 watt metal halide that way.

fullmonti · Oct 24, 2012

Funny & true what you said about a significant other. Just temp anyway sounds like, till you get your 40 up & running.

jimmybling31 · Oct 25, 2012

Yeah I'm considering buying a stand just due to the fact it's gonna take time to build it. It's looking good though. The glass was covered in algae in those pics, but I cleaned it up. I was having trouble finding my scrubber for it before. it is reading 0 0 0.1 on tests now though. I'm hoping to bring that .1 down to 0 with the protein skimmer and chaeto. It seems to run pretty well though. A 40 will be much nicer though.