Starting up questions.

nicksreef69 · Apr 25, 2019

so this summer i plan on starting a 30 gallon reef tank. Currently i have on a 50 gallon and 30 gallon and i plan to use the 50 and keep the 30 as a backup. I plan to get a ton of life rock and live sand. Do you all think that life Rock, sand and the HOB filters are enough? I don’t plan on using a sump because i don’t have tons of space. If that’s not enough filtration do you guys think i should turn the 50 gallon HOB filter into an HOB refugium and use the 30 gallon as a regular mechanical filter? My other question is about lighting. The tank is 30 inches long 12 inches in length and 18 inches high. If i plan on getting a few hammers, frogspawn, zoas and pulsing Xenia’s does anybody have some light recommendation that don’t break the bank. They don’t need to last a long time they just need to work for maybe a year before i move and start a new setup. I’m new to this so any advice on these topics or outside these topics would be nice. Thanks

Crabs McJones · Apr 25, 2019

Welcome to R2R!!

#WelcometoR2R
Rock, sand, and hang on back filters would work fine. Just make sure you're doing consistent weekly/biweekly water changes to keep nutrients down. As far as lighting, check out the selling forum on here, lots of reefers selling used units. A pair of Kessil A160's over that tank would look nice, but can be pricy. What type of budget are we talking?

Hitman · Apr 25, 2019

Welcome to R2R!!!
Life rock and live sand are both good starts. I can’t speak on the hob filters as I’ve never used one.

dbl · Apr 25, 2019

You will just have to keep the HOB maintained/cleaned on a very regular basis.

ohlero · Apr 25, 2019

welcome, read through the forum and watch lots of youtube videos!! I'm new to the hobby as well and that all have helped me a ton.

BarSnackz · Apr 25, 2019

I ran a 40gal long perfectly fine with a hob filter, live rock and sand, and an in-tank Tunze skimmer. Had it that way for a year with weekly 5gal water changes - no issues to speak of (in fact, it was almost too easy for having my first saltwater tank). Corals grew awesome, especially my Xenia. Just keep everything stable and don't try to fix what's not broken and you'll be golden.
As far as lighting -I ran a dual bulb HO t5 light with ATI coral pro and blue + bulbs in them. Cheap and very effective

Billldg · Apr 25, 2019

Welcome to R2R!!! Others have already given u solid advice.

Ruben's Reef · Apr 25, 2019

!!! Welcome to R2R !!! An ATO (Auto Top Off ) will be great to have for not only replenishing your evaporate water but also keep your salinity stable and avoid the daily manually water top off.

Jeight · Apr 25, 2019

Welcome to R2R!!!

Stang67 · Apr 25, 2019

nicksreef69 said:
so this summer i plan on starting a 30 gallon reef tank. Currently i have on a 50 gallon and 30 gallon and i plan to use the 50 and keep the 30 as a backup. I plan to get a ton of life rock and live sand. Do you all think that life Rock, sand and the HOB filters are enough? I don’t plan on using a sump because i don’t have tons of space. If that’s not enough filtration do you guys think i should turn the 50 gallon HOB filter into an HOB refugium and use the 30 gallon as a regular mechanical filter? My other question is about lighting. The tank is 30 inches long 12 inches in length and 18 inches high. If i plan on getting a few hammers, frogspawn, zoas and pulsing Xenia’s does anybody have some light recommendation that don’t break the bank. They don’t need to last a long time they just need to work for maybe a year before i move and start a new setup. I’m new to this so any advice on these topics or outside these topics would be nice. Thanks

If you're looking for inexpensive lights I got the marsaqua 165w off Amazon. You will prob need 2. I'm planning on the same corals and thought this was an affordable alternative for my 30 gal.

Peace River · Apr 25, 2019

Welcome to R2R!!! As others have suggested, live rock and live sand, a frequently cleaned HOB for mechanical filtration, and frequent water changes should be enough to get you started. Regular water tests will help you determine when to upgrade your filtration.

Salty Lemon · Apr 25, 2019

Sounds like you have a good plan! I'm anxious to see pictures. Welcome to R2R. You are going to love it here.

dansreef · Apr 25, 2019

Welcome to R2R!!!

BeejReef · Apr 25, 2019

Welcome to R2R.

If you're seriously moving in a year, I'd personally take it real slow and stay as simple and as mobile as possible. It's your journey, but if at year's end you've grown yourself some real nice rock, mastered the basics of maintaining stability, and gotten a good start growing out a half-dozen softy and lps frags, I'd chalk that up as a huge win. Kinda tough tank dimensions for a lot of LEDs. There are a bunch that work great on a 3' tank, but they're a touch pricey and probably a bit overkill for you. T5 sounds very reasonable to me, or two of the more modular LEDs (like AI Prime). Really depends on the tank dimensions you hope to have next year.

If you think you're really gonna stick with the hobby and will be moving to a more permanent home, you'll want to think almost as much about the system you want to set up next year as the one you have some stuff lying around for now. Particularly true for big-ticket stuff like lights and powerheads. Would be ideal if what you buy today can be used again. Love your fuge idea!