Taking the plunge. What do you think?

[beardedstrugglz]

Hello! Saltwater newbie here! I've kept freshwater for awhile and finally decided to take the plunge into saltwater. I chose to go with a 29 gallon because I'm just starting out and I've been told I can get away without a skimmer if I keep a strict water change schedule. I've gotten some equipment already but let me know what you think of this list:

- 29 gallon tank
- Aqueon Quietflow 30 HOB filter
- Aqueon Pro 150W heater
- 2x Hydor Koralia 425 gph
- refractometer
- 40 lbs CaribSea Bahamas Oolite
- 25+ lbs reef saver dry rock from BRS (not sure how much yet)
- Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light

Is that enough flow from the powerheads? Is there a better light for that price point? I'm trying to kind of make it a "budget" build but I want to get a decent light in case I want to do some corals in the future. Is there anything I should run in the HOB instead of the cartridge?

As far as stocking, all I know for sure is that I want a pair of clowns but I'm open to any stocking ideas for fish, inverts, etc.

Thanks!

 

[ihavecrabs]

Hello! Saltwater newbie here! I've kept freshwater for awhile and finally decided to take the plunge into saltwater. I chose to go with a 29 gallon because I'm just starting out and I've been told I can get away without a skimmer if I keep a strict water change schedule. I've gotten some equipment already but let me know what you think of this list:

- 29 gallon tank
- Aqueon Quietflow 30 HOB filter
- Aqueon Pro 150W heater
- 2x Hydor Koralia 425 gph
- refractometer
- 40 lbs CaribSea Bahamas Oolite
- 25+ lbs reef saver dry rock from BRS (not sure how much yet)
- Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light

Is that enough flow from the powerheads? Is there a better light for that price point? I'm trying to kind of make it a "budget" build but I want to get a decent light in case I want to do some corals in the future. Is there anything I should run in the HOB instead of the cartridge?

As far as stocking, all I know for sure is that I want a pair of clowns but I'm open to any stocking ideas for fish, inverts, etc.

Thanks!

First off... #WelcometoR2R

29 gallon is a great tank size.

One thing I like about some power heads is the ability to alternate or control flow. If you are looking for more budget friendly, look at the jebao PP series.

I'm an advocate for utilizing two smaller heaters versus one oversized one. That way if one sticks on, it won't over heat the tank. If one dies, then the second will stop the tank from dropping too low in temp.

Good luck on your build. Hope to see a build thread once you get started!

 

[saltyhog]

I have a 29 gallon tank I use for a cycled QT. I use an Aquaclear 70 HOB filter and it does a great job. I think those ratings are probably for FW applications. I would recommend using an oversize filter if possible. I filled mine with ceramic media made by Brightwell.

A pistol shrimp/goby pair would do well and be tolerated by most other fish possibilities.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R!!

 

[beardedstrugglz]

I have a 29 gallon tank I use for a cycled QT. I use an Aquaclear 70 HOB filter and it does a great job. I think those ratings are probably for FW applications. I would recommend using an oversize filter if possible. I filled mine with ceramic media made by Brightwell.

A pistol shrimp/goby pair would do well and be tolerated by most other fish possibilities.

That's a good call with the aquaclear 70 I think I'll go with that instead. Thanks!

 

[beardedstrugglz]

First off... #WelcometoR2R

29 gallon is a great tank size.

One thing I like about some power heads is the ability to alternate or control flow. If you are looking for more budget friendly, look at the jebao PP series.

I'm an advocate for utilizing two smaller heaters versus one oversized one. That way if one sticks on, it won't over heat the tank. If one dies, then the second will stop the tank from dropping too low in temp.

Good luck on your build. Hope to see a build thread once you get started!

I'll look into those! Would it be better to have 2 smaller powerheads or 1 big one?

 

[beardedstrugglz]

Welcome to R2R!!

Thanks!

 

[NeedMoreReef]

Awesome! 29 gallon is great size!
if you have the Koralia pumps, use them
your list sounds fine. equipment doesn't really matter that much as long as its the best one you can afford. you will find your self upgrading over time anyways.

my best budget tank of mine was FOWLR 55 gallon glass, packed with live rock, deep sand bed, tang, angel, clown, dottyback, three damsels. aquaclear hob 100, CPR hob skimmer, eheim heater, RIO 1700 (sideways, right below water line) for circulation. 4 T8 bulbs. I'm laughing how silly this setup must be to some people!

 

[Jesterrace]

Hello! Saltwater newbie here! I've kept freshwater for awhile and finally decided to take the plunge into saltwater. I chose to go with a 29 gallon because I'm just starting out and I've been told I can get away without a skimmer if I keep a strict water change schedule. I've gotten some equipment already but let me know what you think of this list:

- 29 gallon tank
- Aqueon Quietflow 30 HOB filter
- Aqueon Pro 150W heater
- 2x Hydor Koralia 425 gph
- refractometer
- 40 lbs CaribSea Bahamas Oolite
- 25+ lbs reef saver dry rock from BRS (not sure how much yet)
- Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light

Is that enough flow from the powerheads? Is there a better light for that price point? I'm trying to kind of make it a "budget" build but I want to get a decent light in case I want to do some corals in the future. Is there anything I should run in the HOB instead of the cartridge?

As far as stocking, all I know for sure is that I want a pair of clowns but I'm open to any stocking ideas for fish, inverts, etc.

Thanks!

40lbs of sand is a lot for a tank of that size. I would go with 20lbs at most for that size of a tank. I had 40lbs in my 36 gallon and it was too deep. Also just me but I wouldn't get that light. It is great for customization, but IMHO a very weak light that doesn't bring out the look that you will want in the tank. What is the width on the tank? It's a bit of a stretch and will cost more but you will be much happier with a single AI prime HD or Kessil A160. Both are high end lights that will grow all but the most difficult of corals. They are more expensive but you will be much happier for the money spent and won't have the added cost of buying a light and then rebuying another one.

https://www.amazon.com/Prime-HD-Ill...F8&qid=1522004878&sr=1-1&keywords=AI+Prime+HD

https://www.amazon.com/Kessil-A160W...F8&qid=1522005000&sr=1-1&keywords=Kessil+A160

 

[ihavecrabs]

I'll look into those! Would it be better to have 2 smaller powerheads or 1 big one?

Depends, if you can accomplish no dead spots with one, the display will look less crowded. However i would personally do two small PP4's or MP10s

 

[JimmyV]

Welcome to this great forum.
Yes definitely go bigger with your hob filter . Maybe something about 150 gph

 

[jsker]

Welcome to R2R and Reefing.

If you are planning of corals for the future I would agree with @Jesterrace about lighting. I had the Orbit light and it is great for a Fish only system.

If you go with AI lights I would suggest going with a 26 HD instead of a Prime HD for the future and then you would only be adding light instead buy all new. I run the 26HD's and they have really met my expectations

 

[Jesterrace]

The hydra 26 HDs are amazing lights (I am in the process of upgrading to a pair of them on my 90) but I think one would be overkill on a 29 gallon, hence why I recommended the prime. I recognize the length would be a stretch for that size of a tank but it all other respects I think it would do an amazing job.

 

[jsker]

The hydra 26 HDs are amazing lights (I am in the process of upgrading to a pair of them on my 90) but I think one would be overkill on a 29 gallon, hence why I recommended the prime. I recognize the length would be a stretch for that size of a tank but it all other respects I think it would do an amazing job.

Just turn them down. .

 

[beardedstrugglz]

Thank you everyone for the replies! I brought back the quietflow today and picked up an aquaclear 70. As for the sand i should have clarified that I have 40 lbs but dont plan on using all of it. I think I'm going to go with the AI Prime HD for a light because I'm sure I'll want to do corals in the future lol. Just need to wait a bit to buy the light and powerheads but I'll be sure to post pics!

 

[beardedstrugglz]

40lbs of sand is a lot for a tank of that size. I would go with 20lbs at most for that size of a tank. I had 40lbs in my 36 gallon and it was too deep. Also just me but I wouldn't get that light. It is great for customization, but IMHO a very weak light that doesn't bring out the look that you will want in the tank. What is the width on the tank? It's a bit of a stretch and will cost more but you will be much happier with a single AI prime HD or Kessil A160. Both are high end lights that will grow all but the most difficult of corals. They are more expensive but you will be much happier for the money spent and won't have the added cost of buying a light and then rebuying another one.

https://www.amazon.com/Prime-HD-Ill...F8&qid=1522004878&sr=1-1&keywords=AI+Prime+HD

https://www.amazon.com/Kessil-A160W...F8&qid=1522005000&sr=1-1&keywords=Kessil+A160

Yeah I should have clarified that I have 40 lbs but i don't plan on using it all. There was just a sale and for whatever reason it was only a dollar more for the 20 lb vs the 10 lb bag so I picked up 2. The tank is 30"L x 12"W x 18"H and it looks like the spread of the AI prime is 24". Would that still work? As long as I keep any future corals towards the middle of the tank?

 

[Jesterrace]

As long as you keep the corals towards the middle of the tank you would do fine with just one.

 

[LetItReef]

Hello! Saltwater newbie here! I've kept freshwater for awhile and finally decided to take the plunge into saltwater. I chose to go with a 29 gallon because I'm just starting out and I've been told I can get away without a skimmer if I keep a strict water change schedule. I've gotten some equipment already but let me know what you think of this list:

- 29 gallon tank
- Aqueon Quietflow 30 HOB filter
- Aqueon Pro 150W heater
- 2x Hydor Koralia 425 gph
- refractometer
- 40 lbs CaribSea Bahamas Oolite
- 25+ lbs reef saver dry rock from BRS (not sure how much yet)
- Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light

Is that enough flow from the powerheads? Is there a better light for that price point? I'm trying to kind of make it a "budget" build but I want to get a decent light in case I want to do some corals in the future. Is there anything I should run in the HOB instead of the cartridge?

As far as stocking, all I know for sure is that I want a pair of clowns but I'm open to any stocking ideas for fish, inverts, etc.

Thanks!

Had a similar set-up and ran for 2 yrs.
No skimmer just HOB. Had two 425 Hydors but ended up with 1 Jebao pp-10. Light was the Current Orbit and did well for me.

All the best with your build.