Getting a grasp on this...currently have a hex tank

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ianb

New Member
I currently have a basic freshwater tank however I want to do my homework on salt. I have a 50-60 gallon Hex tank with a Aqua Clear 70 hang on filter. I would love to have a simple tank with fish that thrive with a vertical style tank.

Im trying to figure out what I need to start...

Protein skimmer or no?
Filter or no and if so do I need to switch to a canister filter?
Is live rock needed?
Powerhead?

Thanks in advance
 
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Scott2268

New Member
I currently have a 45 gallon corner tank I bought from my niece 7 months ago. She tried to have puffers with them dying one after another. The tank sat have empty for 2 months with no water movement so when I got it I had to let it cycle, but it already had food waste to create ammonia so I didn't have to add any. I have it running on a fuval 305.

With the output aimed in downwards it keeps the water flow good. I have about 40 pounds of live rock and no skimmer or powerheads, however I have a light bio load......banded coral shrimp, 5 chromis, 2 6 striped wrasse. Been running with good test results for 4 months with 5 gallon water changes weekly. I plan to add a skimmer to reduce water changes but have been focusing on my 125 build. Also have a good group of hermit crabs for cleanup.
 
lmforbis

lmforbis

Well-Known Member
You are starting out right by doing your research. It is a very rewarding hobby if you don't rush. Patience and research are essential.

Protein skimmer, I'd say yes if you can. It helps keep the water quality good. There are hang on skimmers and hang on the back filters. If you have a hex that is all equal sides hang on equipment can be hard to do because the sides are so short. Theoretically you can do fine with just a bunch of live rock and a protein skimmer. The rock provides a huge surface area for bacteria which will provide the majority of your biological filtration. A canister filter works (I used one for probably 15 years) but it does need a lot of maintenance, I'd stick with your hang on filter.

Power heads are a must but don't have to be expensive. I have several I got on amazon for about $12 each. You can go really expensive with these as well.

In my opinion live rock is essential. As I said above it is a major part of the filtration system.

I used to have a 40 something gallon hex tank. Originally I had discus in it but I upgraded to salt many years ago. I had a bunch of live rock, a snowflake moray eel, a blue damsel and a clarki clown fish. There are a lot of small fish that will do well in that type of tank. Clown fish, gobies, firefish, basslets, dotty backs, etc. You can't really do a lot of fish that are active swimmers (like angels, or tangs) because there just isn't the space for that but there are lots of other options. Personally I like the fish that swim around in the rocks.
 
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ianb

New Member
Can somebody give me some advice on this....

I was told I HAVE to have a RODI system so I can avoid using tap water. I ideally would not like to have to run to the fish store and cart water every weekend to my house in my car.

My issue is I live in a apartment so I can be reworking the plumbing lol. The tank is located in the kitchen so the sink is right nearby. Is there any simple to install and remove systems I can kinda hide under the sink?
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
Yeah there's some simple adapters you can use on the valve under the sink to hook them up. And then just remove them once you're gone.

Or if you have a washing machine hook up. There are adapters or splitters you can use there as well.
 
lmforbis

lmforbis

Well-Known Member
I bought mine from Bulk Reef Supply. It came with a number of different adapters. Some you attach to the faucet some to the plumbing. I used a T that attaches between the cold water shut off and the supply line to the faucet. Just unscrewed the supply line and put the T in then put back together. Attached the RODI system and was ready to make water.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
There's also a filter called a tap water filter. It's basically just an deionizer. Normally these are not cost efficient because the ion beads are not cheap. But after looking at the Pequannock water report it seems your tap water TDS hovers around 100. Not good enough for straight usage but the TWF could be a good choice to get purified water for your system.

Just an alternative thought to the above post, which is also a good choice.
 
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ianb

New Member
bang guy said:
There's also a filter called a tap water filter. It's basically just an deionizer. Normally these are not cost efficient because the ion beads are not cheap. But after looking at the Pequannock water report it seems your tap water TDS hovers around 100. Not good enough for straight usage but the TWF could be a good choice to get purified water for your system.

Just an alternative thought to the above post, which is also a good choice.
Click to expand...
You mean like a Brita that threads right on the faucet?
http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Faucet-Filter-Chrome-FM-3700B/dp/B0009CEKY6/ref=lp_680337011_1_2?s=kitchen-bath&ie=UTF8&qid=1457541329&sr=1-2
 
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ianb

New Member
2quills said:
Yeah there's some simple adapters you can use on the valve under the sink to hook them up. And then just remove them once you're gone.

Or if you have a washing machine hook up. There are adapters or splitters you can use there as well.
Click to expand...
I have my washing machine in the kitchen.
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
Here's one that hooks right to the faucet tap. Another one you can hook up to your washing machine valve if you use a typical garden hose splitter

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lmforbis

lmforbis

Well-Known Member
Does your washing machine hook up to your sink faucet or is there a separate washer hook up. If it is separate you can get a brass valve in the garden department at Home Depot or other similar stores that is essentially a Y with a ball valve on both sides. One for the washer one for the RO system. I used to hook mine up that way.
I was looking for pics but 2quills beat me to it.
You might want to watch this video.
http://www.**************.com/video/view/how-to-choose-an-ro-system/
You might find some helpful info.
 
geridoc

geridoc

Well-Known Member
Take a look at airwaterice.com. You can call them, and they are very helpful and knowledgeable. My AWI system must be 15 years old, and they still provide me with free repairs and replacement parts (the TDS meter wire broke, and they replaced the unit with a newer design, no charge.)
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
One additional advantage to a full multi-stage RO/DI is that you can use the RO water for drinking if you buy a storage tank and you can split the DI output to your ice maker for crystal clear ice cubes.
 
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