10 gal reef equipment question

7days

7days

Member
Can anyone tell me what the essentials are for setting up a reef system in a 10 gallon tank? I have two fish in my tank right now and would like to turn it into a reef over time (the fish are reef safe). Also I hear a lot about live sand/rock. I have crushed coral as my substrate right now, should I change? What exactly is ls and lr?
I would like to buy good equipment so it will take time for this project because money is a factor. So if something is reeaallly essential (like lights?) please point that out! Thanks for your suggestions.
 
oceandream

oceandream

Member
Live Rock and Live Sand are natural means of filtration. They contain beneficial bacteria to help turn ammonia into nitrites and nitrites into nitrates. The nitrates are then taken out by weekly water changes.
They also contain microorganisms to help scavenge the tank for dead animals, if any, and uneaten food. This is from what I have read on these boards, hope I helped some.
 
bigarn

bigarn

Active Member
I would go with LS instead of crushed Coral. If you plan on having corals in there your going to need PC (Power Compact) lighting.
For filtration you can go with a good hangon filter and a powerhead.:yes:
 
N

nyyanks514

Guest
I am also planning on setting up a 10g...what kind of PC should I look for? Ive seen alot of places selling the small 9w PC fixtures, so i guess id need 3 or 4 bulbs to light it...any suggestions anyone?
 
marvida

marvida

Member
2X28/32w PC is a nice set up. You can squeeze 3 of these over a 10. With 2 or 3 28/32's you can do softies & some LPS. Another option you might think about is a 70w HQI metal halide. This would open the door for about anything. 70w retro's have been selling on ----. A small skimmer is a nice touch & an auto top off system will be needed if you go with any sensitive species.
 
7days

7days

Member
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. I have replaced my CC with LS and also added 10lbs of LR. I am getting lighting now. It will be about 56-64w total I believe. But I only plan on having simple things like zoos, shrooms, leathers, etc.
Thanks again!
 
cliffrouse11bas

cliffrouse11bas

Active Member
For a 10 gallon tank a great lighting choice is the 96 watt powerquad just make sure you buy the legs so you can mount it on your tank. You can get these lights for 88 bucks plus shipping.
 
7days

7days

Member
Thanks for those sites. I don't know how I missed them in my search :notsure: I may speed up my upgrade of the lights at those prices. I wish I had found those before purchasing the eclipse. If I had that money back, I would surely get that 96w hood. But enough whining.
One more question. Is there any danger in "bleaching" corals with 96w in a 10 gal?
 
moray345

moray345

Active Member
no it is not going to bleach your corals i have the 96w powerquad (great lights) they really do not limit you over a 10 gallon
HTH,
Moray345
 
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