30 gal mini reef

[weazil]

I'm currently getting ready to setup a 30 gal mini reef. Should I let the tank cycle then add the LR, or should I just add in the LR and let that cycle the tank. I'm not in any rush to set it up.
I've currently got one 301 ph, and a seaclone skimmer, that im gonna take off my 92 gal when I upgrade it, and I have a melenium 3000 for mechanical filtration if need be. 2 55w PC's for light, running at 9.325k. ive currently got 45lbs of sand for a dsb. oh and a 350w heater.
If theres anything I'm missing for this startup let me know. I'm looking to do a mini reef as stated, with a few fish, was hoping to put a flame angel and maybe some other small guys. maybe a clown or something little, stil gotta look around for little guys. I know flames are hit or miss so i might do a coral beuty.
all comments welcome.

 

[salisbury a d]

Sounds good but the whole purpose of the cycle is to mature your filter and cure the Live rock. So add the live rock to cycle. Other wise it would be twice as long.
Adam

 

[fender]

If you are going to get UNcured LR, use it to cycle your tank, otherwise, wait.
That heater is a little big. If it sticks you may boil everything in the tank.
The rest looks good. Good Luck!

 

[weazil]

thanks for the quick replies,
Fender: yea I know its a bit big, it came off my 75 gal, i replaced the 75's with a full metal one, I'll prolly drop down to something smaller but its there just for now to get the temp up.
I guess I'll order some Rock form swf.com tongiht then...

 

[burnnspy]

You need more powerheads for better flow.
Check out my 29gal Reef website for more detailed info.
BurnNSpy

 

[weazil]

so I should add a 2nd power head to the opposite side? another 301? one high, one low, one aimed toward the front glass and the other towards the back?
making if flow in a circle?

or should i just have them both on the same side just top and bottom aim in the same direction?
or since I will most likely have to go buy a power head should I get one like the wave maker kind that have the mechanical aimer on it that sways from side to side?

 

[weazil]

well.... PH & Salt are were they need to be, should I bring the Cal & Alk up while I'm at it?
LR should be here next week.

 

[andymi]

You calcium should be around 400-450 and the alk should be above 2 meg/L. I put my power heads on either side at the top and pointed them toward the center to give a chaotic flow around the tank. I then added a little RIO 150 to push water around behind the live rock in my tank. Everything seems to be happy with the way I have mine setup, so there is another option.
--Andy

 

[weazil]

andy,
went got a rio 180 and a ph 301, hehe man that really got things movin...
did like you said... 2 ph's up top aimed kinda center down a little and the 180 is sittin almost on the sand shootin straight across.... now its time to buff the cal and alk. thnks for all the help... hopefully this little tank will be a reef learner and i can follow up to my 92 later....