Basic tank setup idea

[jelly crab]

I think this is at least the third or forth time I've considered getting a tank, and for whatever reason, they seem to be sent to the back burner. However, I had an idea to start one again, a very simple one really.
a 24gal nano with a green dragonet. I realize that this isn't really a "starter" fish, however I am not new to aquariums, just SW. Also, I'd give the tank a good bit of time to develop a copious pod population. I'd also like to house a few zoa colonies, Duncans, and mushrooms. A very simple setup in mind here. I plan to purchase 24gal JBJ and run with it.
Specifications:
* Dimensions: 18" (L) x 19.6" (W) x 19.7" (H)
* Capacity: 24 gallons
* Power Supply: AC110V-60Hz
* Pump (included): 266 GPH
* Lighting: (2) 36 Watt 50/50 CF Lamp, (2) Nite Vu LED Moonlights
Is there any advice anyone could give me? This will take a bit of time as this is going to be in my dorm, and I'll have to wait until next paycheck to begin anything.
For starters I plan to get about 35lbs of LR and 20lbs of black Tahitian sand. Beyond that, I don't know if I'll need anything along the lines of skimmers, heaters/chillers, etc. I feel I will more than likely have to upgrade to a MH system for the coral. If there's anything any of you can recommend as far as certain products, cost range, etc, I'm all ears. Thank you for any and all assistance.

 

[mr. limpid]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jelly Crab http:///t/394658/basic-tank-setup-idea#post_3512722
I think this is at least the third or forth time I've considered getting a tank, and for whatever reason, they seem to be sent to the back burner. However, I had an idea to start one again, a very simple one really.
a 24gal nano with a green dragonet. I realize that this isn't really a "starter" fish, however I am not new to aquariums, just SW. Also, I'd give the tank a good bit of time to develop a copious pod population. I'd also like to house a few zoa colonies, Duncans, and mushrooms. A very simple setup in mind here. I plan to purchase this JBJ 24gal and run with it.
http://www.aquacave.com/JBJ-24-Gallon-Deluxe-Nano-Cube-2-x-36W-w2-Nite-Vu-LED-Moonlights-P1799.aspx
Is there any advice anyone could give me? DON'T DO IT This will take a bit of time as this is going to be in my dorm, and I'll have to wait until next paycheck to begin anything.
For starters I plan to get about 35lbs of LR and 20lbs of black Tahitian sand. Beyond that, I don't know if I'll need anything along the lines of skimmers, heaters/chillers, etc. I feel I will more than likely have to upgrade to a MH system for the coral. If there's anything any of you can recommend as far as certain products, cost range, etc, I'm all ears. Thank you for any and all assistance.
Nano are not simply due to it size you need to monitor them daily and there are subject to environmental changes quickly. As for a mandarin in a 24gal tank unless you plan on having a 80gal refuge I won't do it.

 

[jelly crab]

I'm looking on Craigslist at possibly a ~50gal tank. I can have up to 55 in the dorms. If I were to do that, what lighting setup would I need for "medium" light? I'm thinking of having the same coral setup as before. Also, what would I need along the lines of skimmers, heaters/chillers, decent flow, filter, fuge, etc? If I can get a tank for semi cheap, I won't need a stand, so I'll pull the trigger on it. I also have a decent LFS that does both FW and SW, and a guy in the dorms that goes there a lot for his tank. I'm going to go there later today actually, so I'll speak with them a bit.

 

[mr. limpid]

if you go 55gal tank you'll need a 55gal refuge, see were I'm going here. To have a mandarin live a long and healthy life you need a mature 100gal system full of pods. Lighting type depends on the type of coral you are LPS or SPS.

 

[jelly crab]

That takes the mandarin out of the equation then. I'm looking at LPS, zoas, and mushrooms.

 

[mr. limpid]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jelly Crab http:///t/394658/basic-tank-setup-idea#post_3512797
That takes the mandarin out of the equation then. I'm looking at LPS, zoas, and mushrooms.
thank you for being responsible. As for lighting you don't need a strong light but better than the basic, like T5's or 1watt LED's. In a nut shell T5's cheap up front cost but cost more to replace bulbs, LED's cost more up front but bulbs last for 50,000 hours. Personal I like LED's.

 

[jelly crab]

Spoke with my LFS today about entertaining the thought of a 50gal reef tank, basically the price broke down as such:
Tank-Whatever I can find on craigslist
T5's-$200 (accurate?)
Heater-$60
Skimmer-$100
Filtration (sump/possible fuge)-$100-$150
That being said, I'm switching back to my original 24gal nano plan, and I will be stocking it with a pair of snowflakes. I plan to order the tank next Friday, starting a countdown now! For lighting, I'll look for upgrades to T5 (unless it isn't necessary). Beyond that, I'm set; any tips for cycling a nano that I can't find from simple research?

 

[mr. limpid]

Basic tips: Fill tank with RO/DI water and salt mix to desired gravity. Add heater and filtration (with out media). Wait till desired temp is reached, add sand then LR. Add raw shrimp in nylon bag add filter media (not if you are using charcoal). Leave in tank till you get a 1.0 reading on ammonia test kit, them remove shrimp. Test daily till ammonia reads 0 then ghost feed as if there is 1 fish in tank. Wait till nitrate and nitrite readings are 0 to add 1 fish.

 

[jelly crab]

And that fish could be anything? Is that when it would be ok to add a Picasso?

 

[mr. limpid]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jelly Crab http:///t/394658/basic-tank-setup-idea#post_3512910
And that fish could be anything? Is that when it would be ok to add a Picasso?
Clown fish, yes. Picasso trigger, no

 

[jelly crab]

2 snowflakes or Picassos, but yes, Perculas. Also looking into a ring of fire rock anemone. After that it'll be an LPS nano-reef. Thank you for all the information.
Tank (includes lighting, and filtration)--- $225
Odyssea Lighting --- $55
Skimmer --- $45
Heater --- $25
LR/LS --- $150
TOTAL --- $500 startup
For lighting it only has 2x 36W CF's, so there's a good chance that I'll be upgrading. I found an Odyssea T5 setup with 4x 18W bulbs; 2x 12000K, and 2x Actinic, also has 4 LEDs.

 

[mr. limpid]

If the Fire Rock Anomone is part of the Phymanthidae family, then your light is ok.

 

[prin1113ci]

A healthy fish tank is set up care for fish becomes largely a matter of keeping good . You are going to have to get used to the idea that a healthy aquarium can't be rushed .
BJJ Gi UK