Day one! Got a uniaquarium for Christmas. 35 gal. Hex. What next!?

scubakristy

scubakristy

New Member
Alright, it has been ten years since I had an aquarium. And never had a saltwater. But the time has come. I have been disappointed in the informational material that came with the tank. I want to make a reef tank. I have read all about add & wait fish less cycling. As far as I can tell, I need a heater, a skimmer, and lights.... This is where I need help. What kind of lights do I get? I want coral eventually. Also, I was looking at a coralife skimmer, it says it can be sump hook up. What does that mean? Does that mean it can be submerged in the open spot in the uniaquarium? A lot of this stuff is really hard for newbies that don't understand the lingo. With all that said, I am dreaming of the day I can sit and watch my beautiful tank for hours! Thank you for your help!
 
geridoc

geridoc

Well-Known Member
Congratulations, and welcome to the hobby! You will find lots of very well informed and helpful people here. One of them has posted a guide to salt water aquaria. Read that, and everything else you can find. As for your specific questions:
1. Lights - since you are planning on corals, the more the better. HO, metal halide or LED will be what you will need (hold onto your wallet, lights are expensive).
2. Sump - is a separate container of water shared with your display tank. It is a place to put equipment like a skimmer, heater, etc. It also increases your total eater volume, which helps stabilize water parameters.
3. Skimmer- Do not immerse a skimmer in your display - it will take up too much room and possibly fill the tank with bubbles. If you do not do a sump look for a skimmer that can hang onto the outside of the tank (will be abbreviated "HOB").
You will also need a hydrometer and water test kits for ammonium and nitrate. Also, locate a source of reverse osmosis water (will be abbreviated "RODI") to use to mix your salt and to replace evaporative loss.
Most of all - keep asking questions! This is a complex hobby with lots of opportunity to make fatal mistakes. Everyone here has made them, and we will try to help you to avoid making them yourself.
 
scubakristy

scubakristy

New Member
Thank you so much. I am going to take it nice and slow...one step at a time. 10 questions for each step! Lol! Merry Christmas!
 
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