just bought my first saltwater tanks

derekbsu

derekbsu

New Member
I just bought some saltwater tanks and I got parts that I do not know how to use
this is one of the skimmers I got and I was wondering if someone could tell me how to use it
 
geridoc

geridoc

Well-Known Member
Welcome to the site, and to the hobby. That item is a protein skimmer. The proper use for it at startup is to put it in a drawer somewhere, for now. Tell us more about your set-up and your goals for the tank and we will give you more guidance on when/how to use it and, (since we are always long-winded) lots of other information too.
 
derekbsu

derekbsu

New Member
I just purchased a couple tanks and this is what i got. I have a 50 gallon 36x18 inch tank. A 35 gallon hexagon tank. Two fluval 304 pumps. A whiser filter for up to 60 gallons. An aquatech 20-40 filter. The Skimmer i pictured above and a red sea Prizm skimmer. Heaters for the tanks and lights for the tanks. also i think there are three powerheads. I would like to get the 50 gallon tank set up first and once i get it going and figure everything out then set up the 35 gallon. i want to have a reef tank in the 50 gallon. I think i want to start with two clownfish (a percula and another kind or maybe 2 perculas.) and then build my tank around them. Thanks for the help.
 
geridoc

geridoc

Well-Known Member
You are right, I did miss that. A hex might be fun to try to convert, but a lot of work that could be better spent elsewhere.

Back to your original question: That skimmer can only be used in a sump. There are hang-on-back (HOB) skimmers, but for the most part they are not very effective. After your tank is up and going (cycled, and populated) you would add the skimmer, but not before. What kind of lights do you have for the 50 gallon tank? That will determine what kind of corals you can house.
 
derekbsu

derekbsu

New Member
Its a coralife light with a 34" 10,000k bulb in it and i also have a second bulb to go in it that is a 50/50 bulb.
 
geridoc

geridoc

Well-Known Member
You can probably house some of the moderate-light requiring corals with those lights, probably not anenomes, certainly not clams. Be sure that the bulbs are fresh - I change mine every 6 months (that reminds me...it's time to order a new set, there goes a big chunk of $$$).
 
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