krux
Member
I am getting ready to turn my 29 fowlr into my first reef expedition. let me preface by saying that the setup i buy i hope to be able to carry over into my next tank upgrade, in the 50-60 gallon range. ok here we go...
For approximately 300 dollars, i can buy a locally made, high quality sump, overflow, bioball, and return pump setup. also included in this price is an in sump protien skimmer (200 for sump, 100 for skimmer, purchased separately, can get a cheaper or more expensive skimmer as my final budget allows). This non-drilled solution will fit a standard sized stand (which i also will be buying, kitchen counter isnt gonna cut it any more). This system is rated according to the manufacturer/shop for 120 gallons.
Also for 300 dollars, i can purchase a 45 pound box of fiji LR, cured, "premium" live rock, a submersable pump, F.O.R.M. or MiracleMud, several species of algae, the plumbing for an over the tank gravity return, necessary drilling at the plastics shop, and a light to convert my 15 gallon acrylic into a refugium for the purpose of nitrate reduction and pod/algae production for main tank inhabitants. The LR would go in the main tank, and my assemblage of smaller pieces and rubble that currently provide habitat would move to the fuge.
Lighting will most likely be a CSL prizm pendant, 175w with 2 36 watt pc actinics.
My plan is to keep the 29 gallon for about a year, working on husbandry of some easier to keep soft corals, anenomes, mushrooms, sponges, and possibly some of the hardier LPS corals. I live near a coral propigator, and can get frags for 8 bucks, so i figured i would try my hand at several species and work on learning light placement, current placement etc before going to a larger, more expensive system.
My question is, assuming that i am not running a calcium reactor (plan to use a 2-part solution for the time being) or an ozone generator, does anyone see why one system would outperform the other? Keep in mind this will be my first attempt at anything other than fish, hermits, and snails, so i need the system to be as stable and disaster resistant as possible. Also keep in mind that I hope to transfer the rock and fuge, or the sump and skimmer, to a larger system in a year or two, once i move into a larger apartment where i will be staying for several years... most likely as stated above 60 or at a stretch 75 gallons max.
Thanks in advance for any advice or experience that you can share with me.
Ryan
For approximately 300 dollars, i can buy a locally made, high quality sump, overflow, bioball, and return pump setup. also included in this price is an in sump protien skimmer (200 for sump, 100 for skimmer, purchased separately, can get a cheaper or more expensive skimmer as my final budget allows). This non-drilled solution will fit a standard sized stand (which i also will be buying, kitchen counter isnt gonna cut it any more). This system is rated according to the manufacturer/shop for 120 gallons.
Also for 300 dollars, i can purchase a 45 pound box of fiji LR, cured, "premium" live rock, a submersable pump, F.O.R.M. or MiracleMud, several species of algae, the plumbing for an over the tank gravity return, necessary drilling at the plastics shop, and a light to convert my 15 gallon acrylic into a refugium for the purpose of nitrate reduction and pod/algae production for main tank inhabitants. The LR would go in the main tank, and my assemblage of smaller pieces and rubble that currently provide habitat would move to the fuge.
Lighting will most likely be a CSL prizm pendant, 175w with 2 36 watt pc actinics.
My plan is to keep the 29 gallon for about a year, working on husbandry of some easier to keep soft corals, anenomes, mushrooms, sponges, and possibly some of the hardier LPS corals. I live near a coral propigator, and can get frags for 8 bucks, so i figured i would try my hand at several species and work on learning light placement, current placement etc before going to a larger, more expensive system.
My question is, assuming that i am not running a calcium reactor (plan to use a 2-part solution for the time being) or an ozone generator, does anyone see why one system would outperform the other? Keep in mind this will be my first attempt at anything other than fish, hermits, and snails, so i need the system to be as stable and disaster resistant as possible. Also keep in mind that I hope to transfer the rock and fuge, or the sump and skimmer, to a larger system in a year or two, once i move into a larger apartment where i will be staying for several years... most likely as stated above 60 or at a stretch 75 gallons max.
Thanks in advance for any advice or experience that you can share with me.
Ryan
