What would you do with a 30 gal tank?

[spyderreef]

I was given a 30 gal tank with a glass top and a light strip. It also has a bow front. It was used a couple of months to winter over baby fish for a pond. I was thinking about sea horses but I am somewhat of a newbie and I was told their life span is short. I am not afraid of hard work or the challege. I also understand the money investment so I am not discourged by that either. Any other ideas?

 

[zack schwartz]

I would think if you are new I would just do a fowlr. It is a good expercence for a begginier. Once u get comfertable with it you can try a reef imo. Good luck

 

[grayne]

I started with a 30 gal fish only tank for about a year. After that I began to feel comfortable that I could take handle the resposibilities of a reef tank and I began to slowly switch the tank over to a reef. 30 gal. is a relatively small size, so I think it would be wise to have a plan for what you would like to do with it the future, and remember that whatever you add will grow and make those 30 gallons look tiny (I am constantly trying to find room in my tank to add new corals).

 

[almarktool]

well,
if you don't already have one it would make a nice hospital tank especially for those larger tangs you have in the main tank, if you already have then i would prob set it up in my bedroom or my computer room with a nice pair of clowns to keep me company while i was on this BB chatting away

 

[heavenly damsel]

Use it for a sump or a refugium.

 

[striker]

I already did it. Take a look at my signature. With enough patience, dedication and reading you'll be able to build yourself a nice looking reef tank. If you have space for a larger one that would even be better. Oh, I forgot to mention the deep pocket. sw reef tanks will definitely run your wallet dry.

 

[aileena]

I have a 29 gallon and if I were you...I would use live sand bed instead of crushed coral. I have c.c. and although its not bad I think live sand is more natural. You definetly need a protien skimmer, heater, and 2 0r 3 powerheads. CPR makes a real nice backpack skimmer. You will also need about 30pds of Live Rock. Although people say you don't need it for all-fish tanks I think that LR adds a real nice touch and helps keep nitrates lower. Not to mention all the cool stuff that grows on it after 2 or 3 months. Test kits are essential too. Get one for Amonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, KH, and Ph!!! Later when you add corals get calcium test kit.
I have only had my 29 gallon for 4 months and have spent about 500$ on everything...good luck!

 

[broomer5]

spyderreef
Set the tank up as a macro algae growing machine.
Grow several species of Caulerpa.
You got the tank, lights already.
Toss in an inexpensive filter and some saltwater/heater and you're ready to go.
Sell the caulerpa online or to lfs.
Use the profits to either upgrade your 125 or go buy more corals.

 

[spyderreef]

Thanks everybody for your input. I have not yet decided what I will do with my tank. I appreciate all of your advice.