Will it work?

[echang86]

I plan on getting my first marine setup. Will this set up work:
30 Gallon
-HOB Filter
-Heater
-Power Head
I will be keeping live sand, live rock, and some easy beginner fish.
Some more questions:
-Is the protein skimmer mandatory?
-I was skimming through a book at the library and it had diagrams of a set up that required all these huge pipes and over flow things. Is there some kind of set up where I only have equipment HOB styles?
- What power head will I need for a 30 gallon?
- What power filter will I need?
- Are there any easy hardy beginner fish you recommend?

 

[rasnme]

I may not have the best set up, like some other ppl have but mine works for me.. I have a 30 gal in mine I have a 330 penguin filter, 301 powerhead, heater LR and CC and I do have a skimmer an love it also I just upgraded to better lighting for some soft corals I wanted... Start with a clown they are hardy and cute :yes: ... I have a few damsels but they can be a pain... Good luck with your set up hope all works out for you,, let us know how it's going ..

 

[rasnme]

heres a pic of my tank, I think the fish were being shy :notsure:

 

[echang86]

That looks so nice, will my tank work without the skimmer?

 

[echang86]

I have another question. My local fish store sells Saltwater taken from the ocean. How is that vs. the mixed at home water?

 

[rasnme]

thank you,, from what I know yes it will work with out a skimmer but when u start to see the little white foam bubbles u might what to think about getting one,, it's helped my tank it has taken out a lot of the yuck out of the tank ..... the lfs water that they sell is good to use when u need to and if u have the money to buy it all the time,,, I also have heard that it can cause red slime.. I have used the saltwater from the store works for me,, but now I am makeing my saltwater (save the money for corals/fish :yes: )

 

[scotts]

e86,
I run a 60 gallon tank with only hang on filters, but yes I do have a skimmer. You might not need one for 3 or 4 months if you decide to get one. I personally would recommend one, but I am not expert.
Water from the ocean? How far out at sea and do they cure it before they sell it. From what I have heard they should let it sit at least 2 weeks in a dark container to kill any bugs that might be in there. Stuff that they ocean can handle your tank may not be able to handle.
BTW where is So Cal are you. Thousand Oaks myself.
Scott

 

[echang86]

I live in Arcadia. It's in the San Gabriel Valley very very close to LA

 

[bobbyzat]

echang86- Don't let the fact that it comes from your LFS fool you into thinking that it is great water. Many LFSs will sacrafice your tnak to make a buck. I am not saying it is bad, but I would be nervous about ocean water. I have always been taught not to add anything to my tank without testing for it first, and unless you have sunscreen and diesel fuel test kits, you may never know. ALso, some things that may be in it may not show up until after a while when they build up to deadly concentrations, and are stuck in your sand and rocks, and impossible to let out. With that said, I am not trying to scare you, but look into making your own saltwater, you'll know whats in it, and probably save money too. Just my thoughts tho.

 

[echang86]

Thanks. I'll have to think about it now. There are two major reasons why I want to do saltwater from the ocean. 1. I don't trust myself and I'm afraid I might screw up the water. 2. I'm lazy. But thanks for bringing it up. I think I'm just going to make my own water than.
BTW, off topic but what is your MOS in the USMC? I've signed up for the One Year Delay Entry program and I'll be leaving for Camp Pendleton next year right after I graduate High School.