New salt tank equipment

[TMartinez]

While not monster status I'm starting my first saltwater/reef tank in a 29 gallon aquarium. My question is about getting all the right equipment for a proper setup. I currently have 20 lbs of live gravel and 20 lbs of live rock in the tank. I'm using 2 hanging filters. Both Aquatech one is a 5-15 gallon and the other is 20-40 gallon. In terms of lighting i have a Coralife Lunar T5 H.O.I just ordered a Koralia Evolution 750 circulation pump, a Hydor The 150w heater and a digital timer to control it all. Is there anything else I will need?

I know alot of people say protein skimmers and RODI filtration systems but do I need that for a little 29 gallon?

I currently have a Talbot Damselfish in there as my tester fish and he's been alive for 48 hrs so that's always a good sign

 

[sikoko]

you seem to have everything perfect.

 

[TMartinez]

Do you think the hang on back filters are adequate? I mean I bought them from wal-mart three years ago when I had a fresh water tank. The filter media is the same for both fresh and salt?

 

[FLESHY]

I would do a HOT filter rated for like 50g on a 29g when it comes to saltwater. Just run some filter floss and chemical filtration....like purigen after your tank is cycled.

 

[TMartinez]

Dumb question but what is a HOT filter?

 

[nonstophoops]

Dumb question but what is a HOT filter?

Hang on tank like you have.

You should be ok with the two filters you have on there now. You could play with the media you use because you have 2. I would run carbon in one and you could do something like Fleshy was referring to in the other. The 750 gph powerhead will do the trick in moving the water around.

I strongly recommend protein skimmers, but they are not absolutely necessary. You will need to pay closer attention to water quality and possibly do water changes with more frequency.

The one thing I would change in your setup is the "gravel". If it is indeed gravel it will be too large and trap lots of detritus/waste. I would remove it if possible and put in an argonite based sand. Keep the depth under an inch with the sand and you will be good to go.

The RODI is definitely not necessary. It helps keep algae growth down because you are introducing less phosphate and nitrate with your water. You will get by just fine without it though.

 

[TMartinez]

I'm currently just running the replaceable filters that the brand makes... Is that bad? Also do they make protein skimmers for a 29 gallon tall? Most the ones I've seen were for larger tanks.

Gravel was a bad word. It's the agro-sand stuff they sell at the marine store..

 

[nonstophoops]

I'm currently just running the replaceable filters that the brand makes... Is that bad? Also do they make protein skimmers for a 29 gallon tall? Most the ones I've seen were for larger tanks.

Gravel was a bad word. It's the agro-sand stuff they sell at the marine store..

That stuff works, it is just filled with carbon most likely.

They do make protein skimmers for 29 gallon tanks. You will want one rated for more than your tank size anyway. If you do decide to buy one for this setup I would not buy a cheap one, they aren't worth the money cause they don't work well. Either don't get one or spend and get a good one. The Aqua C Remora is a very good skimmer that both Fleshy and I like a lot. It is perfect for beginners because you don't have to adjust it at all really like a lot of skimmers for it to work.

Glad to hear that you have the proper sand.