New tank in the works

[AlA]

Hi everyone, I am starting a new tank by the end of the summer and wanted to post some info on my planned setup to see if anyone had any suggestions, etc. I'm looking to have a pair of clowns and some softies and lps. Maybe sps and an anenome at some point too.

I am not completely new to sw; I had a tank with a few fish and corals 8 years ago while I was a student. Being pretty low budget back then, I skimped on so many things that the tank wasn't very successful. This time I want to do it right.

Here's what I have so far:

ADA 60-P 18 gallon tank
Typhoon III rodi

Here's what I'm buying in the coming weeks:

Ai Sol Blue LEDs
Vortech Mp10 ES
Fluval G3 cannister filter with lilypipes
Hydor 200watt inline heater
ESV salt

I'm not using any substrate; I like the BB look (especially after seeing this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5MqxHR7sHI&feature=youtube_gdata_player).

I plan on putting probably 15lbs dry rock and 15 lbs LR in there, maybe less. And am thinking about positioning the mp10 pretty low in the tank to kick up detritus so the filter can take care of it. I'm not sure what I will run in my filter though

I'll do 3-4 gallon water changes every week.

And at some point when I can get my hands on a mame skimmer I'll add that.

Anyways let me know what you guys think!

 

[shaun11423]

i love your ratio of filtering to display tank, nice setup!

 

[MatthewScars]

That MP10 will be insanely strong in an 18g. Just be careful on that.

I'd always go sump before canister. A lot less work.

 

[sillysidewinder]

Hey. I'm excited to see your tank come together. Just a few notes, I've only really heard negative things about canister filters. I fell in love with the mame skimmer myself, but it's older technology which matters to some people and you probably will need a few of them. I'm not sure that you'll need the intensity that the ai sol provides. Maybe look into the ai sol nano, although I'm not positive it will spread your whole tank. Also, don't skimp on the heater. Get a good reliable heater. I hope this helps.

 

[jaa1456]

I would say go with a larger tank if you can. 18 gallons is small and will fill up in not time. And your fish selection will be minimal for that size tank. I would suggest something along the lines of 30 gallons. Unless there is no room for a bigger tank.

 

[AlA]

Hi everyone, thanks for the responses!

I chose the ada 18 gallon bc it's about all i can handle in my current apartment, which is why i'm also running it sumpless. Plus i love the aesthetics of it, which is pretty important to me. I'll rely on weekly WCs to keep all levels in check, and eventually biological filtration through LR.

I have too heard bad things about canister filters running bio balls, but i am thinking about using the filter more for just the detritus straining ability of it, and less chemical filtration. I am toying with the idea of putting rubble inside it; does anyone have any ideas for that I should put in the canister?

Also, is the hydor 200watt inline heater a good heater? My only restriction is that the heater used is an inline heater so i can keep it out of the tank. Basically, the only thing i want to see in my tank hardware-wise are the lilypipes and the vortech.

Thanks!