questions about a new system

[BCReefer]

I am looking at purchasing a Sea Clone Skimmer that sits on the back of the tank. The skimmer is good up to 100G and I will be putting it on a 33G. I am also looking at getting a 36” Power Compact Oceanic light that gives out 110W. a 2nd would be added at a later date if needed.

1. Would this be sufficient for me to start having some corals and frags? I will also have about 40 – 45 lbs of LR. Currently I have a FOWLR and I have no other mechanical filtration system.

2. If I purchase all this on the weekend how long do I need to run before adding corals? I will be using the water and rock from my 27 G tanks that has been running for 4 months. Not rushing here, just would like some comments.

3. Lastly I am really getting confused with all the equipment available. I have read Conc. Marine and a John Tullock book. Both go heavy into equipment. I have learnt from my pass mistakes so my ultimate end tank would only have 2 – 4 fish with corals. So my final question is a simple do I really, really need any more equipment.

Please help because sometimes I feel like a boat going around and around in circles.


PS
I don’t have the room or stand that would allow me to have a sump.

Thanks

 

[Al Z]

BCReefer
If you do a search on Seaclone you will find many complaints. My advice is to mail order a CPR bakpak. This is also a hang on the back design. It's not a huge, hi-tech skimmer but it is sturdy, problem free, and will easily handle a 33 gallon. When you buy it, get also the surface skimmer designed to fit over the intake pump - this will prevent any film from forming on the surface of the water. As for 110 watts for your size tank, you will be alright with mushroom corals and some polyps, and macroalgae. For stony corals you'd definitely need more light.
There's no need to go heavily into equipment - that's mostly for automating things you can do yourself, like top-off, or checking water conditions. A sump isn't neccessary either.
You really need only a good heater (ebo jager is often recommended), a couple of powerheads for circulation, and the skimmer, plus the live rock you already have. If you have the cash, a wavemaker hooked up to the powerheads will provide your pets with more natural currents. If you are going to get a wavemaker, get powerheads that can be used with one (Maxi-Jets, for example. Most powerheads are not designed to be constantly turned on and off.).
As for how long before you're ready, if you're just moving live rock and sand to another aquarium, give everything a week or so to settle down. The aforementioned mushroom corals can be used to test how suitable the new conditions are, but remember they can get to be pests once they start to spread throughout your tank.

[ October 31, 2001: Message edited by: Al Z ]</p>