First time reefer!!

[chefstylez]

Hi all!!!

My name is Mark and im new to reefing and saltwater. I have a 29 gallon high running a hang on marineland 280 with bio wheel. I have no light fixture or heater yet. Im on my first week of cycling and have about 20#'s of live rock sorry no pics.

I want to invest in a lighting system that i dont have to dig very deep onto the pockets for willing to spend anywhere from 200-250 for lighting.

I also want to invest in a skimmer and sump. Couple of friends said to buy skimmer and build a sump under my tank with a 20 gallon, I have no clue where to start. I saw a backpack skimmer for 200 is that worth it or is it just a waste of money.

Thanks, and im excited for the future and happy to be part of this family!!

 

[creo568]

Welcome to MR Mark :happysad:.take a look in the diy treads you might find something that can help you.

 

[alfani]

$200 for a bakpak is a bit much

i think someone here was selling a remora, if not then go to eBay to find a new one for $180

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Welcome to MR. If you're gonna go with a sump don't waste your money on a bakpak skimmer. Get a nice in sump skimmer that will work MUCH better.

 

[chefstylez]

Thanks all, yeah i was guessing that about the sump. I dont know if I have the room underneath the tank for a 20 gallon high to put into my stand.

I was just wondering if a sump is needed for a 29 gallon tank thanks.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Hi there.

I think a sump is always good especially in the smaller tank because it can take away most of the unsightly equipment from the tank and provide you a center of maintenance-auto top off, adding additives, water change, heating the water chilling the water .......

Furthermore, if you go DIY, email me, I like to exchange DIY ideas and experiences

 

[charile1]

Welcome to MR. If you delete the Mets logo you can have my cpr skimmer for free. :joke: But, the skimmer is still free. All you need is a pump and venturi hose. Let me know.

 

[daisy]

Isn't this site rockin? I love MR!

Welcome and enjoy!

Best of luck -

-daisy

 

[chefstylez]

Charlie,

What is that skimmer rated for and is it viable to put in a 20 gallon sump.

Why free?

 

[NYreefNoob]

mr and welcome

cause the cpr is junk that's why it is free. there's a few member's here with 29's. i had one before my upgrade. you can always get a hob refugium. the reason a sump would be better is it give's you more water volume. and an area for other thing's including a sump. if not then id suggest the remora or remora pro hob skimmer. as for light's it depends on what you want to be able to keep. i would go with a 4 bulb t5's someone has a fixture for sale on here. if you are on week 2 wait another month, dont rush thing's and do alot of reading it will save you alot of money getting to where you want to be. invest in quality stuff so yo dont end u buying thing's 2-3 or 4 time's as you go. hope that helps some

 

[marki24]

Just be aware that you dont need a sump. There are many very and i mean very successful tanks here on MR that dont run any sumps and their tanks are amazing. Get a good skimmer.

 

[reefman]

Charlie,

What is that skimmer rated for and is it viable to put in a 20 gallon sump.

Why free?

its free cause charlie's a nice guy n wants to help a newbie out.

 

[marki24]

Be aware that i got one from him and it spreads very easy so it could either be good or bad depending on what you like and want.

 

[Awibrandy]

Welcome to MR!!!!!!!
Kindness runs rampent on this site!! This is more then a site for info. We are a family for the most part. Charlie is one of those. You can use that skimmer until you can afford an upgrade.
Many different opinions here also. Choose the one that works for you. For instance people here I don't like my skimmer (Turboflotor Multi 1000), I happen to love it. It works fine for me.
Best of all to you, and your new adventure.

 

[rfc]

My tank is a only 16 months old but it is a 29G (30x12x18). My equipment is nothing fancy or too expensive. Here is my setup to give you some ideas


Tank- 29G display with a 15G sump
50 pounds of live rock
30 pounds of aragonite sand
250W PFO minipendant metal halide with 14K phoenix DE. Icecap electronic ballast
65W PC actinics
lifereef overflow box
Mag 7 return pump from sump
Tunze 6025 and maxijet 1200 powerheads (total turnover with everything ~ 44X)
Fluval 205 canister for carbon (change carbon every 2 weeks)
DIY oak panals and canopy
Ebay RODI setup
Jaeger Heater
Coralife Super Skimmer 65 in sump

Tankmates - 2 clowns, watchman goby, firefish, cleaner shrimp, crocea clam

Corals - softies, LPS, SPS

Maintaince - 5 gallon water changes every 7 days. Add CA Buffer 2 part every other day. Carbon changed every 2 weeks. Top off daily. Fish are feed mostly dry food. Phytofeast live every other day


Best advice - Listen to the Pros at this board. They are helpful and knowledgable. Take it slow and easy. I think I added 1 or two corals a month.

Regards

RFC

 

[chefstylez]

rfc,

I actually was looking at your setup yesterday for a way to gauge mine. I am getting a coralife skimmer dont know what model and a cannister for carbon only also.

Is that 15 gallon enough of a sump? Im probably gonna steal the idea of your whole setup!!!! thanks a bunch!!!

Did you have to drill any holes anywhere in your main tank and sump for any overflow or return?

Your tank looks beautiful.

 

[junglebase]

Hey Mark, welcome to MR... nice group of guys in here!

RFC, nice tank in there!