Originally Posted by BarbH (Post 846015)

I have been interested in doing saltwater for quite awhile now, and reading through the posts here have decided that doing a small saltwater tank would be managable. I want to keep it with something simple and not get involved with setting up a sump especially since this would be my first time with saltwater. After looking at the type of fish that I would be interested in keeping, I have decided that I would go with a 29 gallon fowlr. Here are the things that I have decided that I would need for the tank, let me know if I have missed anything.

Supply list
29 gallon tank with glass canopy and t5 fluorescent dual fixture
Glass canopy will retain heat, not advisable unless you plan on keeping jumpers
submersiable heater 150w thinking of aqueon proheater have one in my 50gal fresh which I like
:thumbsup:
2 koralia evolution pump 550
Might be a HUGE flow in that tank. 20x turnover is bottom line for a reef tank and it goes up form there. 10x turnover for a fish only. 1100 for a 29 gallon, might be a bit much.
refractometer or hydrometer I have seen that a refractometer is recommended over hydrometer what is the benifit of the refractometer over the hydrometer?
Hydrometer you stick in the tank and it fill it with water, refractometer measures alot more acurately.
40 lbs of aragonite sand
:thumbsup:
5 lbs of live rock 50 lbs of dry rock, know will probably have extra rock
:thumbsup:
saltmix, is there any brands that are better than others?
Instant Ocean, Reef Crystals are very good.
test kit
Reef Masters
will eventually add a protien skimmer when have extra $$$ but would like to be able to start on stocking before have read that with a tank this size that weekly waterchanges of 10% would be okay.
:thumbsup:

Here is a tentative thought on stocking
Jawfish Yellowhead
Court Jester Goby
Tailspot Blenny
Royal Gramma
Coral Beauty Angelfish
and possibly if would work Yellow banded possum wrasse
some snails and maybe some shrimp, would still need to figure out the clean up crew
:thumbsup:

Any major issues that anyone sees? It is very possible that stocking ideas will change, will be seeing what is also available locally, which is limited. The above stocking would be based on ordering online. This will probably take me at least 6 months or more to gather everything and to be able to setup. Thanks for your input.

Originally Posted by BarbH (Post 846490)

If I did not do the yellow banded possum wrasse, I think with the rest of my stock selection I would be fine with out having a lid. Did some more research on lighting ideas and thinking about Nova Extreme T5HO dual fixture.

How often would I need to change the tubes with a fowlr?

Originally Posted by BarbH (Post 846045)

Thanks reefing :-D Would koralia nano 240 work, 2 one on each side of the tank? Here is a link to where I am looking at Water Pumps & Wavemakers: Hydor Koralia Nano 240 & 425 From looking through the tentative stocking list the yellow banded possum wrasse is listed as a jumper. If I was not to do this fish than I think the others would be fine for not jumping. Would have to refigure how I would do the lights. At this time I am planning on using a metal stand, unless I can find a good deal on a wood stand that I like.

For my rock and sand thinking about getting it from macro rock, prices look good. Any other places online that anyone would suggest?

Also for stocking looking at liveaquaria.com for getting stock unless I can find a local place for what I would like. Is there any other places online that anyone would suggest?

Thanks :-D
Barb

Originally Posted by onefish2fish (Post 846992)

marco rock is the best. the quality of it is hard to match.

your jawfish and possibly royal gramma will jump. building a small canopy would help for this. check ebay for salinity refractometers.

your going to also need a source for RO/DI water. i personally like air,water,ice but if youll be making it from home theres plenty of options.

Originally Posted by BarbH (Post 847146)

Thanks 1fish2fish will start researching some ideas of building a canopy, will need to be something that is simple enough to make and can sit on top of the tank if I use the stand that I am thinking of. My DIY skills are limited. Along with that have limited access to tools and room for putting something together.

For my RO/DI water was planning on purchasing it, at least to start off with. Could you please explain air, water, ice? New to the salt side of things, have a book coming hopefully this week to help with learning more. Found a book by Michael Paletta The New Marine Aquarium, from what I have seen looks like it should be a good reference.