Hello everyone,
Long time lurker and purchaser of various tanks but rarely have posted. I've been in the hobby for about 10 years but have never switched over to salt simply because of fear. I keep large Cichlids, Midas, Chanchos, Frontosa, Oscars, ETC, ETC but never kept a single saltwater tank. Well, I'm ready to take the plunge. With that said I'm doing some research on a few things and want to run it by some of you more seasoned folks. I have a 36 gallon bow front id like to start with. Tank is not drilled, and the location it currently sits in would not be feasible to add a sump. So with that said I have been looking into some of the tidal filters due to there skimming system. I've also saw some hang on the back skimmers as well. As of right now to get my feet wet I'm thinking of a FOWLR tank with grow outs. I do have long term goals of going from this tank to a 72 gallon bow front, and lastly a 180 gallon bow front. The 180 is setup with a sump however that will have to be upgraded due to it being an older trickle style. I have all 3 tanks and don't plan on getting rid of them unless I buy one bigger but that's my long term goals. So with that said, here is what I'm thinking for the 36.
Tidal filter.... I was thinking of doing 2 Tidal 55's. Good Idea?
I already have a good digital heater with Tru temp
Hang on the back skimmer.... Good idea or overkill? If good idea, any suggestions for one that doesn't take up a lot of space? I have about 8 inches behind the tank.
Some sort of live sand you buy in a bag.... Suggestions?
40LBS of Purple coral rock I know will have to cycle.
Lastly lighting. The 36 gallon is 30 inches wide with a center brace. Since I know ill be updating to the 72 in a few months to a year, maybe something I can add more later to match.
Once the tank is cycled and stable id like to get an emperor angel (baby), wife wants a powder blue tang? Is this feasible? I could be reaching but what about a snow flake eel? Remember id like to start them all as babies and grow them out to eventually put in my 180.
I am in no sense of the word wealthy but I want a good running setup and would like to start out right, any and suggestions are welcome.
Thanks,
Jay
Long time lurker and purchaser of various tanks but rarely have posted. I've been in the hobby for about 10 years but have never switched over to salt simply because of fear. I keep large Cichlids, Midas, Chanchos, Frontosa, Oscars, ETC, ETC but never kept a single saltwater tank. Well, I'm ready to take the plunge. With that said I'm doing some research on a few things and want to run it by some of you more seasoned folks. I have a 36 gallon bow front id like to start with. Tank is not drilled, and the location it currently sits in would not be feasible to add a sump. So with that said I have been looking into some of the tidal filters due to there skimming system. I've also saw some hang on the back skimmers as well. As of right now to get my feet wet I'm thinking of a FOWLR tank with grow outs. I do have long term goals of going from this tank to a 72 gallon bow front, and lastly a 180 gallon bow front. The 180 is setup with a sump however that will have to be upgraded due to it being an older trickle style. I have all 3 tanks and don't plan on getting rid of them unless I buy one bigger but that's my long term goals. So with that said, here is what I'm thinking for the 36.
Tidal filter.... I was thinking of doing 2 Tidal 55's. Good Idea?
I already have a good digital heater with Tru temp
Hang on the back skimmer.... Good idea or overkill? If good idea, any suggestions for one that doesn't take up a lot of space? I have about 8 inches behind the tank.
Some sort of live sand you buy in a bag.... Suggestions?
40LBS of Purple coral rock I know will have to cycle.
Lastly lighting. The 36 gallon is 30 inches wide with a center brace. Since I know ill be updating to the 72 in a few months to a year, maybe something I can add more later to match.
Once the tank is cycled and stable id like to get an emperor angel (baby), wife wants a powder blue tang? Is this feasible? I could be reaching but what about a snow flake eel? Remember id like to start them all as babies and grow them out to eventually put in my 180.
I am in no sense of the word wealthy but I want a good running setup and would like to start out right, any and suggestions are welcome.
Thanks,
Jay