[reefnoob1991]

Hey guys, i've been doing some researching of my own for a few days and i'm about to buy a 29 gallon bio cube since i'm only 16 and fascinated with saltwater aquariums I think it'd be a great way to start myself off. What do you guys think?

[glampka]

Welcome to RB! A 29 cube is a good choice. However, once you're bitten you'll start wanting bigger. Get the largest size tank you can afford for a number of reasons - 1. You won't be kicking yourself because you want a bigger tank & 2. (Most importantly) Changes happen slower in big tanks. There's more water volume to deal with so if something is going to go wrong it takes longer to happen & it's easier to control.

[reefnoob1991]

Well see at my LFS I saw a BEAUTIFUL 29 Gal Bio Cube setup with around 1500$ of coral in the tank, so I think even with a tank not as big the possibilities are still endless. It's not so much the fact that I don't want a larger tank, it's the fact of my parents worrying...and myself trying to find the right filters, sumps, lights, etc. just too much of a hassle for a young beginner like myself. So that's why I felt a 29 Gal, although slightly smaller, is still good because it's basically self contained.

[reefnoob1991]

Also, I'm probably going to purchase it next week, found a combo deal with tank and stand for only 320$! So I'm also going to get about 50$ worth of LR to start off with but I also have another question that's been itching me. I want to add anemonies, particularly the ones with tentacles, but people tell me they'll kill the corals unless you add them first. Is that true? And how should I go about cycling the tank, I can get RO water for .50 a gallon or would it be better just to use LR to cycle it myself? Personally I'd rather do it myself just for the experience but if you guys have suggestions please tell!
Thanks, Brandon

[orestes19832003]

awww and it starts lol. I started like you i bought a 30 gallon saltwater to see what it was like, then i converted my 55 gallon freshwater because i wanted a bigger one, then i decided that didn't do it and i bought my 125 gallon and so help me if i can ever get in another house big enough for bigger u'll be seeing posts from me talking about my new bigger tank. lol. Its addictive very addictive save urself money get the biggest u can afford now because u will want more lol, but any is better than none at all a 29 gallon can be a great starter. Good luck and welcome to RB i joined not to long ago and i haven't been sorry for ever starting saltwater as long as u have patience and time to care for the livestock it can be a very rewarding hobby. Good luck my friend and welcome.

[reefnoob1991]

Thank you very much, can you answer the anemonie and RO/Tapwater question? its of dire importance lol

[glampka]

Don't use tapwater. It is full of things you don't want in your tank. It can only lead to problems down the road. Get yourself a RO/DI filter. It'll pay for itself in no time. There are a few of us that have the MightyMite from www.airwaterice.com Products and answers for your water treatment needs. It's a great little unit for $99. Sorry, can't help you out with the anemone ?

[Laura M]

I am new also and was told that if you get the anemone and you want to buy clownfish, it's best to get the clown fish and anemone together. No answer on the anemones. Sorry and good question about the water, I will have to look into getting a RO/DI filter.

[animekid1]

I'm not really new, but I know that using straight tap water is a no no. I am not investing in a rodi at this time, but a "Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Filter ". As far as the Anenomes and the Clowns go, while I personally have heard that it is best to buy them together, I would ask the sales people at the store you are purchasing your system from, along with what others here on the forum have to say. You could also just place a phone call to say " Live Aquaria.com. Here's the # By Phone: 1-800-334-3699, 7 Days a Week: 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. CST and just ask them what their advice may be. It couldn't hurt, and could help your decision making process a bit easier.

[orestes19832003]

i wouldn't use tap water i used to use it on my first couple tanks and i had high nitrates and algae problems switched to RO and distilled water and eliminated that problem. as far as the Anemone i have a friend who added the clown later after he already had the anemone and they are doing fine together, he also keeps corals and it hasn't harmed em yet they do tend to roam and may roam on the corals accidently if i got an anemone i'd place it awat from the corals.

[reefnoob1991]

The LFS owner said that the tap around here was pretty good, so I may just use that. What chemicals would I need? Also, what anemonies and corals that look good and are pretty inexpensive would you guys suggest. And one more question, what cool little tank cleaners could I add/need for a 29 gallon nano?

[jimw369]

No disrespect meant here, but the lfs said the tap water was "pretty good"? I only want to see you get whats best for your tank IMO.

[reefnoob1991]

Well I do too but that's also cost effective. Because it'd save me from paying .50$ a gallon having to redo the tank water everyweek unless I can find a cheap RO filter which I have been unsuccessful doing so

[reefnoob1991]

I found this stuff right here, R/O Right Powder - Pet Solutions what do you think? Could I just do it this way chemically?

[jimw369]

Check on Ebay. Thats where I bought my ro/di unit for $100 including shipping. I also bought a tds meter to check the water to make sure it was of good quality. I have also located a few miles from my home a store that has a machine that dispenses RO water for 25 cents a gallon. Others on RB have said some of the Walmarts have these machines just be sure and check the water with your tds meter ($20 on Ebay as well) for the quality you are after. Thats what I did until I got the RO/DI unit.

[Danakor]

Sorry the RO/DI thing is a bit of a sore spot for me. Running a 29 gallon tank is not worth it for you to set up an RO/DI system. Sorry big guys pure and simple, your water supply should not cost you more than your actually aquarium.

Now if you work at a food place, or know someone who does, get your water from there. 99% of all food preparation places OVER filter their water. in fact in my restaurant the water tests 0 for nitrate, nitrites, copper, amonnia. everything is 0 on it. So guess where I get my water......

The best thing to do is, think about things, just because you want to have a stellar tank does not mean you have to drop loads of cash and buy the best of everything. Your not Paris Hilton you don't have to buy the diamond studded leather collar for your dog.

And remember your test kit is your friend.

BTW no offense is meant to any other members about the whole RO/DI stuff.

[jimw369]

No offense taken Danakor. Thanks for the discussion. Good luck with your new tank Reefnoob! Let us know how its coming!

[reefnoob1991]

Well what about my refrigerator? It uses "Filtered ice and Water." Could I use that? I mean I know it'd be a little cold but i'm sure it'd warm up during the cycling process especially with a 50W heater I'm going to buy for 20$

[Danakor]

I would stay away from the fridge water. not sure how good the filtration is on it, not to mention you would want to heat it up prior to using it for cycling, as bacteria has a certain temperature that it will grow in and thats what cycling is for.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I just want you all to know that my hobbie is spending monie.........if after I drop a pile of cash I have a very nice aquarium....well so be it .......that way I will always be a success at my hobbie lol.

[Danakor]

Very good philosophy native. just remember you don't have to buy the rolls royce when you can get a caddy that is just as good.

[reefnoob1991]

So the best idea is to get RO water from the lfs and just refill it every week?

[MW7998]

I am Deffenintly New to this myself, but I Have always been told Tap water is a no. When I started I didnt have an RO/DI unit, so I did the next best thing and used distilled water. With distilled water running about .64 cents a Gal...for your set up it would run you just about $19. Which Is cheaper then getting the unit right away but saves you from running into trouble with algae in the future. Just grab a gal. a week to add to your tank due to evaporation.

[reefnoob1991]

Once you setup your tank and you keep buying RO water, do you need to do anything to the water or just add it into the tank?

[MW7998]

When the water level drops, its due to the freshwater evaporating. In this case you would just add your distilled water. Make sure you check your salinity or gravity because over time salt can be lost because of salt creep. When this happens you just need to mix up a gal. of saltwater to add.

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