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Starting a tank

Discussion in 'Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Region' started by jlimaye, Aug 26, 2012.

  1. Aug 26, 2012 #1
    jlimaye

    jlimaye New User

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    I'm 17 and really interested in staring my owl little 55gal reef tank.m I have been reading up on all the tips for beginners but would like some input from active experienced aquariasts. I think a trickle filter would be best but need input on any other recommendations, also specifically how to properly establish and recognize my tanks nitrogen cycle. All help appreciated!!!!
     
  2. Aug 26, 2012 #2
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    Great that you are researching all this before you buy. I would actually start a thread in the general discussion section of the forum and you should get some more response to any questions you have.
     
  3. Aug 26, 2012 #3
    Actuary Adel, IA

    Actuary Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    A trickle filter is definitely not necessary in a reef since your live rock will provide all of the needed housing for your bacteria colony instead of bioballs. As far as mechanical filtration goes you'll want to find a protein skimmer.
     
  4. Aug 26, 2012 #4
    jlimaye

    jlimaye New User

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    Ok, and I have read you can use a skimmer in addition with your filte, is that necciscary, and if not what would you recommend for chemical filtration?
     
  5. Aug 26, 2012 #5
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    I ran a 40 gallon reef tank for over a year with nothing but a hang on back skimmer. Worked out very well.

    Live rock, skimmer, and routine water changes will get you pretty far in the reef world.
     
  6. Aug 26, 2012 #6
    Kpotter2 North liberty, IA

    Kpotter2 Expert Reefkeeper

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    Yep I have a 40breeder now and its running with CPR/CRP Skimmer HOB and it works great. I have power heads to keep water moving and your all set.
     
  7. Aug 26, 2012 #7
    Actuary Adel, IA

    Actuary Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Your biological filtration is taken care of with your live rock, for mechanical you are good with a skimmer and maybe a filter sock (optional) if you're running a sump, and you can use chemical filtration with granular activated carbon (GAC) in a filter bag or in an upflow reactor.. but that isn't necessarily required.

    Some would even argue that a skimmer is optional but life would be much more difficult without one.
     
  8. Aug 27, 2012 #8
    Bud West Des Moines, IA

    Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

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    Also consider incorporating an Algae Scrubber into the filtration system, at least as a part of it. They can lessen reliance on other systems. Better to have a multi-facted filtration system.
     

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