new to saltwater questions ( had tank and protein skimmer)

[JLN1]

hey guys, so I'm new to saltwater aquarium. I have been researched for over weeks now. Finally purchased a 29 gal tanks and stand with protein skimmer, a 30' light pixture with 4 blue t5 bulbs, 4 blue led and a center metal halide which i'm trying to find a way to fix. I'm trying to find a way to have a filter for my aquarium since there will be a lot of upfront costs for a college student- Sea Salt, live sand and live rock and later will be fishes. I really want a sump but since I already got a protein skimmer HOB, I don't think it's really necessary even tho I know it's highly recommend because 29 gal is still small volume. So I'm thinking about using HOB filter like FLural C2. So is it fine to use HOB filter? What type of media filter should I use? I hear that active carbon can get rid of waste product good but I don't know if I can use that in cycle period?

Thank you.

 

[hnurge]

HOB filter will work - the main thing they give you is circulation and some rough particulate filtration. clean the filter often. you want more flow and filtration for salt then fresh water, so i would recommend a bigger filter than the c2 (say the c4 or something rated for 50+ gallon tanks), or two. don't run the carbon while the tank cycles, it just slows the cycle and wastes the carbon.

 

[JLN1]

@hnurge wrote:

Thanks.
one more thing, So I have to start fill up the water, however I don't have a RO/DI system, Do you think the water refill station in Walmart can substitute for that? Look like you live in NRH, close to my place, Do you know any LFS that sell RO/DI at fair price?

 

[Guest]

Melevs reef is local you can order from him online and shipped to your house or order one from bulkreefsupply. I would not use any water from a pay as you go water station. I suggest buying the water from a lfs or buy a ro/di unit used from the fs boards or from a sponsor

 

[JLN1]

@kuyatwo wrote:

is Melevs reef local in texas? I mean there is a few around my place so I guess I can go over there.

 

[BlennyLover]

To purchase a RO/DI system ... Melev's Reef is here http://www.melevsreef.com/shop/index.html

To purchase RO/DI water ... the local fish stores will have it. Most are at 50 cent per gallon ... and if you want ready-made saltwater ... they all seem to use a different mix and price varies from $1 on up (depending on store).

Franks Tanks (Hulen Area) uses Aquavitro
Mid-Cities Aquariums (Euless) uses Tropic Marin
etc., etc.,

 

[Mike R]

You might want to give fish2morow a try. They are pretty close to you. Western Center between 377 and Beach. You definitely want to either mix your own using RODI with a TDS of 0, or purchase premixed from a trustworthy LFS that changes their filters OFTEN!

 

[Mike R]

As Pampee said, contact Melevs Reef ( Marc on this forum) he has a ton of knowledge on RODI systems.... Don't know what your budget is, but a new 5 stage system costs around the same as a few trips to LFS to buy water. Plus, trips to the store carrying heavy water jugs gets old really fast!

 

[hnurge]

you can look at the map of local fish stores and call them up for some ideas on buying water - i cant recommend one with any accuracy since i haven't bought water in 15 years or so - which is the deal with getting your own RO-DI, if you have a place you can install one, its a good investment, saves a lot of lugging jugs and they last forever ( the one in my fish room was bought over 10 years ago for just over $150 ). before that i leased a water cooler from a water store, and had unlimited refills for 25$ a month... those guys must have thought i was one thirsty dude.

 

[JLN1]

Thanks for all the advice, it's just I don't know how long will I commit to this hobby, especially everything is expensive for a student like me, a fish dead can make me desperately. SO I haven't think getting an RO/DI system yet. I guess I have to get the water from the fish store for awhile.
Also, I think I will get a HOB external box as a refugium box so I can put chaeto and some element as a filter. Is it a good idea?

alt="">