perfect protein

[harial]

Ok so i am a first time reefer and my parents told me that they will buy me a 50+ gallon tank(+equipment) next year for my birthday if I prove that I can care for a smaller one.

So I am purchasing a Marineland Instant Ocean Saltwater Aquarium Kit. It is 12 gallons and should be perfect for the featherdusters that I want. I was told that a protein skimmer is a must so I am defering to the greater knowlege of others as to the proper protein skimmer for this setup.

A specific model and brand would be HIGHLY appreciated as it gives me a set item to hunt down.

the size is: 21"W x 11.5"D x 17.5"H

PS teh fact that it says it is equipped with "BIO-Wheel Filtration" worries me. does that mean that it only has biological filtration?

link with extra info:
http://www.petco.com/product_info.asp?web=0&tab=3&SKU=4743150395&cm_ven=biz&cm_cat=82&cm_pla=4743150395&cm_ite=4743150395

Thanks a bunch!
Harial

 

[chevytrks]

Let your parents know that a smaller tank is more difficult than a larger one to maintain.
You would be better starting with a 29 gallon or 55 gallon as a starter.

my 2 cents

 

[mwolek]

Very cool! It is true though, the smaller the tank the more difficult it is!

To care for a 12 gallon tank, pay close attention to salinity and temperature. I would do a 2-3 gallon water change, twice a week with quality pure water, RO/DI with salt added to the same level every week.

If all you plan to keep is feather dusters and the like, then you will not need a skimmer. If you do 2-3 gallon water changes twice a week, you will not need a skimmer. Its a small tank, don't expect to be able to cram it full, be dilligant on maintinance, and you should do just fine.

 

[raggedfinfirefish]

man, you dont want a bio wheel. Hey i'm a young reefer too just a sophmore in highschool but trust me go with atleast the jbj nano cube. Its a LOT better than that one and its got decent lighting so you could keep some zoa frags, some rics and a pair of clowns. Man eventually down the line I'll hook you up with some frags if you wanna drive all the way down to FW

 

[raggedfinfirefish]

In fact heres a link, I'd get the deluxe cube, because its got 2 PC bulbs as opposed to one, and the rock in the second link b/c Its a nice size and the pics I've seen of it on www.nano-reef.com look amazing.

Cube- http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=10677&Ntt=nano%20cube&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1
Rock- http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=1949

Also, if you fill in your location we could know where you are and such. If your near tcu I'd sell you some rock for pretty cheap if you need it.

 

[harial]

Well I didn't know weather to be sorry about having people reply to something that is irrelevent now or to be happy about what I have gain. My best friend has given me a 25 gallon aquarium, heater, light, and filter for THIS year's birthday. So I guess I will put forth the same question except for a tall 25 gallon. Protein skimmer funness.


thanks
Harial

 

[melev]

I would suggest you get a Aqua C Remora protein skimmer for that tank.

 

[harial]

My friend got me a bio-wheel, but she saved the reciept so I could get a different one if needed, so can you all suggest a better filter if it is needed.

 

[melev]

With a good protein skimmer, live sand and live rock, you won't need a filter on your tank unless all you plan to keep is fish. Take a look at this page please for a brief overview:

http://www.melevsreef.com/overview.htm