Coryd55

I am going to be emptying my second 30G once my brother gives his GF my CT betta for her birthday or valentines(cant remember which). I was thinking about what to set it up with and I can't think of some neat freshwater idea so I thought maybe I would try my hand at saltwater. I know nothing there is to know about saltwater tank keeping except that it costs a lot of money. My tank is about 29 gallons, close to 30(I believe its a 29 tall, def not a 30 long). Back on topic. I would like to do a saltwater tank with like 1 or 2 fish and some corals. nothing extravagant just a basic simple setup to get my feet wet in the world of saltwater. I have the tank, stand, a heater, and a crappy filter(Regent walmart kind ehhh came off craigslist and haven't replaced). What else will I need. I have two powerheads that pump 100 gph. They are these kind: http://www.thefishfactoryonline.com/...PROD&ProdID=77

That is about all I have. I know I will need live rock but not sure what else. Anything to get me started would be great. I just am not sure with this tank size.

Thanks,
Cory

Coryd55

Fish I like for reference:
Dwarf Lionfish
Banggai Cardinal
Firefish
Colored Filefish
Dwarf Angelfish(Flame Angel specifically)

nate

Your going to want a really good filter. Saltwater fish need much better water quality then freshwater fish do. The corals are going to need a good amount of light source too. Most will consider the 29G tank a nano tank. I like the idea though. I have a 20G mini reef so with time it can be done.

nate

Oh and i forgot. Eventually you will want a skimmer.

sgould

You need a lot of water movement in the tank...at least 20x volume per hour. For a 29 gallon that would be 580 GPH, so your 100 gph power heads are a little underpowered. Powerheads are one of the cheaper items you put in a tank, so it really wouldn't cost you much to upgrade those. You will need a protein skimmer, and since you are wanting to keep corals you will also need to upgrade your lights. How serious a light upgrade you will need really depends on what kinds of corals you want to keep. At a minimum, look into power compacts or T-5's...but keep in mind that some corals would need more light than that. Next step up would be metal halide, for which you will really be putting a dent in the checkbook. Oh, a salt mix would be a plus too.

Coryd55

Nowm sgould is the salt mix really necessary?

Haha. Do you recommend any powerheads?

What are the possibilities of keeping a dwarf lionfish in a 30G/29 tall?

Would I still be able to have some small corals and or live rock or would it be bare?

Thanks,
Cory

nate

I have a volitan lion and most recommend keeping an eye on it if you put it in a reef setting. I dont have too much exp with dwarfs. My lion goes after some of the smaller fish in the tanks. I think if you decide to go with the dwarf then you should watch what else you put into the tank.

sgould

I have never kept a lion, but what Nate is saying agrees with everything I have read...lions are not reef safe, and the old saying "if it fits in the mouth, it goes in the mouth" holds true, so be careful what other fish you try to keep with a lion.

Yes, I definately suggest powerheads. As I indicated above, you want to aim for at least 20x your tank's volume in water flow.

nate

Also if you are looking for a hardy type of fish the lion isn't that. They just sit at the bottom most of the time slowly moving aorund. Pretty boring to watch. They move around more when the lights are turned off. Great fish to have if you are doing a fish only tank. I love mine. If you get one, I suggest the smallest dwarf to start off with. And just keep an eye on him. Lionfish are the base of my saltwater knowledge I have done numerous projects on them so don't hesitate to ask about them.

Coryd55

Sorry to be vague on my question. I meant do you suggest any specific brands or types of powerheads.

Nate: Just sand is what you mean by a fish only setup?
Also is a 29 tall big enough for a dwarf?
I wouldn't mind no corals
but I would like something other than just sand.

nate

You should be okay, I have AquaClear Powerheads. By fish only i meant no inverts, but obviously you will have some rock and decor. He is gunna want a place to hang out around. Lionfish are big fans of rocks.

sgould

I have MaxiJet powerheads in my 29 gallon tank, and Hydor Koralias in my 55.

nate

Those are both nice powerheads.

Rbacchiega

If you can afford them, go with koralias. Two koralia 2s should do the trick. I've got two koralia 3s in my 90, which, along with the water return pump, will give me approximatly 35x the tanks volume in rotation..