- Joined
- Dec 6, 2019
- Messages
- 101
- Reaction score
- 32
Hi all. First post. Been out of the aquarium hobby for over 5 years now - a move, marriage and two kids took over all my time. I’m thinking about getting back in, other than the beta we have for the little ones.
I’ve done saltwater before, mainly a 55G FOWLR and towards the end dabbled with some corals - with an ugly metal halide hood that I still have but don’t plan on using.
Eventually want to build out a nicer reef nano - thinking Biocube 32 or the IM 30L. However in the meantime, I want to test out my resolve without breaking the bank.
I have a 4 stage RO/DI unit that still works. May need new filters - getting 23 on TDS meter. One concern I have is that I’m now on well water with treatment/softener system, so I don’t know how good I can condition the water or any other issues running RO/DI unit with a well pump. Also have old assortment of Powerheads - some retrofitted for wider flow. Heater and Good amount of Live Rock now dead.
So, thoughts on a temp FOWLR setup with a basic 10G or 20G Petco tank and a HOB filter? This way I can get my dead rock cleaned up, practice cycling and maintaining a tank again and then adding basic cleanup crew and maybe 1 or 2 damsels? My thinking the cheap setup won’t go to waste, I can either use it for the kids or eventually as a quarantine tank and I’ll be ahead in setting up a real tank.
Good/bad idea? If good, any recommendations 10 or 20G, which HOB, should I bother with a cheap light?
I’ve done saltwater before, mainly a 55G FOWLR and towards the end dabbled with some corals - with an ugly metal halide hood that I still have but don’t plan on using.
Eventually want to build out a nicer reef nano - thinking Biocube 32 or the IM 30L. However in the meantime, I want to test out my resolve without breaking the bank.
I have a 4 stage RO/DI unit that still works. May need new filters - getting 23 on TDS meter. One concern I have is that I’m now on well water with treatment/softener system, so I don’t know how good I can condition the water or any other issues running RO/DI unit with a well pump. Also have old assortment of Powerheads - some retrofitted for wider flow. Heater and Good amount of Live Rock now dead.
So, thoughts on a temp FOWLR setup with a basic 10G or 20G Petco tank and a HOB filter? This way I can get my dead rock cleaned up, practice cycling and maintaining a tank again and then adding basic cleanup crew and maybe 1 or 2 damsels? My thinking the cheap setup won’t go to waste, I can either use it for the kids or eventually as a quarantine tank and I’ll be ahead in setting up a real tank.
Good/bad idea? If good, any recommendations 10 or 20G, which HOB, should I bother with a cheap light?