First Timer 40 Gallon

[Salty BC]

First timer. Trying to learn as much as possible. Worked with a LFS to set up.

https://www.aquatop.com/recife-eco-40g-tank-stand-combo.html

So far I have added 40 lbs of sand and 20 lbs of live rock. Planning to start with a pair of clowns. One of my live rocks has a double tip anemone, hopefully it makes it through the cycle.

If someone could help me with how to set up and maintain the protein skimmer on the back of the tank...That would be amazing, because I haven't a clue?

 

[JumboShrimp]

Is that an AquaTop tank? They are nice units. Enjoy!

 

[Atoll on me]

I would recommend looking up the type of protein skimmer you have on youtube. There are often many videos that are very informative. Also BRS has YouTube videos specifically on how protein skimmers work. This is a good starting point.

You may want to raise your heater. Some of the heaters that have the temperate adjuster knob on top are not meant to be fully submerged.

 

[Salty BC]

Is that an AquaTop tank? They are nice units. Enjoy!

Yep

 

[Salty BC]

I would recommend looking up the type of protein skimmer you have on youtube. There are often many videos that are very informative. Also BRS has YouTube videos specifically on how protein skimmers work. This is a good starting point.

You may want to raise your heater. Some of the heaters that have the temperate adjuster knob on top are not meant to be fully submerged.

Thanks, I haven't been very successive on the you tube front. The box on the heater said it was fully submersible I worried about the same thing. But thank you for the advice.

 

[Reefer Brent]

That skimmer won't last long as it will become noisy and stop pulling like mine did but you will get a few months out of it.

Basically turn it on and slide it down till the bubbles are at the bottom of the inner neck.

 

[kingranch2003]

Thanks, I haven't been very successive on the you tube front. The box on the heater said it was fully submersible I worried about the same thing. But thank you for the advice.

The heater IS fully submersible! I have this exact tank and I never once used the skimmer. I instead prioritized the back compartments for my own custom filtration needs. Feel free to reach out on anything with your build. I've been through every obstacle this tank could throw at you, but I promise it will grow beautiful and healthy corals.

 

[Salty BC]

Awesome...Glad to hear from someone with this set up. What are you do differently with the media vs what comes with the unit. This is where I am at now. I know the plants are fake just some color until I get corals started.

 

[Reefer Brent]

You can run it how it is for a while and learn the ins and outs of the tank.

If your budget allows we could suggest immediately changing the whole thing as well. To me the journey was part of the fun and appreciation though. New piece of equipment every few months was fun to me.