So I got a 25-gallon tank with a complete setup for freshwater fish, but I want to build a reef instead.
I'm looking for the most affordable options for sumps, return pumps, power heads, and what all is absolutely essential to maintain a reef.
I know that sumps aren't essential, but do I still need lots of other equipment in place of the sump? Does that route really save any money? I'm also willing to save up a bit more for equipment if it means less maintenance. I don't mind maintenance, but I want to lower the chance of me damaging coral from regular cleanings.
Also, I have a 1000W LED light that I used for growing weed plants previously. It's mostly full-spectrum, but primarily blues and reds. Would that be sufficient to grow coral?
I also learned that coralline algae can help take space and resources from harmful algae as well as cementing the coral/live rock structure together. Where can I find some, and should I have other algae in the sump if I get one? I'm also confused as to the purpose of all the different chambers of sumps. Any info on them is appreciated.
Should I start my reef off with live rock, coralline, and algae eaters before adding coral to the habitat? If so, how long should I let the tank and bacteria cultures mature before adding coral?
Finally, what algae eaters would take care of dinoflagellates and red slime or any other harmful algae while leaving the coralline alone? Preferably ones that also eat more common algae so they don't starve or attack the coralline in absence of dangerous algae.
I'm looking for the most affordable options for sumps, return pumps, power heads, and what all is absolutely essential to maintain a reef.
I know that sumps aren't essential, but do I still need lots of other equipment in place of the sump? Does that route really save any money? I'm also willing to save up a bit more for equipment if it means less maintenance. I don't mind maintenance, but I want to lower the chance of me damaging coral from regular cleanings.
Also, I have a 1000W LED light that I used for growing weed plants previously. It's mostly full-spectrum, but primarily blues and reds. Would that be sufficient to grow coral?
I also learned that coralline algae can help take space and resources from harmful algae as well as cementing the coral/live rock structure together. Where can I find some, and should I have other algae in the sump if I get one? I'm also confused as to the purpose of all the different chambers of sumps. Any info on them is appreciated.
Should I start my reef off with live rock, coralline, and algae eaters before adding coral to the habitat? If so, how long should I let the tank and bacteria cultures mature before adding coral?
Finally, what algae eaters would take care of dinoflagellates and red slime or any other harmful algae while leaving the coralline alone? Preferably ones that also eat more common algae so they don't starve or attack the coralline in absence of dangerous algae.