Is this a good setup? First timer!

[SaltyBrownTang]

Hey all! New enthusiast here and I am seeking advice from people who are seasoned in this hobby. My father has a couple of saltwater tanks and he is the one who had sparked my interest in going for a saltwater setup. He has taught me most of the basics when it comes to saltwater tanks, and with having years of experience, he has been my "go to" when I have questions that I need answered. He recommends that I post my build in here and get other opinions from seasoned veterans, so here I am. My long-term goals are to have a plethora of corals, a healthy cleanup crew, and a few fish. I want to know if this setup is suitable and if there is any item that you would stray away from, or have a better alternative for. Thanks for any and all advice!

Tank	30 gallon nano 23.6" W × 17.7" D × 17.7" H
Sand	Aragonite x2 (40lb)
Rock	Fishroom (local store)
Filter	Aqua Clean 200gph
Protein Skimmer	Skimmer (185 GPH MAX)
Wave Maker	Wave Maker 530 GPH
Heater	Titanium 100 watt
Light	AI Light Prime 16 HD
Light Stand	AI Light stand

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

It looks good. Personally I would upsize everything though. I would get 2 of those wave makers , I would get a skimmer rated for 50-75 gallons, I would get a 100 watt light instead of the prime.

Honestly all the equipment you listed I have on my 15 gallon. My own 32 gallon has a Tidal 75 and an Aquaready Bullet and 2 sicce 750 gph wave makers and a 100 watt nicrew light.

Don’t forget an Auto Top Off which is imperative in this hobby. Good luck

 

[tbrown]

30 gallon is suitable for a "few" small fish but I would research the fish you're interested in adding as most are going to require 50+ gallons and a lot require 100+ gallon tanks.

If I can make a recommendation, look into a heater controller for long term protection.

 

[SaltyBrownTang]

It looks good. Personally I would upsize everything though. I would get 2 of those wave makers , I would get a skimmer rated for 50-75 gallons, I would get a 100 watt light instead of the prime.

Honestly all the equipment you listed I have on my 15 gallon. My own 32 gallon has a Tidal 75 and an Aquaready Bullet and 2 sicce 750 gph wave makers and a 100 watt nicrew light.

Don’t forget an Auto Top Off which is imperative in this hobby. Good luck

Noted. how much sand do you recommend I use given my aquariums dimensions? I currently am thinking 20 lbs of sand given the dimensions of my aquarium being 23.6" W x 17.7 H". Thank you for your help!

 

[SaltyBrownTang]

30 gallon is suitable for a "few" small fish but I would research the fish you're interested in adding as most are going to require 50+ gallons and a lot require 100+ gallon tanks.

If I can make a recommendation, look into a heater controller for long term protection.

I am not too sure what kind of fish I want to keep in my aquarium, but I will kept their needs in mind, and plan on doing diligent research on the fish and making sure they would be happy in 30 gallons, as well as if they will get along with their neighbors/roommates.

 

[tbrown]

Are you putting the rock on top of the sand or the rock on the glass?

Do you want fish that sleep in the sand?

 

[tbrown]

I am not too sure what kind of fish I want to keep in my aquarium, but I will kept their needs in mind, and plan on doing diligent research on the fish and making sure they would be happy in 30 gallons, as well as if they will get along with their neighbors/roommates.

Good plan. My recommendation is to check the fish first.

 

[SaltyBrownTang]

Are you putting the rock on top of the sand or the rock on the glass?

Do you want fish that sleep in the sand?

Probably rock on the sand, I watched a couple of nano tank videos and saw some pistol shrimp, gobies and snails which look like they appreciated the extra sand. I don't particular want all of my creatures to be sand dwellers as I'd like too see most of them lol.

 

[tbrown]

So if you're considering something like a Pistol Shrimp/Goby pair, I'd recommend burying the rock. Either get some egg crate light diffuser and cut it to set under the rock or set the rock on the glass and fill in around that with sand. The digging fish will potentially cause the rocks to shift with their digging if it's on top of the sand.