Hello everyone. I was casually browsing the net when I found an RSM c 130 in VERY good condition for a very good price. Not to mention all the free stuff the guys is throwing in with it, including a refractometer. So, I decided that it is time I return to the hobby. I'm sure you are all familiar with the RSM C 130, however, if you're not, it is a 130L (approx 34gal) all in one tank made by Red Sea. This is my 2nd saltwater tank, the first one was a nano and I was pretty ignorant and did not do my research and as you would expect, it didn't exactly thrive.
So my plan is to start off with the stock T5 bulbs in the hood, but eventually, I want to go rimless and remove the hood and buy a good LED unit. I will also be purchasing an ATO (auto top off) soon. I wanted to go for the Tunze nano but unfortunately for me it is not available where I live. So, I will go with a brand called DIGITEN Auto Top Off. The seller will also throw in an auto-feeder, not sure if I will use it or sell it. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I should have about about15 kgs (30 lbs) of rock.
I've decided to start mixing my own saltwater and I will only be buying RODI water (for now at least). I will try to get live sand from a good LFS. The rocks are of course dry and might have some nutrients in them as they were used by the previous owner, so I will be cleaning them as much as I can. I will try a combination of leaving them in the sun, pressure washing and boiling water. When everything is up and running and water is cycling through the tank, I will buy and use a bottle of beneficial bacteria (Seachem Aquarium Conditioner 1 075180) to speed up the biological filtration part of my tank. I am not in a hurry so I will take my time. In AIO sump behind the tank, there is a media basket with 3 "platforms", I plan on putting 1) activated carbon 2)Seachem Purigen 3) Aquarium Filter Media Pad. If you think I should add something else, or have any suggestions please do let me know!
I have no idea what the aquascape will be but I will figure it out once I start messing around with the rocks. Regarding livestock, I probably will not be keeping any SPS. I prefer softies and LPS plus they are less demanding. Of course, ill throw in a pair of clownfish and a cleaner shrimp or a goby? Any suggestions would be appreciated! Also, how much bioload do you think this tank can handle?
I will keep you guys posted with any major updates and I will post some pictures of the tank when I pick it up tomorrow.
So my plan is to start off with the stock T5 bulbs in the hood, but eventually, I want to go rimless and remove the hood and buy a good LED unit. I will also be purchasing an ATO (auto top off) soon. I wanted to go for the Tunze nano but unfortunately for me it is not available where I live. So, I will go with a brand called DIGITEN Auto Top Off. The seller will also throw in an auto-feeder, not sure if I will use it or sell it. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I should have about about15 kgs (30 lbs) of rock.
I've decided to start mixing my own saltwater and I will only be buying RODI water (for now at least). I will try to get live sand from a good LFS. The rocks are of course dry and might have some nutrients in them as they were used by the previous owner, so I will be cleaning them as much as I can. I will try a combination of leaving them in the sun, pressure washing and boiling water. When everything is up and running and water is cycling through the tank, I will buy and use a bottle of beneficial bacteria (Seachem Aquarium Conditioner 1 075180) to speed up the biological filtration part of my tank. I am not in a hurry so I will take my time. In AIO sump behind the tank, there is a media basket with 3 "platforms", I plan on putting 1) activated carbon 2)Seachem Purigen 3) Aquarium Filter Media Pad. If you think I should add something else, or have any suggestions please do let me know!
I have no idea what the aquascape will be but I will figure it out once I start messing around with the rocks. Regarding livestock, I probably will not be keeping any SPS. I prefer softies and LPS plus they are less demanding. Of course, ill throw in a pair of clownfish and a cleaner shrimp or a goby? Any suggestions would be appreciated! Also, how much bioload do you think this tank can handle?
I will keep you guys posted with any major updates and I will post some pictures of the tank when I pick it up tomorrow.