2 month update
First I want to say thank you for everyone who’s helped me get this set up. I’d been contemplating saltwater for like 13 years but was alway too intimidated to attempt. This forum has helped me immensely! anything I need to know is mostly searchable and not that many condescending people on here. Also thanks for listening to how poor I am.
Bought this 29 gallon stand and tank from my LSF. I was SUPPOSED to be just going to check things out LOL. it came with a cheap filter, heater, florescent light hood. I’ve upgraded the heater to a 13’’ 150 Watt Eheim Jager heater. Will be upgrading the filter to a Tidal 55. Sump will have to be my next build. Was too eager to get this drilled I’m using only filter floss and sponge in my current filter.
I bought a pair of powerheads for $15 and i’ve upgraded 1 to the Hydor Koralia Nano 425. i’m contemplating removing the cheap one and just sticking with the Koralia
Cycled with live sand and betta food for 2 weeks and then switched to Microbactor XLM & Quikstart for 2 weeks, and 30 lbs of dry rock.
I added my first clownfish today. it seems like they’re getting blown around by the powerhead, which is why I’m contemplating taking the cheap one out, but I’m not sure if they’re getting blown around or just backing up being cautious in the new environment LOL we’ll see. I plan on making a DIY ATO. LFS gave me that little chunk of purple rock. Just the color coralline I wanted.
I plan on stocking 4, perhaps 5 fish altogether. my next will be my Yellow Watchman Goby & Peppermint shrimp. was going to add that today instead of the clowns but my LFS didn’t have one. Next I will add a royal gramma and then maybe Orchid dotty back if i can maintain parameters with no problems. I’m hoping that Tidal with allow me a 5th fish. I’ll have to use all crabs and shrimp as CUC. i’ve been told that snails will die in black sand. I was told this by someone selling me something though so if you have black sand please confirm.
I will definitely be trying out coral and maybe a nem (is that considered a fish????) after I get a light. thinking about Finnex stingray 2 or finnex Planted 24/7 LED. if anyone has a 29 gallon and is using either please comment! I’d love to know how you like it and if it sits flush on a 29 gal (30’’ width)
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