Setting 29 Gallon Reef

[Crowned_Sock]

Hello!
This is my first post so if there is incomplete information or something else missing please let me know!

I had recently bought the tetra 29 gallon tank, and it came with a tetra PF30 filter, and a tetra aquarium heater. The tank is 30.22in by 12.25in by 17.5in. In about a week I would like to buy coral, but as most know I need a coral light. I was told I should purchase a nicrew light, but which one? Under the lid would be nice but not a must because then I would have to have a custom glass lid made, as I own two cats. Also I have my heat on and the tank is about 80degrees Fahrenheit, the water evaporates about 0.2cm every 10 hours, so a couple days ago after just letting the tank sit and cycle so it’s ready for coral, I had to add another five gallon jug for the filter to work, any solutions?

 

[Gumbies R Us]

#reefsquad

 

[Naso180!]

Wrlcome to R2R. Unfortunately its nothing like Freshwater if thats what your used to. The temperature at 80F is a bit high. You'll wanna start here and do some research on the animals you want to keep. These videos are great staring point. Happy reefing ;)

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

IMO, any 100-ish light will work. I used a nicrew 100 watt on my 32 for years, and just recently replaced it with a popbloom 90. Personally I feel 80 is a bit too high, I run my tanks at 75-76. Besides a light, you will also need at least one powerhead, 2 would better IMO, corals need water movement. You will also need an ATO to replace the water evaporation, not sure if you have one already. How are you cycling the tank? Do you have test kits?

 

[dedragon]

you will need to do a lot more research before you add corals. bulkreefsupply as naso180 said is a great source for a beginner guide.
are you using 5 gallon jugs of spring water, tap water and conditioner, or rodi water to top off?

 

[Fish Fan]

If you're brand new to reef keeping, I like to suggest this article and video series as a good way to get up to speed:

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is nowhere near simple. This task is going to take patience, a...

www.reef2reef.com

I hope this helps, and good luck with your build!

 

[Crowned_Sock]

you will need to do a lot more research before you add corals. bulkreefsupply as naso180 said is a great source for a beginner guide.
are you using 5 gallon jugs of spring water, tap water and conditioner, or rodi water to top off?

I am using RODI with premixed salt, I will look at the source for sure!

 

[Crowned_Sock]

IMO, any 100-ish light will work. I used a nicrew 100 watt on my 32 for years, and just recently replaced it with a popbloom 90. Personally I feel 80 is a bit too high, I run my tanks at 75-76. Besides a light, you will also need at least one powerhead, 2 would better IMO, corals need water movement. You will also need an ATO to replace the water evaporation, not sure if you have one already. How are you cycling the tank? Do you have test kits?

I am unsure of how to answer “how are you cycling the tank?” And I do not have test kits yet, which kind should I get? Also could you please elaborate on “power heads”, “better IMO”, and an “ATO”? Also I saw a 150 watt nicrew on Facebook marketplace, should I get it (it’s 150$ which is cheaper than a new 100 watt) and my dad is concerned about wattage as well, he thinks I won’t be able to sleep AT ALL, could you elaborate on that to please?

 

[Crowned_Sock]

If you're brand new to reef keeping, I like to suggest this article and video series as a good way to get up to speed:

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is nowhere near simple. This task is going to take patience, a...

www.reef2reef.com

I hope this helps, and good luck with your build!

I will definitely check those out, thanks a lot!

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I am unsure of how to answer “how are you cycling the tank?” And I do not have test kits yet, which kind should I get? Also could you please elaborate on “power heads”, “better IMO”, and an “ATO”? Also I saw a 150 watt nicrew on Facebook marketplace, should I get it (it’s 150$ which is cheaper than a new 100 watt) and my dad is concerned about wattage as well, he thinks I won’t be able to sleep AT ALL, could you elaborate on that to please?

Cycling a tank requires bacteria and ammonia, what bacteria and ammonia did you add? You need test kits to track the cycle by testing ammonia and nitrate, there is no other way to know if the tank is cycled without a test kit. Don't get API, get salifert or red sea.

Powerheads I guess are underwater fans, to move water. Think of the waves on the ocean, we need to replicate the waves

ATO is auto top off. When the water evaporates, you need to add rodi water (or distilled) to top it off. Its a very convenient machine that I think the majority of us have. Otherwise its something you need to remember every day, which becomes a pita.

Yes I would get that nicrew from facebook, it sounds like a good deal. I'm not sure why you wouldn't be able to sleep, the light is on during the day and should be off at night, my lights turn off at 9pm.

I think you might have underestimated how complex salt water aquariums are. You might want to consider just starting off easy with a couple of clownfish and leave the corals until you have a better understanding of how an aquarium works. Corals need more than just light, they need water movement and nutrients, so again the test kits are important in this hobby. Just my 2 cents, good luck

 

[Crowned_Sock]

Cycling a tank requires bacteria and ammonia, what bacteria and ammonia did you add? You need test kits to track the cycle by testing ammonia and nitrate, there is no other way to know if the tank is cycled without a test kit. Don't get API, get salifert or red sea.

Powerheads I guess are underwater fans, to move water. Think of the waves on the ocean, we need to replicate the waves

ATO is auto top off. When the water evaporates, you need to add rodi water (or distilled) to top it off. Its a very convenient machine that I think the majority of us have. Otherwise its something you need to remember every day, which becomes a pita.

Yes I would get that nicrew from facebook, it sounds like a good deal. I'm not sure why you wouldn't be able to sleep, the light is on during the day and should be off at night, my lights turn off at 9pm.

I think you might have underestimated how complex salt water aquariums are. You might want to consider just starting off easy with a couple of clownfish and leave the corals until you have a better understanding of how an aquarium works. Corals need more than just light, they need water movement and nutrients, so again the test kits are important in this hobby. Just my 2 cents, good luck

Sorry, I did do a lot of research, but it never occurred to me that salt water would have coral!

The chemicals I added were an ammonium chloride solution, and Fritzyme “turbo start” both in appropriate amounts.

My dad is much happier about the light now that someone has confirmed that it would be off at night (coral does fine in the actually ocean at night!)
Also about the light, it is a gen one, should be concerned that it’s not a gen two? Or do you think it doesn’t matter so much?

I am looking at an ATO from Useek, for the RODI water, would I use premixed salt? Or just normal fresh RODI water? And I noticed a salt buildup on a few parts of the aquarium, should I scrape it into the tank or keep it out of the tank?

For the power head it seems like my best option is a Hygger for 15-40 gallon, would you agree?

Lastly for the test kit: both options seem expensive so could you narrow it down a little more please? I just don’t want to spend my money in the wrong place!

Thank you so much, you have been so helpful!