2 FT tank set up. (Newbie)

Saeight Abdul Rahman · June 30, 2013

Hey guys. Im interested in starting a marine tank. Just a small 2 ft tank. My friend recommended starting with Jireh quick start up guide. He said he has been using it for 2 years and theres no problem.

But after reading feedbacks here, im starting to have doubt with the system.

My problem is. If i were to get the quick start system, everything will be "spoon fed" for me. But if i chose not to get it, can anyone kindly advise me on the equipments that i need?

From what i understand, i need a pump, skimmer. Is that all?

E.g. Do i still need a chiller for a small tank?

Help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hiromilizard · June 30, 2013

Hi bro, you might wanna reconsider going down the J quickstart road, research here and u will find many scary post on this.

For a 2 feet tank my suggestions will be good light , good skimmer, ios will be best else im using a hangback canister filter of coz if u can afford a 1/10 chiller its best, 2 mini wavemakers

Thats what im using for my 2 ft

Let the experts advise u more...

Boonboy · July 1, 2013

Hi,

I just started my 2 ft 2-3 months ago (April). I am as new as you are. If you don't have space constrains, please consider a bigger tank cause less water means little margin for errors. I am struggling to keep the water parameters stable.

Skimmer is a MUST and better if you could oversize it.

LIGHT is very important if you are keeping corals (choose your light wisely).

Biological filtration (e.g. live rocks/sand) is very important.

Waterflow is very important (carries food & air to your corals - assuming you are keeping corals)

Chiller is very much preferred (unless your room's aircon is always on).

Mechanical filtration requires frequent cleaning (you must be hardworking).

PUMP - if you have a sump, you must need a return pump & overflow box.

Refugium is very much preferred (to help in nutrient export).

Well, just my thoughts, I think the experts advise will be more valuable.

Boonboy · July 1, 2013

Hi,

I just started my 2 ft 2-3 months ago (April). I am as new as you are. If you don't have space constrains, please consider a bigger tank cause less water means little margin for errors. I am struggling to keep the water parameters stable.

Skimmer is a MUST and better if you could oversize it.

LIGHT is very important if you are keeping corals (choose your light wisely).

Biological filtration (e.g. live rocks/sand) is very important.

Waterflow is very important (carries food & air to your corals - assuming you are keeping corals)

Chiller is very much preferred (unless your room's aircon is always on).

Mechanical filtration requires frequent cleaning (you must be hardworking).

PUMP - if you have a sump, you must need a return pump & overflow box.

Refugium is very much preferred (to help in nutrient export).

Well, just my thoughts, I think the experts advise will be more valuable.

Opps... Just 1 more point...

WATER is very important, please consider investing in RO/DI filter for salt mix (unless you want to buy NSW from your LFS).

slapper · July 1, 2013

Hello! I'm glad you ask this question. It is POSSIBLE to run a 2ft tank with no sump and no chiller. However, some things to take note of

1. Use fans if not using chiller. Need to cool down temp to below 30C if keeping corals. May need as many as 2 fans.

2. Use distilled water for top up and water change. This will reduce phosphate as our tap water containers phosphate. May want to get phosphate remover in case.

3. Frequent top up is necessary due to evaporation. Get an osmolator to help u auto top up. This will reduce the water parameters (such as salinity) from swinging too wildly.

4. Invest on water conditioners. Small tanks are prone to high ammonia and nitrate build-up. Make sure you have those water conditioner that helps to reduce these. Also keep a watch out on pH value.

5. Invest on test kits. Critical must have test kits are ammonia, nitrate, pH, kH, phosphate. The rest are good to have.

6. Get a HOB skimmer to reduce nutrients in your water. Helps to maintain better water quality.

From my experience, nitrate is the key element you should watch out for. Too much of it will kill your livestocks and corals will not open, and eventually die. Visit my thread for more info about my tank.

HappyReef · July 1, 2013

Hello! I'm glad you ask this question. It is POSSIBLE to run a 2ft tank with no sump and no chiller. However, some things to take note of

1. Use fans if not using chiller. Need to cool down temp to below 30C if keeping corals. May need as many as 2 fans.

2. Use distilled water for top up and water change. This will reduce phosphate as our tap water containers phosphate. May want to get phosphate remover in case.

3. Frequent top up is necessary due to evaporation. Get an osmolator to help u auto top up. This will reduce the water parameters (such as salinity) from swinging too wildly.

4. Invest on water conditioners. Small tanks are prone to high ammonia and nitrate build-up. Make sure you have those water conditioner that helps to reduce these. Also keep a watch out on pH value.

5. Invest on test kits. Critical must have test kits are ammonia, nitrate, pH, kH, phosphate. The rest are good to have.

6. Get a HOB skimmer to reduce nutrients in your water. Helps to maintain better water quality.

From my experience, nitrate is the key element you should watch out for. Too much of it will kill your livestocks and corals will not open, and eventually die. Visit my thread for more info about my tank.

Hi bro slapper, thanks for your details info. May I know where u buy the osmolator n how much is it? Thanks

slapper · July 1, 2013

Hi bro slapper, thanks for your details info. May I know where u buy the osmolator n how much is it? Thanks

you are welcome. I got mine from Madpetz. It's really a god-send. haha. I jus need to fill up my pail of water. And the osmolator does the rest thru out the day.

HappyReef · July 1, 2013

you are welcome. I got mine from Madpetz. It's really a god-send. haha. I jus need to fill up my pail of water. And the osmolator does the rest thru out the day.

Thanks bro for sharing:)

slapper · July 2, 2013

You are welcome.

Just wondering, what is the dimension of the 2ft tank u are looking? Mine is 2ft but it isnt very tall and wide. So the water capacity is about 10ga (about 40 litre), which is good to place it on a table. I've read threads here of elaborate 2ft setups involving sump, chiller, refugium, new cabinets, piping etc. which i feel is only justified if you are doing a 3ft tank and beyond. Otherwise, all the trouble may not be worth it. Floorspace is expensive now! :excl: