Set up order

[neddis]

Ok, I want a 5 gallon nano reef, but I don't know what order to do this in...

I have the tank, heater, and a HOB filter, and the lights (JBJ 2x24W CF) are in the mail. A friend is going to give me some live rock and live sand when I am ready for it. I plan on purchasing a Current USA fission skimmer and an additional 80ish or less GPH power head eventually. Can I set up the tank and get the establishing process started once I pick up the rock and sand? or is it necessary (or prudent) to have EVERYTHING in hand before I start? I realize that any corals or fish are in the distant future at this point, but I would kinda like to get started since I have a lot of the stuff.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Jennie]

You do not really need the lights to start the tank up and get it to cycling. You will need something for flow whether it be a powerhead or a filter to keep the water circulating. Other than that I say go for it!

P.S. Don't forget your test kits!

 

[neddis]

At what point do I need to get the skimmer? I do have 2 small HOB filters that I can run for some flow. until I get skimmer and powerhead.

 

[TimSchmidt]

That particular skimmer is iffy IMO. I returned it because I did not like it. But you may not "need" the skimmer. If you do weekly water changes you should be fine. Your water will be clearer/cleaner with a skimmer but with such a small tank I don't think it's a must.

 

[neddis]

I will do weekly water changes - I do that in my other tanks anyway. What didn't you like about that skimmer? It's good to hear the opinion of someone who has used it. Good to know that I don't "need" it. Less money expenditure is good.

 

[TimSchmidt]

Well the overall build quality was poor, pieces had to be forced to the point of making noise...you know that plastic "I'm going to snap" noise. Then the having to constantly fuss with the skimmer to get it actually skimming was quite bothersome. Don't get me wrong, any skimming is better than none I guess, but I am done with that skimmer. If you do a search using this boards search function you and read other people's experiences with this skimmer too. Some people love it. If you are adventurous there are some ideas on building a skimmer yourself on this board.

 

[EDGRAY]

HI and :welcome .... Welll like mentioned you dont need light to start your cycle so what you waiting for.... and well im another unsatisfied customer for the fussion nano skimmer ... is made cheap, then you'll have problems with the micro bubbles and to start skimming takes along time and not even then works that great so in other words better to not have a skimmer but there are other small ones that you could choice and well if you keep with you regular water changes and dont over stock you'll be fine... so have fun & good luck :mrgreen:

 

[neddis]

Ok, I did it. I think this means I am totally committed now. I got it up and running today. I bought a little powerhead, a hydrometer, salt, and a small chunk of live rock. It is up and running as I type. Now here's a question... When I bought the live rock the LFS guy just put it in a bag and handed it to me - no water. Is this normal? I would think that to keep all of the cool stuff in the live rock alive it would need to be kept in water during transport. I will hopefully be getting some more live rock and some live sand from a very helpful and generous gentleman next week.

Well, now it's time to hurry up and wait I guess... The lights will be here next week I think.

Next step is astraea and nassarius snails after it is done cycling, right?

 

[skipm]

LR is usually just transported in either a bag like you got or wrapped in wet towels or newspapers.
After the cycle is complete the next step is as you stated, start adding your clean up crew.

 

[TimSchmidt]

Yay!!! The waiting game!