Advice for initial GSP tank set up

[bertie 83]

The 70 would work with a hob skimmer. Im not always sump sump sump lol.

[*GSP*Fan*]

The 70 would work with a hob skimmer. Im not always sump sump sump lol.

Lol. Talk of sump scares me I guess, being new to this and all. I wouldn't have an issue adding one later on, once of got the hang of this more and all.

With a skimmer and powerheads, about how much liverock (either alone or in ratio to base rock) could I begin with if with only 1-2 GSP? And/or could I get an amount of live rock now and be safe to wait a bit on a skimmer, since I know a good one will be a bit pricey.

Since I will be spending more for the tank now it makes it a little harder to go all out on live rock.

[bertie 83]

If you can get 40lbs +/- live rock and as much base rock as you can get, around 70lbs ish if poss. Make sure all the live rock has the best flow areas. Not worth skipping the skimmer IMO

[*GSP*Fan*]

If you can get 40lbs +/- live rock and as much base rock as you can get, around 70lbs ish if poss. Make sure all the live rock has the best flow areas. Not worth skipping the skimmer IMO

Okay. Thank you. I want to get as much of the rock (especially live) upfront, and then add as I go, to help with the upfront cost.


And I wasn't going to skip the skimmer in entirely, just hold off maybe another month or so, which may be about the time the tank is actually cycled and ready to go. I just didn't know if it would hurt to wait until maybe a little after the tank is setup to get the skimmer, since I will have a good amount of live rock and only 1-2 GSPs. That way I won't have a problem spending more on a skimmer and get a better one.

Any suggestions on what I would need as far as powerheads go? I'm guessing two, one on each side and one pointing up-ish while the other would be pointing downward, for the best flows? For the 70 gallon I should add, I believe I may go ahead and pick it up tomorrow. I'm not sure of the dimensions, just asked the size and was told 70 so I'll call or head down there and find out more.

[bertie 83]

If you wish to add rock in stages, add all the live rock first so you can stabilise the tank. Base rock can be added later on.

[PufferMe!]

If you can get 40lbs +/- live rock and as much base rock as you can get, around 70lbs ish if poss. Make sure all the live rock has the best flow areas. Not worth skipping the skimmer IMO

Okay. Thank you. I want to get as much of the rock (especially live) upfront, and then add as I go, to help with the upfront cost.


And I wasn't going to skip the skimmer in entirely, just hold off maybe another month or so, which may be about the time the tank is actually cycled and ready to go. I just didn't know if it would hurt to wait until maybe a little after the tank is setup to get the skimmer, since I will have a good amount of live rock and only 1-2 GSPs. That way I won't have a problem spending more on a skimmer and get a better one.

Any suggestions on what I would need as far as powerheads go? I'm guessing two, one on each side and one pointing up-ish while the other would be pointing downward, for the best flows? For the 70 gallon I should add, I believe I may go ahead and pick it up tomorrow. I'm not sure of the dimensions, just asked the size and was told 70 so I'll call or head down there and find out more.

I have two powerheads also, and have wanted to know how best to place them I hope someone answers that question you have My tank is the same size. One powerhead is a 750gph the other a 440gph.

[PufferMe!]

Oops, should read 550gph, not 440

[bertie 83]

Your powerheads should push water over your live rock

[Pufferpunk]

That weight is spread out so it shouldn't be a problem. Can you put it against an outside wall? Even better. You don't really need a sump at all. You'll have to find a good HOB skimmer though. Moving a 70g isn't much different than a 90.

Yes, you can add your LR slowly, as the fish grow.

[*GSP*Fan*]

That weight is spread out so it shouldn't be a problem. Can you put it against an outside wall? Even better. You don't really need a sump at all. You'll have to find a good HOB skimmer though. Moving a 70g isn't much different than a 90.

Yes, you can add your LR slowly, as the fish grow.

So the tank is actually a 75 gallon, for $150 including two glass canopies and strip light. I will be picking it up in the next day or so, just have to make sure it will fit in my vehicle and have make the space for it.

I am trying to get it to where I can set it on an outside wall, right now my option with an outside wall will be beside/possibly against a window. I'm thinking that can lead to problems right?

Will two GSPs be okay in a 75 setup as full marine? Any recommendation on a skimmer? With the rock, would I be safe doing like 25lbs live and 25lbs base to start out or do I need more? How do I know what size powerheads I need?

Live sand is pretty much pointless, right? So just like pool sand or something okay or no?

[Pufferpunk]

Perfect! Will you be able to return the 29g?

Just regular sand is fine.

[*GSP*Fan*]

Perfect! Will you be able to return the 29g?

Just regular sand is fine.

Great to know the size is right! I think we'll keep it. My boyfriend has a 10 FW setup now with a few fish but was wanting to upgrade so he will probably used the 29 gallon and we'll keep the 10 for breeding puffer food/quarantine/or something along those lines.

Will it be a problem if the tank is near a window? I'd have to measure to be sure but part of the tank may even be in front. I feel like it'd be a safer space to set it up since it would be on an outside wall.

Any recommendation for the skimmer? I believe I've seen quite a few recommendations on the bak pak, I want to call it.

How do I know what size powerheads I need?

So I'm assuming the 50lbs rock (half live half base) is good to start?

And good to know about the sand. I believe we have a pool supply store uptown I'll look into for the sand.

Thanks so much for all your help!

[*GSP*Fan*]

Couple quick questions before I place any orders online.

Any suggestion on the type of vac/siphon? Its not something I've even ever used before.

And do I need to use RO water or would tap be fine?

[Pufferpunk]

RODI will help with any algae problems. Get the Python siphon. Compare prices between Petsolutions, DSF & Amazon.

[*GSP*Fan*]

RODI will help with any algae problems. Get the Python siphon. Compare prices between Petsolutions, DSF & Amazon.

Thanks. I placed an order for a filter online already, will be ordering base rock from my LFS most likely as its only $2 a pound (will decide for sure once I see it), and will be placing and order for Instant Ocean/hydrometer or refractometer/siphon/etc online in the next day or so. I want to go ahead and get the basics to get the tank set up and cycling soon and will get any additional supplies later. I figure what I order will be in by the time I get actually get the tank and in position.

Still looking around for live rock, having a hard time deciding on what to do there; with sizes, amount, type, and where to order.