35 Gallon Hex Tank Equipment Questions

Perin_Ebara · 01-31-2008, 11:03 PM

I have a 35 gallon hex tank but am not sure what kind of equipment to buy to convert it from fresh water to salt water. I am planning on making it a reef tank. What kind of skimmer, powerhead, filtration...ect. I was also wondering if anyone had pictures of this kind of tank so I could get an idea of how to arrang the rock. Thank you for the help.

**CarmieJo** · 02-01-2008, 10:31 PM

Hello Perin_Ebara,

to TR.

Here are a couple of hex tank journals to check out for aquascaping ideas.
New Nano Reef Tank

My 42 Gallons HEX
I prefer live sand and live rock for filtration. Are you planning on having a sump? The answer will determine the skimmer you buy. If you plan on a sump are going to drill the tank or use an overflow? For in tank circulation I would go with a couple Koralia or similar powerheads. Check out TR sponsor The Cultured Reef for great prices on Koralias.

Perin_Ebara · 02-02-2008, 07:21 PM

I was planning on live rock and sand for the filtration with a skimmer to help. I wasn't sure if that was all I would need though. What help does the sump give? Also, when it comes time to begin adding the sand and rock and corral...ect to my tank, What is your prefered procedure? Do you add the sand and wait for the tank to cycle then add the rock and wait fir the tank to cycle, and so on or is there another way?
I have been looking at the Koralias for my power heads what other brands are magnetic?
Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate all the help, and hopfully this helps me avoid any big problems.

**CarmieJo** · 02-02-2008, 11:09 PM

When I returned to saltwater I found it hard to believe that this is really all you need for filtration but it is true. The value of a sump is that it increases the overall volume of the tank and it lets you stash equipment out of sight.

To cycle your tank I would start with the sand and rock in your tank. You can either start with all LR or you can use some LR and some dry or base rock. (Check TR sponsor Marco Rocks for super nice dry rock.) I like to drop a raw table shrimp in the tank for a couple of days to jump start the cycle but it is not strictly necessary. I have to say that I really like Eric Borneman's ideas here The Building of a Reef (tank) and will probably do this the next time I cycle a tank.