New tank now what?

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I had a salt tank about 25 years ago. My wife and I have been looking at the LFS. Then my wife bought a tank from someone while I was out of town.

Here is our 40 gallon tank. It came with stand, light, canister filter, chemicals and testers and a backpack with skimmer I have not figured out how to get running yet. There is some live rock, and about 8 small corals, a damsel, 4 different types of gobis, a small snowflake eel, and 5 hermit looking crab. I am the expert in the family but last time I had a tank I had an undergravel filter and power heads as my sole form of filtration. I am clueless with the new technology.

What we would like to see from the tank is more coral, some and an anemone and clown fish for the short term.

Where do I start learning how to manage a tank like this. I am looking for websites to read and books to buy anything to start learning what I can to make my tank nice.

Thanks
Jordan

Tried to attach a photo but maybe can't for first post?

[shioinu]

Jordan, you came to the right place. Is the canister filter running? Where r u located? Sometimes easier if someone can stop by and help. What is working? Let us know 1 by 1.
Welcome back!

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Hi Shioinu,
We live in Oceanside, about 2 miles from I-5.

The Canister is running and is a marineland C-360 model. There is also a Fluval 304 that came with it that has a broken primer pump that should be easy to fix, not hooked up. The Protein skimmer is a backpack model I am trying to figure out.

I just got the book The Marine Reef Aquarium. So I got some reading to do to start figuring this out.

[shioinu]

Jordan, the backpack should be simple. A powerhead in the tank goes to backpack via hose or hard plumb. The outlets flows back into tank. The marineland is running, that's good. Need to get the skimmer going. Are you gonna mix your water, buy or pick up from scripps. Probably want to get a water change soon. There are a handful of reefers in your general area. PM anytime with questions: big or small.
Shioinu

[Jarederaj]

Im in oceanside as well, but tony at tri city tropical is extremely helpful on getting a tank set up, he helped me change my tank from fresh to saltwater.

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tony at tri city tropical is extremely helpful on getting a tank set up, he helped me change my tank from fresh to saltwater.

That must be the guy I see sitting in the office, while the kids run the show.

[Jarederaj]

No thats george, he knows more but tonys easier to talk to.

[saltwater760]

Ha ha I'm in oceanside as well right off college by the home depot ask away with the questions

[Photobug]

Thanks Guys,
Just tripled our investment in the tank today. Tons more live rock, snails, a crab, brittle star, and an ORA madarin goby. I will post before and after photos when I get a chance. Still need adequate lighting, and a protein skimmer. I am thinking of adding a sump tank also. We have a brand new Marineland canister filter but would rather have something we don't have to clean as often. There is a 12x15x24" space on the middle shelf, would a 20 gallon low tank fit there for a sump or refugium? Is this a good idea?

I am at Home Depot at least three times a week. I am at Oceanside and El Camino Real.

[Jarederaj]

20 gallon sump is plenty, i have a 35 gallon on my 140 and it works good

[bbandu]

Welcome back to the hobby, If you decide to go with a sump remember that the sump also needs to be big enough to hold any back flow from the main tank.

[fresh2120]

Hello I used to work at a pet store and I can help out with what else you might want to do as far as a skimmer or setting up a sump. I live in Oceanside right off of college. If u have any questions let me know?

[Photobug]

Wow this is a great place and a great community I am excited to start being a part of this site.

[Photobug]

Here is my tank on day 1

[Jarederaj]

Haha i was about to say u should post a pic. Looks great