[oakleyhoma]

Need some help. Setting up my first shrimp-only (RCS) tank, a 10g- no shrimp yet, still need to cycle it. Don't want to put a lot of $ into it, but also don't want to "make my own equipment". Plan for low light, low maintenance system but want the shrimp live/breed well. I have a 20g and 30g (with peaceful tank mates) I can put some overflow adult shrimp in later as needed. I also want a quiet system, as this goes in an upstairs den area I want to be peaceful. Seems that sponge filter is a really good way to go, either with or without a HOB. I plan to get an Aquaclear HOB (either the small 20 or a 50 like I have on my 20g). Yes, I'll put a sponge on the intake. But thinking I also need a sponge filter (for viewing foraging behavior, make the shrimp happy, and perhaps for oxygenation from airstone?). Seems like a pump/air stone combo is best for the sponge vs. a powerhead/sponge combo. I don't have a sponge yet. But I did try a Maxi-jet 400 powerhead and was impressed with it's quiet. I also got a Rena 50 pump but forgot to buy an airstone and just stuck the tubing into the tank- I wasn't impressed with the blurb, blurb noise from bubbling (but of course, with an airstone I expect its a much quieter shrrr, psss sound). More importantly, the diaphragm "buzz" from the Rena pump was audible-- I'd rather skip that noise unless I need to do it (guess I could put the pump in a little styrofoam box to hush it?). I'm rambling, but want to know this:

Do I really need to run an air pump with the sponge, for extra oxygenation? Even if I also have an HOB? The powerhead/sponge setup would be quieter I think. What are the pros/cons? For example, better oxygenation with the pump/stone/sponge, and less sponge-cleaning maintenance, but more noise? Vs. Less oxygenation with powerhead/sponge combo and more frequent sponge maintenance, but more quiet plus more filtration? Or how wise is it to just have an HOB w/sponge on the intake and skip the pump/sponge or powerhead/sponge setup? If pump/sponge/airstone is the way to go, can you suggest pump size (Rena 50? or bigger?) and also the best airstone size/brand/type that fits the sponge (and which sponge brand/type (hydro IV or azoo oxygen plus 6?). If I went with a powerhead/sponge I guess it'd be a Rena pump (50?) with a Maxi-jet ?400? Additional info: I plan 1-2 java fern, moss sidewalls or back (Christmas moss I think), fine substrate no more than 1" deep, probably flourite black sand (unless the small amount of copper in it is known to affect RCS). It'll be 1.6 wpg and fairly low temperature to help with oxygen saturation. I realize I could also put the airstone/sponge on a timer to to bump up oxygen at night, but keep more CO2 in there daytime for the plants... Thanks kindly if you can address these questions.