help with 20 gallon SW

[DITB]

ok...ive always wanted to get into saltwater but im not sure where to start...i have a 20 tall tank i dont really want to get fish...mosty want a couple starfish and snails and maybe a couple pipefish. anyways i know it wont be set up anytime soon but the sooner i start up the closer i am to getting a saltwater tank up and running :headbang2:if someone could just fill me in with EVERYTHING i need and maybe tell me what each thing does it would be great erv:

 

[mikelush78]

Just so you know the bigger the tank the easier it is to keep the water quality up.

Things you will need:
- Filter and or Protien Skimmer
- Heater
- Sump for protien skimmer and can also put heater in there so dont have to see it in main tank.
- 2 powerheads
- Light (the more powerful the more you can do with the aquarium later)
- A Qality salt
- Sump for protien skimmer
- Refugium to help keep the levels of the aquarium good.
- RO/DI unit to purify the water you use for water changes

I am sure I am missing some things but this is the general idea... I am sure you can search for other threads. The most important thing to remember with Aquariums is the Aquarium is only as good as its water quality. If you are going to want corals then the next most important thing is Light... Corals need excelent light. If you only want inverst then a simple light will be ok...

hope that helps

 

[Nolapete]

Protein Mike. LOL

Good advice though.

 

[mikelush78]

Oops lol ya ... sorry in my defense I am at work lol

 

[CritterManiac]

if you starting a 20 gallon tank and you are a newbie then pipefish is out of the question. most pipefish requires live brine shrimp, which mean a lot of attention require.