Need equipment advice

[ShawnB]

Hi and thanks for any help in advance. I have a 40g tank that I would like to setup as a fish only tank. I would like to keep some clownfish in it and would like advice on equipment needed. Also I have a Emperor 280 filter that I could use if it would work for this application.

Thanks again
ShawnB

 

[aquaman67]

Hello Shawn and welcome!

Here's a quick list of what you will need. Of course there are many ways to do this, some work better that others and what works great for someone might not work at all for you. You really need to research, which is why you are here!

1) A DSB (deep sand bed) about 4-6 inches of sugar sized sand. Playsand works just fine.

2) Live Rock. There are many choices...Florida, Figi, Tonga,...all are different and you need to pick the type you like.

3) A Protein Skimmer. Some don't use one, some swear by them. Again, it's up to you to decide what's best for you.

4) Circulation. Power heads to move water around.

5) A heater.

6) Salt to make salt water. There are different brands, everyone has their favorite...I recommend Instant Ocean.

You could use the filter you already have, but filters tend to produce too high of nitrate levels for marine tanks. If you want to keep an anemone with your clowns, high nitrates will be a problem. Keep reading and reading....and good luck!

 

[ShawnB]

Thanks for the welcome and reply. Do you have any recomendations on which protein skimmer and powerheads to use that are not to expensive.

Thanks again for the help
ShawnB

 

[aquaman67]

Hi again,

You may want to start a new thread for skimmer recommendations. I use a Prizm Pro and like it. It is not cheap though, over $200. Prizm makes skimmers under $100 and some people don't like them. I've heard good things about the BAK-PAC 2 skimmer, but after you add an optional surface skimmer and a bubble trap, it will be close to $200.

As for power heads, Maxi-Jet and Aqua Clear are about the best. I use 4 Mini-Jet model 606s myself. They put out 158 gallons each.

Nothing in this hobby is cheap, but I'd say get the best you can afford, it will save you money in the long run!