Thinking of Salt Water ??

[Grey Legion]

I must admit that I am very green when it comes to SW I have FW tanks for at least 10 years and have kinda hit my limit on what I enjoy and want from them. Of course the pictures of peoples SW tanks have kinda got me hooked so I thought what the heck maybe it is time for me to try..

I have a 135 Gal tank 72Lx18wx24h and it is sitting empty in my basement waiting for funding for lights and such..I was looking at getting a 72" VHO fixture that would give me 2.3watts per Gal I know this would be fine for a planted FW tank but what about SW ?? would it be enough to get a reef started with some beginner coral and fish ??

also what other things would I need I know a heater and a skimmer but do I need another filter of some sort ??

also does the 1lb of live rock to 1 gallon rule, does it have to be followed all at once or can I add rock as funding permits...And is it wise to go live sand and live rock or does it not really matter ??

I am doing my research on this subject and planning on getting some good books to guide me, but I am totally confused about what to get and when to get it so many people run there tanks so many different ways !?!

any help would be great !!

 

[FL Knifemaker]

I would put as much money as possible into a good skimmer and lighting. You might also want start from the initial setup with a sump system as well.

I like the idea of buying LR as you go, that way you can pick and choose the pieces.

As far as live sand, I would say that depends on your location and where the sand comes from. I live close enough to the ocean to get it very fresh and ALIVE!! I wouldn't buy the bagged stuff myself but many have used it with good results.

 

[Grey Legion]

well I am no where near a ocean so I would have to buy my sand live or dead

I may start with a smaller tank something 48" to help with lighting...

what is a good size to start for tank and what other gear would be need for the initail setup ??

if possible use name brands so I may look them up onoine to get more info..thanks

 

[OrionGirl]

The VHO will be fine for keeping most live rock organisms alive, and the fish will be fine as well. I'm in favor of metal hallide from the get go for a reef--wish I had started with them instead of upgrading three times. 2.3 will allow you to keep some mushrooms and easier polyps, but not much else. I was amazed at the difference in growth and appearance between VHO and MH, and won't start another reef with anything else--though I do run VHO's for the actinics.

I'd think the biggest tank you can use is best. Stabler, easier to work in etc, and gives you a wider selection of fish.

For sand--save money, buy the dry sand from a home supply or landscaping store, and get a good sand bed activator package. For rock--yes, you can add as you go, but I would start with at least half the final amount--and don't fully stock the tank until you have a full load (1.5 -2 pounds per gallon) of rock. Live rock and sand is an ideal filtration setup, IMO--it's all I run on my 120's. Add a skimmer, and you'll be in good shape. There are several good brands of skimmers--will you have a sump, or will the skimmer hang on the tank?

 

[Grey Legion]

Well I guess I have more questions than answers now, but thatnks for the info , I will look into MH lighting it will boil down to $$'s I may start with a smaller tank say about 50-75 gallons and one that is not so deep to ease my lighting budget...

as for a skimmer what is the better choice sump or HOT I have no idea why would you choose one over the other ??

Thanks

 

[OrionGirl]

If the tank has a sump, it's nice to be able to put the skimmer in there, where it's out of sight. Otherwise, there's not much difference.

Before going with a smaller tank--look around at fish. Decide what stock you'd like to keep, and then see if they will fit in a smaller setup well.