basic setup for a 45 gal reef

ok i have a 45gal high tank its a fowlr now i have a sump with a protien skimmer i was wondering what would be the basic stuff that i would need to start i just want to try a few corals to see if i would like to continue on with it or stay with the fowlr tank i have 3 damsels and a trigger and i know my tanks to small for the trigger and also there not good with a reef tank i plan on getting rid of him ate 15 of my red legged crabs thank you for your time

 

What type of lights do you have?

Have you seen any particular corals that you liked?

 

i have the stock canopy that came with the tank and i have no pref on corals i just want the easy ones for low lighting to start out is there a bulb that i could put in where the stock one is or would i have to upgrade the lights

 

Assuming your stock light is a T-12 standard flouresent bulb:

I am not aware of any beginner corals that will live under that lighting.
There are corals out there that rely totally off of meaty foods and no light, but are not easy to take care of.

If you are willing to upgrade your lighting for corals, you need to decide what type of corals you untimately would like to keep.

Also, lighting gets expensive very quickly.
Recommend you stay away from PCs (Power Compacts)
T-5s are great systems and can keep all kinds of coral if enough are used.

 

i was thinking of some thing like this Satellite Dual 96W Compact Fluorescent Lighting Current USA Satellite 36 inch Power Compact Light or would i need something stronger or weaker

 

If I was you I would check into craigslist,you can get a cheap pc lightign setup for your tank and softies would grow under them. For instance xenia and kenya's will grow under them and it will get your feet wet for the next build.