I want to upgrade, but how?

i guess so. What does the mean? Lol, im clearly a novice.

 

For the corals suggested, those lights are fine. I wouldn't try any high-light corals (SPS corals for example) with those lights though. Also, I wouldn't add any of those corals for at least 3 months from the time you get it up and running. Get the tank cycled and stable first, then try some of those easier corals (I'd recommend polyps or mushrooms).

As for the Skilter, I have one. It works well if you can stand the noise. I couldn't as it's in the bedroom tank. I removed the skimmer part of the filter and now use a separate skimmer. It is a needle-wheel skimmer, so it is a good design, it's just louder than any other I've ever used. If you can stand the noise, use it, as it did pull out a decent amount of skimmate from my water. I wouldn't use it on a tank larger than 20 gallons though.

 

Im probably going to get a biowheel filter and a separate protein skimmer.

I wouldnt dream of adding Any corals for a long time, i know some people get really antsy and just throw stuff in their tank, but im way to scared to do that. I dont want to know that i cause the death of a creature in my care.

 

I would not use the bio wheels on a filter.

 

Why is that? Are they bad? I have one for my 12 gal and it seems to be working pretty good.
Any criticism and wisdom is greatly appreciated!
What would you recommend?

 

They can build up nitrates and I use a fluval canister and an emperor 400 with out the bio wheels. It is a matter of preference on what filter to use as some will not use a canister.

 

Is it the wheel itself thats a problem or the brand? How do you battle nitrates?

 

Not the brand but the wheels it self on any system. Battling nitrates are just part of the cycle and can be lowered by water changes if get high but a cycled take will have none or very little. Don't over feed

 

Got it. Feed only everyother day or maybe 3 times a week, is that acceptable?

 

Sounds good to me my friend