Information needed

I purchased a 37 gallon Marineland tank with LED lighting in hopes of housing a few cichlids. Before I make my final decision on this I would appreciate some information. I have in the tank Florida crushed coral substrate, it came with a 200 watt heater, a penguin bio hob filter. I have 50lb of dry rock ordered to be in soon. Is there a way using this equipment I can add a piece of live rock and some live corals to do a fishless tank? In other words just for rock and corals without having to have the investment of a protein skimmer, sump, etc. I have always wanted some type of reef tank but don't care to get into the fish end. Thanks

 

Cichlids are freshwater fish.

 

Absolutely. While a skimmer and sump do have their advantages, they are completely optional. Routine partial water changes will keep nutrients in check, and for a 29g, that's a very small chore.

 

African cichlids and many other types of cichlids prefer higher pH levels. I used to raise them and had this same type of setup although they are freshwater fish. There is no salt in this tank or water at all right now.

 

Mr. Bill it is a 37 gallon tank and if I go this way have you any setup recommendations? I believe I will need a power head, test kit, salt additive? I need general directions for doing this with no sump, no skimmer and no fish. Thanks.....

 

I'm a bit confused. You want to put coral in live rock in a freshwater cichlid tank?

 

I think he bought the tank for cichlids then changed his mind and is trying to decide if he just wants a coral tank instead.

 

OHHHHH! Lol my bad.

 

First, you will need a RO/DI filter for your tap. Whether you're on city water or private well, tap water has minerals and nutrients that can make reef-keeping anywhere between daunting and disasterous.

You'll need a reef-grade salt mix- Instant Ocean Reef Crystals and Red Sea Coral Pro are two good choices; there are a few others. A floating glass hydrometer is good, but a refractometer is better for checking SG. Don't bother with the swing-arm hydrometers as they're junk.

You'll need to decide what type corals you plan to keep; that will determine how much flow you need. In any case, 2 or more smaller powerheads will be better than 1 big one. Also, if you're only planning on soft corals, you can forgo cal, alk, and mag test kits. You'll only need a standard marine kit for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate and pH.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

 

Thank you so much that is what I need to get me started. Will keep you posted.