Just starting out, need major help!

This is what I was likely going to suggest as well. I use a cheap 1W LED fixture over my 46BF and would suggest using something similar.

 

Lots of options. I was hoping to keep this tank as cost efficient as possible. Something simple to get me started. If this is something I enjoy doing as much as I think I will, I want to eventually add another larger tank, and do that one properly with all the corals and pretty stuff I'm loving this forum more and more each second. Everyone is so friendly, knowledgeable, and the responses are so fast! Haha

edit: I can't find my measuring tape atm, but I'll find it tomorrow and let you know.

 

Go read bullet proof tank garf .org

 

I will do that now, thanks

 

Try to find a local salt club on fb. When I started out I asked if anyone would be able to donate a cup of sand from a healthy tank to help kick start my tank. Not only did they give me sand, they also filled up my tank with the water from their water change and gave me around 8-10 lbs of live rock. This guys was willing to give me all this stuff for free because someone did the same thing for him years ago. I still threw $40 at him him.

 

Also, pick up some outdoor latex paint for the back glass(outside). Most people seem to use blue or black. This will hide all the wires and give you better contrast. You can pick up a small can for pretty cheap at Home Depot or Lowes.

 

I'll definitely see if there's a local club around, thanks! I didn't think about the paint. was just going to tape some dark wallpaper on there or something haha.

 

Tank looks just like mine and if so it's a 55gal upright. Mine was given to me about three years ago. I've survived up to this point with a HOB filter and a heater to maintain water temp. I have a FOWLR. You can see pics of my tank which I just added more live rock to under the post named "freebie". Good luck in your venture!

 

You could do a HOB filter and make it work but you'd have to commit to doing regular water changes of at least 10% every week. I've always used a skimmer on my FO tanks so I would suggest that but I know people on this forum that maintain successful tanks without one, but they also are experienced (not all) but many

Just as a little hint, if you put your cursor on an acronym that you don't recognize, on this forum it many times tells you the meaning. I found this out way back when and thought it was such a cool feature.

 

NOW somebody tells me!!! It's been like a little mind game to me figuring out these things!! +1