Looking to start a tank and need some advice

So I want to start up a 20 gallon saltwater fish tank but I have very little experience with saltwater tanks. I've done some research but I am still cloudy on a few issues.
What would be the best setup for filtration? I've seen a lot about using just live rock, pumps, and a protein skimmer. Is this sufficient? Is there a better, cheaper way for my tank size? Also, what kind of lighting would you suggest?

Thanks for any help!

 

what do you want to put in for a stocking list? corals? fish? That will help alot in helping

 

Any reason for choosing a 20G? Most people, including myself, will tell you to go as big as you can. More water volume yields a more stable system, or more room for error. Live rock is definitely a wise choice so that you have proper biological filtration. A skimmer may not be necessary if you do frequent water changes and/or have a light bioload. Again....bigger the better. You can also run a sump to help increase the total system volume.

 

Oh yeah....research, research, research...everything!

And of course, ask for help here, 3reef is a wonderful resource ;D

 

patience, and I agree get the biggest tank you can afford and have the space for. Most people that start out with small tanks upgrade and lose the money they put into equipment, because they can't use it on their new tank

 

I agree with all above. Bigger will lead to greater sucess
I would alo suggest you get a tank that is reef ready , this means it would be drilled for a sump.

If you need to stick to 20G there are some great LED lights you could use.

As for filtration I've only ever used Live rock and a skimmer. It really is a complete filter system and there is little need for anything else

Good luck
J

 

Just to follow up on what Jason said. LR and skimmer are all you need. Any kind of floss or sock can be detrimental to your tank if it isn't changed on a daily basis. Think about it, when you use a filter sock, all of your water is running through fish poo......

 

Maybe look into an AIO like a JBJ nano (24 or 28 ) or Biocube 29. They already have the sump, pumps, some filtration, and lights built in. You would still want a skimmer, heater, and probably an ATO.

Just throwing that out there!

 

My 2 cents would be to start with an all-in-one set up for the size you're looking at. This way you can get most of what you would need - lighting, tank, filtration - and at a reasonable starter price. Below are a couple suggestions...

M-Tank 20g Acrylic

JBJ-USA Aquarium Products

 

if you want to stay that small i definitely recommend an all in one or maybe go a little bigger toward a 40 breeder....not too big not too small and easy to work with