New Here + New To Saltwater!

Hey guys i'm new here, and to the SW hobby!
i was planning to do a 10 gallon SW reef but realize that wasn't gonna turn out well so i was gonna convert one of my 35 gallon flat hex tank to saltwater ( im not a noob to fish ive had 5+ years in freshwater!) i have a aquaclear 70 on it now, im kinda stuck, i was gonna do a FOWLR but then i just really like corals so reeef maybe? im a complete noob to SW life as well im going on vacation this summer so im setting up when i comeback on like August 27, im planning to get a RO/DI system to save me headaches, so i got most of the supplies and reaseach down just need to decide on FOWLR or Reef im not that rich (most of the people i know with saltwater ae super rich and everything in there tanks are like in the triple digits) so i dont have much to spend probably like $400 - $450 on supplies alone and the big thing im confused on are the lights i dont know what lights to get that's affordable and would allow me to get some good corals, hopefully this site help me out !!
-Kavin

 

Welcome to 3reef. I'm sure this is a silly question but what is a flat hex tank? In terms of lighting, it really does depend on whether you go FOWLR or reef. Are you going to have a sump? I'm not sure on drilling a hex?? You can really go either way but maybe start out with the idea that you'll keep a FOWLR with a few easy soft corals that don't need a lot of light so that you can get the hang of the saltwater keeping side of the hobby. FO's are really pretty cool.....I'm thinking you may be able to do a par 38 LED bulb for your tank as a light that could grow some easy softies (mushrooms, green star polyps).....You will need live rock and most keep at least an inch or two of sand (you can seed the sand with a cup of someone's sand and add to yours to get it live). You can also buy just one or two pieces of live rock and get dry rock because the live will eventually seed the dry.

If you've been reading, what direction are you leaning? Fish only or do you really WANT a reef? That answer will really determine the direction (and cost) you go.

 

Welcome to 3reef

 

Welcome to 3reef.

 

http://www.tropicalfishstore.com/Aquarium-flatbackhex.htm thats a flat hex
mine is 16.5 inches tall (with no substrate)
the front panel is 22 inches wide
the two small rectangles next to it are both 8in wide
the both sides are 8.25 inches wide
and the back is 36 inches (3ft)
im now solid on reef i just hope i dont go over budget thanks for the help!

 

ok, that is very neat...I believe another member on here has one...I'll have to search the name - it's a reef tank and gorgeous. It's I believe much bigger but same shape. So never mind about the par38 bulb....what about livestock choices?

I'm thinking the member is Heidi but I know that's not correct. Can anyone help me out???

heihei29er is the member - found it!!

 

Welcome

Welcome and it sounds like you are really on your way.The best thing is ask questions and do your reserch . Many of the aquarist on this site are very experienced and it would be to your advantage to pick their brain...lol They have been helpful and insperational as well. I just adopted a 72 gallon bowfront with sump and its a reef system,its really amazing and its a beautiful endeavour. I would go with bigger tank just because having more water is more forgiving when it comes to chemistry and water issues. Good luck

 

Not sure on livestock looking for something cool lol colorful active.