New Saltwater Aquarist, lots of questions!

ok. supposedly the local non chain pet store carries live rock. I havnt gone to look yet though. so I orderd 50lb of bahama live agrogite (or whatever the one you all recomended is called) from marcorocks. you were right. way cheeper than ebay and probably better quality.

So who has better prices for base rock? it looked like they carried about the same kind

 

So far I have spent less than 129 dollars on my 30 gallon tank. all I have left to buy is the skimmer, probably a new light bulb, and the rock. so granted I will have to buy more rock and a bigger light, but including sand, the stand, an algea scrubber and a thermometer, my ank is already 20 bucks cheaper than the biocube

 

true but the biocube already comes with everything so IMO its easier and simpler ;D

 

What light do you have? what skimmer are you buying?

A good light will cost you around $150-$250(unless you find a really nice deal)
And a good skimmer will cost about $75-150..

 

Reefcleaners has the best prices and amazing customer service, after you order he will email you asking for your tank dimensions and he will pick pieces of rock just for your tank. Awesome customer service. ReefCleaners.org | Clean Up Crews and Macro Algae - Florida Reef Rock (Free Shipping*)

 

The skimmer at Petco, its the only one I can find, and I think is 45? maybe more. as for lights, I think they are going to be 65. It has a hood with a light in it, but I have no idea what kind of ligt it is

More questions does the sand go in before or after the water? it seems like before, but they both seem like they would make a mess.

when im cycling my tank it needs to have the salt already in it right?

If i get a little bit of gravel from the LPS (even though I will have a sand bed) can I use that to start cycling my tank sense I wont be able to get LR for a couple days?

 

eww, buy online, you want a skimmer that is 2x your aquarium size, so a 60g skimmer is better.
AquaC Remora Hang-On Protein Skimmer
I have the $180 model. If your on a budget for lights buy this
Odyssea Metal Halide System
You can keep any coral at any level. Even a anemone.
Is this your tank
30 gallon is (L x W x H) 36" x 12" x 16"

 

ok, I put a picture of my tank on the blog, Aquarium Adventures ,
the lights do work, I just ont know what kind they are. they seem bright, but im not really one to judge. lol
the hole in the lid for the skimmer is right over the cord end of the heater, is that ok? or should I move it closer to the filter?

my tank, 30x12x19

 

That light looks like one of those old lamp bulb lights. If I were you, buy this
http://www.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-24in-Metal-Halide-with-T5-Extendable-Serie-p/54244.htm
You can keep any coral and anemone with that light.

 

is there a way to buy metal halide bulbs and just put them in the hood I have? or do I have to buy the whole thing?