New tank in the works...

I am going to be starting a new tank in the next 3-4 months. it is between 40-50 gallons (bowfront). I want it to be a reef tank with beween 5-7 fish. I was planning on about 60 lbs of live rock and a sand/LS combo of some sort.

I am hopeing that some people out there with alot more experience than me could give me some ideas as far as the hardware combinations. i.e. filter lighting, type of live rock/sand, heating, skimmers... I have purchased nothing at this point, all i have is a tank.

Basically if you were in my position how would you do it. I would appreciate any advice/recomendations. Most importantly is there anything that i should AVOID...

IM told bad things happen fast...

Thanks,

 

As for the lighting on a new tank get the best that you can possibly afford. This way you don't have to upgrade later on in keeping a reef tank. MH lights are probably the best. I use PC on my tank.

If you get the LR I dont think you will need any type of filter or anything. A sump or refugium (possibly both) would be a good consideration if you have room for one.

My personal favorite type of LR is Marshall Island and seems to be the highest quality. Fiji will probably be the cheapest you can find ,but be careful because some sell poor quality Fiji LR. I don't have live sand so I cant comment on that.

As for the skimmer I like AquaC Remora for a HOT skimmer if you dont have a sump.

Also some LFS give really bad advice so I would be cautious about what they tell you.

 

I love the whole live sand/live rock stuff. I agree with getting the best lighting that you can afford. I like Tonga LR. Skimmer: AquaC Remora I have one and works great!!!!

 

I am not going to have a sump at first. I want to keep it as simple as i can in the beginning while im "getting my feet wet" but i want to purchase equipment that will be able to transfer to a sump in the future as i will probably be adding a sump at some point.

Are there certain skimmers that would be unable to do this?

How much light (W) will i need to provide enough light to any type of corals in a 46 gal bowfront?

Is there a difference in Watts for different types.. ie.. 200 W for T5, but 400 W for NH

Does that make sense?

Thanks,

 

They make skimmer that work both ways-as a hang on or in sump. I would get a strong skimmer! One geared for a bigger tank than yours. Imo, I would get a skimmer designed for a 75-100 gallon tank.
Lights, I would go with metal halides for both aestetic appeal and strength as the bulb is a point source light as appossed to light dispersed over the length of the whole bulb. Trying to capture at least 6-7 watts per gallon would be ideal, though for the more light demanding corals, I would go for 8-10 watts per gallon-but again my opinion though my reasons for this are well documented.
The difference in watts per gallon between t-5's or halides etc. again is answered above.
I would avoid having too many powerheads in your tank-raise water temp, too much clutter and not to appealing. Try going with say three strong powerheads such as Seio 600 or 800. Don't skimp or cut corners too much or it will come back to haunt you in the future as far as money is concerned. By trying to save a buck now, only to have to update of upgrade in the future causing you to have to go out a spend more money on the same thing you bought originally because it wasn't strong enough or broke because it was cheap-for example my Red Sea Wavemaster Pro(what a cheap joke)!
Just make sure you cover all your bases thoroughly-do alot of research and comparison shopping and more importantly, factor in the feedback and experiences from fellow reefers at 3reef!!
Good luck and hope this helps atleast alittle!

 

Depends on the length but I recommend AquaMedic oceanlight combos...like a 2' or 3' depending on tank length. They feature HQI and T5, really best lighting combo you can get and they are inexpensive!

A remora would be a good skimmer if you decide not to get a sump. Also, look at AutoTopoff.com and get a top off for the tank if you plan not to have a sump...will just make it easier. I would run a auto top off either way but I feel they are more required on tanks without sumps because you will visually be able to see the lower water level in a tank without a sump vs a tank with a sump.

Get a Tunze 6000 with magnet and controller, yes its expensive but you only need one and the heat and wattage they consume is nearly nothing. Plus with the Tunze 6000 being controlled, you can have the flow pulse from like 600 gph to 1800 and there is night mode, tidal mode, feeding, etc.

Mike

 

i have the aqua c remora and it started taking gunk out after 2 days....i love it, just plug and play and affordable, most believe it to be the best hang on skimmer. i have pc lighting and i like it. obviously i would go with MH lighting if it was in my price range but it isn't so i opted for the pc's and i like them. i would suggest leaving your tank open on top for gas exchange. powerheads are important and i wouldn't skimp either on those or the skimmer. remember to get your test kits as these are very important...allowing you to know if your doing good or bad. it helps also during the cycling process.

 

ive actually switched to a 55 gallon. going to be about 55 - 60 lbs of live rock. bakpak skimmer , 210 W power compacts with a very thin sand bed

This isnt done, this is just what im shooting for