Newbie that is in need of some help!

Ok i have had fresh water tanks since i was about three and now want to venture in to saltwater! i was always scared of saltwater because of how much it cost and how easy it is to f!c& it up! so i have recently started a 20gal saltwater tank(6 days ago) with a millennium 1000 about 1/2 inch of crushed coral and 5lbs of live rock. I know i need a lot more but thats where u guys come in. I dont know what i need! so here is a couple questions to help me decide what i wanna do!
I am getting a 46gal hexigon tank and stand today, should i use this for my salt water tank? and would i beable to use my cascade 500(filter) i am using for a freshwater tank?
Or
Should i keep my 20gal, and put my cascade 500 on that? or build a wet/dry filter for either one!?!
Please help im so lost, this is way more complicated!!!

Everything i have to use:
1 20gal tank
1 46 gal hex.
1 cascade 500 filter
1 milennium 1000 filter
1 55w compact flor.
1 400w metal halide lamp (dont know if it could be used or not)

I have a little money but kinda tight right now ( Im a painter in wis. and cold weather=no work=not enough money!)
Thanks for any help!

Boaboi86

 

Hey I would suggest that you read matts 3 steps to a reef aquarium in the articles section. That will explain the basics for you, as for your filters I dont know much about those so I cant really help ya there. But I know matt rogers has had a hex tank so im sure he can give ya some good advice from experince there.
Good luck!
-Jordan

 

I would set up the 46g for your reef and use the 20g as a sump. I know nothing about sump set ups because I don't have one.

You will need:

skimmer (don't bother with the prizm or seaclone)get one that is rated for higher gallons.
heater
powerheads for flow
lighting (depends on if you want a reef or just fish)
grounding probe
hydrometer
test kits

I would only run the filter for flow or to run carbon but don't start it with a sponge, filter floss, etc. this will just add more problems in the end, take it from me. You need 1.5 - 2 lbs liverock in there. Add as much before you add any livestock.

Run your tank hoodless for oxygen exchange, you can use eggcrate on top to prevent fish from jumping, this is sold at any homedepot, rona etc.

Also make sure you test your water during cycling it, it generally takes 6-8weeks for a good cycle, add no living creatures during cycling. You want to see your ammonia spike, then go down to 0, then the nitrites will spike and go down, and this will occur with the nitrates next. It's the nitrogen cycle.

If you need help, ask away, that's what we are here for.

Good luck, take it slow, do ALOT of research.

 

46Hex is a very tall tank for a reef. Light is very important and it will be difficult to get the light down into a tank that tall. unless I'm mistaken I think a Hex is a very difficult tank to start a reef in.

Yes I agree with 4G1V3N (What is that a Canadian Postal code) read matt's 3 steps. they will help a lot.

I've never used ant mechanical filtration in a Saltwater tank. only good Live rock

good luck and keep the Questions coming, we are all here to help

J

 

I have to agree with J the hex will be very tall.

I've never used any mechanical filter either in SW... LR and a skimmer is all you need.

and 4G1V3N is "forgiven" in leet if im not mistaking. Is that it 4G1V3N?

Marc.

 

Yes that is right lol.. A canadian postal code would be a cool way to look at it too!

 

Ok so mabe 46 hex bad idea. Now when u guys say for filtration all i need is a good protine skimmer and alot of good live rock? thanks for the posts and ima go read what u guys said to.

 

Ok i did some reading, and he said in their that metal halide lights are great so if i would have a 400w metal halide above the tank(of course not to close) would that be enough or still bad idea? I know i got to get a good bulb but i have a 400w metal halide! tell me what ya think
Thanks matt

 

Just how high is the hex? I know they're high but i'de like some numbers. Thanks

Marc.

 

my buddie is bringing the tank today so ill throw the numbers on as soon as i can!