very first marine tank (50g) gots questions lookin for tips!

Thanks will do!

 

What lighting would you recomend for my tank do not intend on keeping sps or clams. (I dont think i have enough experience for these yet! But would like to keep softies when tank is setup for them!

my lfs told me not to do a water change for about a month but told me tank has went through (pre cycle?) What are your thoughts on this?

 

no problem, heres some links. only test kit besides these you might want to have is magnesium. i use red sea myself.

Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Saltwater Master Test Kit Aquarium Test Kits

Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Reef Master Test Kit Aquarium Test Kits

 

Lighting is going to depend a lot on budget. I really like Aquaticlife T5HO. These are great on softies but will also give you the ability to grow clams or SPS later on if you want. Try to think ahead of what you may want to grow and plan your tank in that methodology. Salt Water equipment is expensive and it will save you a ton of money to spend the extra $$ and get the equipment right the first time.

AquaticLife T5 HO 4-Lamp Light Fixtures w/ Lunar LEDs

**Remember with this light you are getting a timer ($20), Moonlights ($32) and all on 1 or 2 plugs.

Water changes IMO are essential to success. There are different beliefs on this. Some do 20% WC once per month, some do it every 2 weeks. I have had a great deal of success with 10% each week. It is not a lot of water which is good and it replinishes minerals on a weekly basis (limits the need of dosing in small tanks IMO). Your tank has either cycled or it hasn't. You need to do your own tests and determine what your water parameters are. There are great posts on the cycling process in these forums and what your tank should look like when complete.

Also do not forget that RO/DI Unit

 

yesterday my lfs told me my phosphates were a little high, ive been reading and think it could be due to overfeeding! i have to very small clowns and feed once daily! small pinch of flake or less than half cube of frozen brine!(i soak the frozen in ro/di before feeding! should i feed less?