New Tank Setup: Input Needed!

[OzeDiver]

Hi all, new to SW aquariums. Have had a FW one on and off for the last 5 or so years. Nothing interesting really, just a few basic fish, mechanical HOB filter and a heater in a 40gal (150L) tank.

I became interested in it as I love animals and am a SCUBA diver and started reading about it on an Australian dive forum, which lead me to many forums and websites to research everything.

So at the moment... my setut (to be) is looking like this:

48" x 14" x 14", 40g glass tank with stand (already have)
Single 48" Gro-Lux 36W T8 fluro (already have)
External canister filter (Eheim 2217, AquaOne CF-1000, other...?)
300W Heater
Crushed coral or aragonite
Live Rock (lbs...???)

I think that's all hopefully didnt miss anything.

As for stock just want to start out with a few hardy'ish fish, such as 2 clowns. Don't know what else yet... Now for the questions.

1. How much LR will i need?
2. How much substrate will i need?
3. What other fish are compatible and suited to that environment?
4. Is a skimmer neccasary to start with or can i add it later as need be?
5. A marine aquarium I visited (only one i've visited so far) said I can just use the water from the ocean? Is this alright? [The beaches on the gold coast are very clean.]
6. Also what sort of filter should i get?

That is all I can think for now, any help is greatly appreciated.

[jenajet]

okay if you want corals your gonna wanna upgrade lighting so think of what kind of corals you may want and go from there, if your doing fowler then the lighting won't be an issue. About 50 lbs of lr, sandbed is up to you mine is 2 inches, adding ocean saltwater is risky, I mean who knows what is in it but have seen it done but test the water first. Yes you need a skimmer but good news with that and the rock no other filter is needed. You may want to get extra powerheads because saltwater tanks need lots of flow. Once the tank is cycled lots of fish possibility: coral beauty or flame angel, gobies, avoid damsels unless you want an aggressive only tank they are mean little buggers(I love mine tho, they are kept with my maroon clown who is also a little beast!) Just research any fish you plan to purchase to check it's suitability to your tank. Well other's will add more but hey WELCOME TO TRT!

[OzeDiver]

nah no corals (for now anyway) maybe an anemone later down the track once the tank has matured. dunno wat else i want... ***** live rock ends up being pretty expensive!

thanks for the help!

[motorslave]

Live rock should be from .75 to 1.5 lbs per gallon. If you want an anenome you definately need to upgrade the lights, they need some good light! A skimmer is the only other thing I would suggest. The natural saltwater is a risk as said unless it is pulled from about 25 miles out due to pollution. We just dump too much junk in the waters and it collects around the shores.
Take it slow and ask here before making any purchases. No one here is trying to sell anything so you will get some great feedback!
Welcome to TRT and enjoy the madness!

Robert

[jenajet]

Yep lr can break the bank. I am adding 50lbs at a time to my 90. You can check online or local lfs. Mine will give me a big discount for buying lr in bulk, If I get more than 20 lbs I pay half price. Shop around and see who will give ya the best deal. Definatley get some mh before adding an anemone.

[Geoff]

Welcome to TRT!!



G~

[Little Luey]

Welcome to TRT!

[deathmatch782]

Welcome!