Setting up a new tank.

[ReefWannabe]

Hi all, I just found the board.Looks like a nice place to share and learn about our Reef tanks.
I was in the hobby for 3 years with moderate success. I had a 55 fish only and a 40 long reef (berlin setup). I broke both down 4 years ago when i moved and never set them up again,until now.
During the summer I plan to set up my 40 long again and go the reef route.
I have been out of the hobby for 3 years,so I need some advice.

1) My previous lighting was (4) 40 watt florescents (2 actinic,2 daylights).I think this was a little too weak. I want to upgrade to VHO or Power compact. Any recommendations on which is better?

2) I want to use live sand 4'' thick directly on the bottom.Can I cycle the tank with damsels using sand AND a wet dry with no bio balls?I plan to add the rock at another time.Any advice?

[Pik]

Welcome to the board.

1. I would go with VHO instead of PC.. They both work great... but I find the VHO is probably cheaper to replace the bulbs in the long run. But then... I would actually use VHO as the supplement. I would recommend you think about going with Metal Halide if you're doing a reef tank.

2. People are a bit more environmentally concious about cycling than before. People lean more towards cycling with dead sand.. w/ some live sand and also I would add the live rock while cycling. This way, you'll cycle the rocks at the same time. Because if you add the rocks later... it is possible that your tank may go through another cycling event.

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Hi There!! I second the suggestion that Pik gave you. Johnny

[ReefWannabe]

Thanks for the advice.I was thinking metal halide but heard you'll need a chiller because of the heat they produce.

[Pik]

Rich,

You don't really need a chiller for MH. But that depends on where you live as well. If your canopy is well vented, you should be able to have MH lighting w/o a chiller. Most people who are using MH don't have chillers.