want to start a reef tank

[tims]

HI and WElcome to TRT




as you can see everyone is ready to help out.
When you get a chance take a look at the FAQ section we have here, there are two articles one on sumps and one called " so you want a reef tank"

take your time , ask , read.. then breath...

[motorslave]

Hi! welcome to TRT! You seem to have the right attitude to start out on the right path! patience is key here!
Read and read then read some more and ask questions! THEN you will be able to make some good purchases of equipment and live stock!
if you check here before you buy anything then youll get lots of info that will save you money and headaches as no one here is trying to sell anyhting.
I suggest that you decide what type of coral you want to keep, research what they need and requuire, and then design your tank around those needs (lighting, flow etc...) When you get you tank started and cycling, leave it be for two months at least, even if the water tests perfect, leave it be! The longer you let a tank establish, the better it will do! I could go on and on and youll se that I sometimes do! (but Im not the only one he he he!) read everyhting you can, ask every question possible and youll be obsessed in no time! Welcome to the madness!

Robert

[VWD]

Welcome to TRT!!!!

[Loverotties]

Welcome to TRT! That is a very comon size and shape here!so I'd say it's a good choise!

[skeety]

Welcome to TRT!! Best thing you can do in this hobby! So many people here willing to help. You're gonna like it here.

You sound like you're really done your research. All good choices.

I have that same exact tank (Oceanic 72 bow). LOVE it. Very good quality tank!! (I recommend getting the Oceanic stand with it. They won't honor their warranty unless that tank is on one of their stands).

Also...don't pay extra for the canopy for it (can't remember if it comes with it...or if it's extra). Once you add your own lighting, it becomes useless.

I say, for a beginning...just start out with a sump. If you decide later you want a refugium...doesn't really cost much money/energy to switch. Early on, try to keep things as simple as possible. This hobby can get pretty technical/confusing REAL quick!

My first and formost recomendation is to read the FAQ like Tim suggested:

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/fa..._reef_articles

and get some books!! Here's some really good books the people at TRT have recommended. (my personal favorite is Aquarium Corals by Eric Borneman. Covers all the different types of systems, equip, corals, etc. Good book). ANyways...check them out. Give you something to do while you're waiting for your system to cycle:

http://www.thereeftank.com/books/

again...Welcome. Always glad to have new members. Looking forward to hearing more from you. Ask LOTS of questions!!

[DebsSisterFlo]

Hi & Welcome!!!
I have an All Glass 72g bow that is currently freshwater and we love it. I plan to someday, when all those fish pass, I plan to fill it with live rock and get a volitan lionfish. I've always wanted one, they're so awesome. Good luck with your tank! This is the place to be for friendly advice!
I also suggest 1.5 lbs of live rock per gallon of water and a skimmer.