30 long soft coral reef

[jenglish]

I have a 30 long tank that I am wanting to set up as a reef tank. While I would prefer to get a t5 36x4 I can get a 96w x2 for less than half the price so thats probably the direction I will go. Probably get a maroon clown and perhaps a jawfish for verts. Inverts its hard to tell yet. I'm wondering what all I can grow under 2 96w pc. I had a 29g w/ 2 65w a few years ago. Will be ordering uncured rock and curing it(is it worth it to use black powder or similar product while curing?). It will probably be the end of the month before I can set it up but wanted some feedback beforehand. Filtered by a penguin biowheel 125 and a seaclone 100 skimmer. I already have a 10 gallon tank that I am getting sand cultured in and raising mysis and gammarus shrimp for the project. Haven't had a salt tank in almost 5 years so I wonder what I missed =)

[Loverotties]

Welcome to TRT! T-5 you can get more kinds of corals and clams with that then PC.You don't need the biowheel just adds Nitrates and you should think of a better skimmer.

[jenglish]

Bio-wheel is removed, mostly running it just for a mechanical filter... old habits die hard , I'll post in general for suggestions on a better skimmer

[Loverotties]

I answered their.

[crvz]

You'll probably be able to grow some mushrooms, zoas, other softies. I wouldnt try anything more with just the 2 PC bulbs. I'd also recommend upgrading the lighting, but if you're satisfied with those corals that may be sufficient.

[rufusreefer]

Consider covering your aquarium very tightly with a versatop or some other clear cover. Jawfish are jumpers!

[aquawolf]

Good advice on the fish jumping issue.

[jenglish]

I think I may pass on the Jawfish just based on the depth of sand recommended. Has anyone used "egg crate" light diffuser for a tank cover to allow better gas exchange and heat disspation? I've seen it used before but I'm thinking that I don't want the light dissipated I want it as concentrated as possible!
since I first posted this tank thread I have decided definate
T5 39wx4 lights
skimmer- still trolling ebay for a remora, octopus, something along those lines
LR
sand bed (I know this is controversial but I find sand as aesthetically important as the rock)
and thanks to all for suggestions and tips

[aquawolf]

Are you going to have a canopy over the tank?

I placed my light fixture inside my canopy and then used the eggcrate along the back opening to act as a rebounding device in case any fish felt like committing suicide.

I have also seen some people use some type of window screening over the top of the tank.

[jenglish]

No canopy, the tank sits on a double cast iron stand w/ a freshwater planted/softwater fish 30l on the bottom stand. I think that adding a cannopy would make it look unbalanced as it has a very airy spacious feel to it atm.

[aquawolf]

In that case I would also stay away from any of the fish that are known jumpers.

Best of luck.

[jenglish]

http://www.reefspecialty.com/octopus...mmer-p-74.html and a Nova extreme t5 39x4 lighting both ordered and waiting for delivery, now all I need to do is order some rock and then I can start cycling finally

[jenglish]

trying to load some pictures, not sure if it worked. My nano reef and the FW planted tank beneath just for fun

[aquawolf]

The pictures worked. Thanks for sharing.

[icebear]

cool! i have much the same setup. 30L, SW (softies) on top, lightly planted FW at the bottom.