[Aiden1022]

Hello everyone I just bought a 28 gallon bow front tank....was thinking to make it a reef tank. I just need some help... Filter option....can I just used like 50 pounds of live rock? 20 pounds live sand? Everywhere I read it is something different....Also I have a 24" coralife power compact with lunar lights...now what bulbs should I get?..

 

[fsureefer]

That amount of rock and sand should be good, no filter is necessary. Just get a couple good powerheads and you will be good to go.

 

[Aiden1022]

How about a wave maker? Is that a little over board? SHould I get hydor koralia nano 425 or the smaller one?

 

[fsureefer]

A wavemaker is cool, but if you were going that route I would go for 2 Vortech MP10's. Otherwise, I would get the koralia 750's

 

[Aiden1022]

So What I have so far ....

28 gallon bow front
45 pounds live rock
20 pounds black live sand
2 Koralia 425's
Jager Heaters EBO Jager Heaters: : 100 Watt

I ordered the Live rock from Liveaquaria.com....What else do I need to get started?

 

[fsureefer]

A light would be helpful to view the tank, and if you plan on keeping coral in the future. Otherwise it looks good, you could get a HOB skimmer but its not necessary IF you do regular water changes. I would get 1 more powerhead, put them all on timers so they will alternate and you will have more random flow.

 

[Aiden1022]

Oh yeah I have a coralife power compact with lunar lights...I plan for to get a wave maker but in a couple months...Is distilled water from the store just as good as ro water?

 

[fsureefer]

As RO, yes. As RO/DI, no. You have options, either go to the LFS and buy RO/DI water or buy your own unit. I own my own unit and I love not having to make a trip to get water when I need it. I fill my ATO reservoir every few weeks and thats it. I highly recommend getting one, but buying water from the LFS is good too.

 

[Aiden1022]

Is there any difference? I was planning to get the gallon verson from the super market...Distilled water...LOL

 

[fsureefer]

Distilled would work too, it should all be good. I would just go to the LFS because they usually are up on their membrane changes, where distilled water from the grocery store could be coming from any bottling facility and could contain trace amounts of things you dont want, though its unlikely.

 

[Aiden1022]

Well I guess its better than tap water...This is my second tank kinda...I had a 55 which I tried turning into a reef tank but I think I rushed and it crashed...So 6 months later here I am giving it another try..The right way..lol no rushing and a lot of questions...Instant ocean reef salt I have..

 

[fsureefer]

Thats the way to do it. Also, a refractometer is a great piece of equipment. Bulk reef supply has them for $40