New Tank... Need help

[Josh10985]

I posted this in the new member area but didn't get any replies.. Maybe this is the best spot.

I am about to make the plunge and buy a salt water tank. I have been looking on craigslist for a Hex tank. I love how they look and it would fit perfectly in the corner of my room. I found a user selling a 40Gal with stand. He has Metal Halide lights with built in fans, extra heaters, power heads, timers and a few other things. He also has a sump he said he will throw in, but he said it will not fit under the tank inside the stand. Do they make smaller sumps, or should I just go with a filter that sits on top of the tank and filters the water (called a skimmer?). What is a good skimmer model?

Would this work?
CPR Bak-Pak Protein Skimmer


I just want to get pointed in the right direction and get some advice. I like the tank, went to look at it, but want to know about the filtration and how much of a hassel it will be. He said the lights he has for it are about $350 and are 3 months old. I am not sure if I want it to be a reef or a live rock tank. This would be my first salt water tank so what would be easiest to start with?

What do you think?

 

[thincat]

Welcome to AA! You can make a sump anysize you want with bigger always a better choice. The skimmer is placed in your sump as is most of your other tank equip. lkie heaters and return pumps. Live rock is your major filter in a reef tank as well as a Fish only with liverock. There are many good skimmers out there and I'll let someone else point you in that direction. It looks like the above system would be a good one for you. Be sure to read up on how to cycle your AQ without live fish.

 

[melosu58]

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f14/stock-list-and-tips-for-maintaining-your-sw-tank-73477.html

Here is a good link on equipment needs. I ve heard others complain about the hex tanks. About hard to get adequate flow going around in the tank. Hopefully you`ll be ok