Saltwater & Reef

NicoleIsStoked · 07-02-2013, 01:03 PM

Almost a year ago I set up my first ever SW tank. 50gal FOWLR. I now have the desire to set up a nano reef but know nothing about keeping coral.
I would ideally be using a spare 20gal tank that I have lying around the house. Actually it's this exact kit that I have http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0035H...dir_mdp_mobile
So I would be replacing that filter with a AC50 most likely. And I have that light fixture with a colormax bulb in it. But I have a feeling that its far from sufficient.
Ideally I'd like my stock list to be
2 ocellaris clowns
1 bicolor dotty back
1 goby of some sort
2 snails
And maybe a fire shrimp

Is this too much?

What are the different kinds of coral? And which are the easiest to keep for beginners?
And what kind of lighting would I need for them?
Aside from lighting are there any other parameters I need to be concerned with? With my 50gal I am only mindful of ammonia, NO2, NO3, chlorine/chloramine, and SG.
Which reminds me that I do not use RO water. I use tap water treated with prime. Is that a problem for a reef?
Thanks!

Elykreefs97 · 07-02-2013, 01:26 PM

well the light is very far from what yoy will need to keep corals. whats your budget for a light. the stock sounds good. andyour corals will be based on the light you choose

NicoleIsStoked · 07-02-2013, 01:36 PM

Hmm. I really don't know what kind of budget would be reasonable. If possible, lets say $100 or less? I hear people raving about LEDs all the time. Are there different types of LED? I ask because I work at Petsmart and we have a small variety of them which would be great because I get a discount. We have marine and LEDs I believe. Are those useful?

Elykreefs97 · 07-02-2013, 01:40 PM

yes leds would be best but leds that can support a reef are ver expensive. if 100 dollars is the light budget i would suggest the zoomed aquasun. the light is 90 dollars and it fits 2 bulbs and each bulb is 15 dollars.