Planning on setting up 25 gal FOWLR ( first saltwater)

[degbowl]

I was planning for months to set up a 10 gal FOWLR. I really wanted a bigger tank, but I live in a 1 bedroom apt and already have a 46 gal discus tank and 40 gal fancy goldfish tank. I found space to fit a 25 gal tank. I am buying it next month. I have already purchased equipment for the 10 gal that I can use for the 25 gal. I had ordered a fission Nano skimmer. It is on back order, but now I want a larger skimmer. Can anyone recommend a skimmer that would be right for this tank, not too noisy( don't want to wake the neighbors), and not one that I have to modify too much( I'm not that handy and I would rather pay a few extra $'s than modify the skimmer)? I would want a HOB skimmer.

I also have another question. The tank will have a glass top with a strip light. The tank will only be a FOWLR so I don't need special lighting, but should I buy a different light or bulb in case I want to try corals in the future when I get good at keeping a salt water tank? I guess it would be easy to upgrade the lighting later, but if it was not too much more then I would be better off buying better lighting from the start.

Any suggestions and links to good deals on anything I could use would be appreciated. I have been planning for months. I have kept freshwater for over 20 years but never tried saltwater. I want to do it right. TIA for your help.
Jim

 

[degbowl]

I just received an email about this light. Is this something that would be good on my tank?
http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=14266&ref=3799&subref=AC&cm_mmc=Email-_-Fish-_-06_Jan_17-_-20_40_Single_Systems

 

[vsnsofadrgn]

you could go fo rthe aqua remora pro skimmer. its quiet and very effient with no mods. you can ge tone rated for a 75 gal tank, but that ok, plus you can upgrade to a bigger tank if you wanted. go to marineandreef.com (aqua c remora) thats the cheapest i have found it. also, some people dont like these lights and some do, but theyre a good price. aquatraders.com (lighting section)

 

[degbowl]

Thanks I will look into it.

 

[aquazen]

Is there a wattage issue for FOWLR setup? I'm planning to set up a FOWLR as well, and I have a double strip fluorescent with 34 watts total over a 29 gallon. I don't know if LR requires strong light like corals. And what's all this I hear about 'low light' corals and anemones?

 

[degbowl]

LR doesn't require special lighting. Corals I can't help you with. Any other suggestions for me. From what I am reading, I am going to buy cured LR. I don't want that much of an odor in a one bedroom apt. Like I said before I don't want make the neighbors mad.

 

[degbowl]

Just an update. I think I am going with a 30 gal extra high. It would fit in the same spot as the 25, but would only be 4" taller. I went to one store to price out the tank. I was going to buy there, but now I will go somewhere else. The guy was trying to sell me a wet/dry filter and better lights. I was thinking of going with better lights, but he told me I needed for the live rock. I have been studying for months and I know I don't need the special lighting for LR. He was telling me that when I put LR in a tank then it is considered a reef tank. I felt like I new more than him and he was trying sell me what I didn't need. I have other LFS that I can go to for the same price. I'm also thinking of the Bak Pak 2r skimmer.