Starting A Reef!?!

[MarineEddy]

Hi guys,
For Christmas my parents have offered to buy me some better lighting for my 29gal FOWLR so I can turn it into a reef
I would love a reef but have a few questions first:
1) Would I need a sump?
2) Would I need to get RODI water?
3) Would these fish be ok: royal gramma, oc clown, bluegreen Chromis, Bangaii cardinal?
4) Would I need 0 nitrates as I currently have about 5?

If I think up any more questions I will add them

Thanks in advance, Eddy

 

[TLTGF]

A sump is not a requirement, fish would be all good, nitrates are fine, and RO/DI water is a must if you don't wish to battle algae.

 

[MarineEddy]

Ok thanks! I guess that's why I've got SO much algae at the moment

 

[MarineEddy]

Ok thanks! I guess that's why I've got SO much algae at the moment

 

[xxStLxx]

+1 on the RODI water. You need to go out to your LFS and get new test kits for reef keeping API has some ok tests but I would suggest Red Seas pro line of tests kits as they are more accurate and easier to read. You'll need to be testing for calcium, alk, magnesium, iodide, phosphates and nitrates. Once all of your values are in the reccomended area you should be good to go.

What's your current filtration system consist of?

 

[MarineEddy]

I have 80 gallons of filtration and it's a 29gal.
I have the Juwel default that comes in the tank and a 50 gallon rated fluval.
Thanks for all the help guys!