Hopefully a new SW tank...

[JoeandCarrie]

I have a 43.6 gallon tank according to the calculator I used. Tank interior dimensions are 29.5L x 19.5H x 17.5D.
I don't have much aquarium equipment left, but I did keep two canister filters.
Cascade 700
Filstar XP2
I have a 10gallon basic home setup I intend to use as a QT.

The wife would like a clown tank with maybe 1-2 other fish in it. It will be Live rock and sand otherwise. Eventually, I would like to add maybe a bubble tip. I will need actual lighting at that point though.
I have read countless posts, books, forums in general on starting a SW tank. I don't have a water quality report yet from my local public utility office though. I am in Cheyenne WY if anyone is familiar with their water.

I would like thoughts on what equipment I should be looking to purchase first. Do I need a sump, skimmer, etc. I have no intention of running anything in the canisters other than some carbon. Mostly just want them for the water flow. I have no powerheads, so they would be the turn-over for now.

What do you think?

Thanks for the help,

 

[Nu-Nu the eel]

Well you can only have 2 clown fish MAX in that tank. Any more and they will all fight

 

[Grizz]

You wont need a skimmer or sump (Does make things easier) But you will need to be right on with the PWC's If you decide on a nem then id get a skimmer nems like/need very good water also look into a RO/DI unit it will save you money down the road, buying water gets old quick

 

[JoeandCarrie]

I am looking around for a full setup for sale before I jump into this tank. Would like a sump, but don't want to deal with the hob overflow.

Had intended on purchasing distilled water from walmart. Its cheap, beats the heck out of RO/DI for cost. Water bill is high enough with the grass, can't do 4/1 waste. Did see a sink unit though that worked out to roughly the same as the distilled.

You think I can only put two fish max in the tank? I figured with around 50-60lbs of LR that it would be sufficient for 4-5 small fish. If its limit is two, then I will go FW and just wait to pick up the 150-180 that I would prefer.

dang, bit bummed about the two fish thing. thought I had done my home work more thoroughly for this tank.

Thanks for the info,

 

[Grizz]

You can put 4-5 small fish in that tank what nu-nu was saying is no more than 2 clowns. Drill your tank you can get a kit from glass-holes it comes with bulkheads and the diamond bit, grab a 20 long and make yourself a nice sump for less than $50

And welcome to AA

 

[JoeandCarrie]

I got ya now. Will check into this hole bit. The glass says do not drill, though, tempered I think. will bump the DIY section for sumps.

Will check back later... Got some lookin to do.

Thanks guys,

 

[JoeandCarrie]

Mod can close

Decided to go planted until I can gather the required equipment for a proper SW tank. Thanks for all your advice, and the message about animal attractions. They were super helpful.