First tank, help/suggestions/comments?

[Syrax01]

Hey everyone!

I've been looking to set up a SW tank for a long time now and now that I finally have the space/time/money, I think I'm ready to take the plunge.

The goal is to set up a FOWLR aquarium with inverts. I plan on holding off from corals for quite a while until my level of experience goes up.

Right now I've got my hands on a 40gal breeder style aquarium (36 1/2"long x 18"wide x 17"high. The current plan is to get an Aqua C Remora skimmer, 2 Maxi-jet MP600's, and 2 Pro-Heat Titanium IC Heaters (http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_heaters_won_brothers_pro-heat_titanium.asp?CartId=).

I'm a little lost when it comes to deciding what lighting system to get. I was looking at this one: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12772&ref=3450&subref=AT&N=2004+113175; however, I'm not sure if that's really a good choice or not. It would end up being about 4watts/gal. However, since the breeder aquarium is pretty shallow, I'm not sure if that light would be too overpowering.

Would it be recommended to add another source of filtration outside of the LR and skimmer?

Any advice or comments or suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[tecwzrd]

Moved post to hardware/equipment forum:

Welcome to AA

I'd get two Maxi-jet 900s or even 1200s versus the 600s for a little more flow.

My stock list post has other power heads to consider as well along with other needed equipment.

Skimmer and lighting is fine. Light won't be too powerful as long as you photo acclimate your corals. It's strong enough for medium light corals.

Are article section has tons of good info as well including fishless cycling

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

At 156W for a 36", that's not too much light. I've got 196W (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12109&N=2004+113345) on my 36" and everything does fine. The fish don't mind, and I can keep pretty much anything but SPS corals.

Looks like you're on the right track with your system. If you add 60-80 lbs of live rock, you shouldn't need any additional filtration. You might want something though to put carbon or other chemical filtration in... maybe a small hang-on-back or something? Just a thought.