Please help i wanna set up a 46 gallon

[FISHGUY40219]

I have been reading a little bit about saltwater tanks, and i really want to set up a nice reef tank. I am buying a 46 gallon (was gonna make it a freshwater tank) im a little confused on how everything work in a reef tank. I am very familar with freshwater tanks.

The mains things im really confused about is the equipment and want i will need. I've been reading about the lighting, UV sterilizers, Refugiums, power heads, and protein skimmers.

what will i need to set up a tank exaclty like the one above? Filtration? Lighting? protien skimmer? uv sterilizer? what kind of substrate? ect.I'm really dead set on sitting this tank up, i found myself at the LFS today staring and i didnt want to leave lol. Thanks for all the help!!!!

 

[melosu58]

As far as Biological filtration I used a skimmer and LR only for many years. Since I`ve set up my 125 I also have a refugium added. IMO this is all the filtration you`ll need for a reef tank. Lighting will depend on what type corals you want to get. I keep medium light corals in my tank and use VHO`s. You can check out my gallery to see my corals. If you plan on clams or SPS corals then you`ll need MH`s for lighting.The main thing you will need to know at the start is your cycle. Here is a good article

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/article_view.php?faq=2&fldAuto=15

 

[roka64]

I agree with mel!

 

[lando]

Welcome to AquariumAdvice.com!!!
You found the right place to begin your research. They best advice I can give to you is to do all of the reading you can before you get started. Pick up a good book on SW tanks to keep as a reference. I like "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert Fener. Research, research research! Once you get to a point that you can start asking more specific questions, we will be able to help out a bit more. things to consider...filtration, cycling, lighting and stocking as you get started.