SW noob with a 29gal...

[TRDfan]

I recently purchased a regular 29gal tank and was going to raise some cichlids when i changed my mind and now wanting to start a FOWLR tank. I already have a HOB marineland emperor 280, 100w heater and a max jet 900. I understand the cycling process on a FW system and from my understanding its pretty much the same on SW ...but i have acouple of questions if any1 can steer me in the right direction

#1 would my hob filter be sufficient for acouple of fish (1-2 clowns, damsel,goby, cardinal) and acouple of crabs/snails/shrimp?? or do i need a refu/sump system??

#2 could i cycle the tank out with the equipment i have and NO reef lighting system??

#3 any thoughts on the marineland reef capable LED system?? my budget is about $175...max $200 for a lighting system

Thanx for any help any1 can give me

BTW....i plan on getting some softies maybe a year or so down the line

 

[carey]

Ok answers! LOL

#1- yes, the hang on back will be fine. You don't "need" a sump. I ran my 29g for awhile with only an aquaclear 50 on it
#2- Yes, you can cycle with no lights, they aren't needed
#3- I would steer clear of the marineland led's, I;ve heard alot of bad stories as far as bulbs burning out and they arent really "reef" capable

Here is a great option as far as lighting a 30" tank

30in 4Bulbs fixtures

Only $109.

I have the same exact fixture over my 20g and it's working out fine, I have a very large collection of corals growing under it including a clam.

 

[TRDfan]

Thanks for the help!!! i was looking through the forum and i notice quite a few people reffered to your 29g cube thread. I was trying to locate it but was unable to do so....whats the title on the thread??

 

[redsea]

Here is her cube thread.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f14/careys-bio-cube-build-147749.html

 

[TRDfan]

thanx....i def skim through the thread and see what i can pick up

 

[joy13]

One thing you want to research is damsels they can be little demons and difficult to get out. A pair of clowns will probably claim the whole 29 gallon tank as their territory. I have one little 6 month old clown that has claimed half of a 28 as its territory. It is tiny but will put my midas in its place.

 

[TRDfan]

thats what im starting to read about....i guess ill start off with a yellow tail bluedamsel then