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you dont need a protein skimmer, a power head, and UFG is useless. but cannister. or HOB is the best option for filtration
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You do not need a skimmer but it does help water parameters. You do need powerheads, especially is you want corals.
UGF is outdated and not needed. Cannister/
HOB are NOT your best option for filtration. 1.5-2lbs/
gal of
LR is your best option for filtration. Why do you not want
LR? If you are planning a reef you will need to have plenty of
LR. It is the basis for a reef tank and helps keep water quality high. A must for corals.
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coral sand is the best option with NO live rock setup..
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A
LS bed is agood option for substrate. Stay away from
CC as it will cause nitrates to climb.
LR will help with this.
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light is also not as important as a live rock setup? which means the tube i used for my FW trops is ok for my clowns and my live coral?
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I guess Iam not sure what you mean by "live coral" Can you explain? Lighting is not really important for
LR.
LR's main benefit is the excellent biological filtration it can give to your tank. The beneficial bacteria harbored by the
LR does not need light to survive.
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using synthetic salt means that i have to change the water weekly. at 25%?
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Regular water changes are one of the best ways to keep water parameters high. However, 25% a week is extreme. 10-15% every two or three weeks is just fine.
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and this is the one that worried me the most.
because nothings cycling the tank the fish can go in straight after water treatment.. is this true?
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NO. Your tank will need to cycle slowly and naturally before you can add fish or other livestock. Do not be tempted to buy any product that claims to reduce cycling time like Bio-spira or Prime or Cycle. They are crap, not worth the money and not the best option for your tank. The best way to cycle is to use a raw shrimp from the grocery store or some uncured
LR to start the biological cycle.
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.for a 35G tank 10 kgs of coral sand is enough for a 35g tank. a thinner subsrate is better?
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Not really, but it depends. By "coral sand" do you mean
LS or
CC.
CC has a tendency to roduce nitrates and requires regular vacuuming to keep it free of detritus. A
DSB of 4-6 inchs will actually help keep nitrates down and require very little maintanance.
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so how much is true and how much is bs guys?
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A little of both. I can tell you this...If I was setting up another tank today I would not use most of the advice given by your
LFS.
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