Noobie Questions

[ShawnE94SL]

I am in the process of starting up a 45g saltwater aquarium. The equipment I have right now is Wet/Dry Filter/12W UV and Hamilton Technology Retro (2)55w Power Compacts. I was able to locate some OldCastle sand and will be using this for my sand bed. I also plan on adding live rock. My questions are:

1-Do I need a Protein Skimmer?

2-Can I start the tank with just the sand bed, then ad LR later or should I do everything all at once.

3-Would a Fluidized Bed be usefull in a SW aquarium?

[quarryshark]

First, welcome to AA!!
1. A protein skimmer is a wonderful tool for keeping high water quality. I highly suggest getting one especially if you are not going to have LR in the beginning.
2. You can start a tank with out live rock, but it is the best natural filtration you can get. You can alway get cheaper base rock and put a small quanitiy of LR in with it to save you money. The LR will "seen" the base rock. Be sure to use a fishless cycle if you are starting without the rock. http://www.aquariumadvice.com/showqu...q=2&fldAuto=15
3. I don't think you would need a Fluidized Bed in a SW tank, could end up being a nitrate sink.