Thinking about converting

[angel50]

IMO a properly sized protein skimmer with live rock would be all you need for a tank that size.

[TAbruzzi]

what about live sand? ive seen that for sale multiple times too

[TAbruzzi]

and could you possible explain what live rock is?

[Mrc8858]

Live sand is pretty pointless. Live rock is rock that has been in an established tank thus it will have many beneficial bacteria and hitchhikers to jump start your system which is why many people will setup up with 10-25% live rock and the rest base/lace rock

[TAbruzzi]

so its part of the substrate?

[Mrc8858]

Live sand is just sand that has beneficial bacteria but a lot of companies that sell "live sand" package it and store it in ways that the bacteria can't survive so you are just paying extra for nothing.

[TAbruzzi]

so live rock is just rock that will sit in the substrate? i saw one for sell called refrugium ruble which to me sounds like it should be in a refrugium but im assuming it could also work in a regular tank correct?

[Mrc8858]

It's just called that cause its broken up pieces that are small and hard to incorporate into an aquascape but you can put it wherever.

[TAbruzzi]

alright so from what im understanding is that the things i should get to cycle thos tank are live rock and a protein skimmer?

[Mrc8858]

Protein skimmers aren't needed on tanks less the 40 gallons imo if you keep up with weekly maintenance. To start your cycle you will want you substrate, all your rock (base and live), along with your filtration system and pumps.

[TAbruzzi]

will a regular hang on back filter sufice?

[Mrc8858]

Yep. Not the best but it works. With enough experience and understanding of water chemistry you can run nano reefs filterless. There are a ton of ways to keep a SW tank and no one way is the right way.

[TAbruzzi]

ok thanks alot guys! i think all my questions are answered for now! ill post pics when i hve something to show