callmeq
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2012
- Messages
- 13
Hi all... So I've had a freshwater tank for a couple of years. I received the aqueon 36 gallon bowfront package setup. It came with the hood, heater, 18 watt lamp, filtration system and tank. I want to build this as a reef tank. I know its on the small side but really I don't have the room for something larger. I don't know exactly where to start. Well sort of. I know I want to change out the lighting to 4 t5 and 2 moonlight led's. But I have no clue what fits my tank. I know that I do not want a sump but do want a protein skimmer but again no clue what fits in my tank or if a protein skimmer can be used without a sump or if I should use the filtration system that came with the setup along with the protein skimmer. I do want a deep live sand bed and dry rock to aquascape and cycle my tank but I don't know how deep the sand should be and if this will effect how I calculate for the amount of watts for lighting. Water to start off with... Should I buy it or just use tap water condition and salt the water myself. If I prep the water myself do I mix it in a bucket first or do it all in the tank? Powerheads.... Do I need these when I'm cycling my tank? Will one be sufficient? I'm so confused. I'm sure some of these questions seem silly... But any help would be appreciated!