I am looking for some advice with starting my first SW tank. I have had a FW tank for about 6-7 years but never anything over 20 gallons. Through a stroke of good luck with my cousin moving overseas I have acquired a 50 gal tank and would like a FOWLR SW tank and over a year or two if I can transistion into a reef tank.
Here is what I have so far:
50 gal tank 36"x 12.5"x 21.5"
Fluval 304 Canister filter
2x 36" Fluroscent 30 watt Bulbs built into a custom hood
1 24" Fluroscent 20 watt hood light
As of today I set up the tank and got everything running. Over the next week I am going to add the substrate and purchsae some LR then let the tank cycle for 2-3 weeks. I imagine I should purchase sand for the substrate. I need suggestions here. Do I purchase the live sand or what are my other options. Also with the live rock how much should I add at first? I am thinking about starting with 20lbs and using base rock for my aquascaping at first.
Protein Skimmer? Yes or No?
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Here is what I have so far:
50 gal tank 36"x 12.5"x 21.5"
Fluval 304 Canister filter
2x 36" Fluroscent 30 watt Bulbs built into a custom hood
1 24" Fluroscent 20 watt hood light
As of today I set up the tank and got everything running. Over the next week I am going to add the substrate and purchsae some LR then let the tank cycle for 2-3 weeks. I imagine I should purchase sand for the substrate. I need suggestions here. Do I purchase the live sand or what are my other options. Also with the live rock how much should I add at first? I am thinking about starting with 20lbs and using base rock for my aquascaping at first.
Protein Skimmer? Yes or No?
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.