Bnortz
Aquarium Advice Regular
Hello,
I'm a fifteen year old highschooler just starting up my first saltwater tank. I've recently added water to my 60 G tank.(about a week ago) I have a Tetra Whisper Power Filter running, heater, and powerhead. I have 40 pounds of Argonate sand. My LFS gave me some gravel/gunk from one of their tanks to get the cycles going and essentially made my sand "live". I plan on adding a few pounds of live rock to start with as soon as I can and will gradually add more.
Questions:
-What exactly is a sump/refugium, and do I need one?
-What kind of light is suitable for a FOWLR? My LFS suggested a T5 and I'm likely to go with that. I found a wholesaler on Craigslist who can give me some good prices.
-I have test kits for nitrates, pH, phosphate, and alkalinity....which other test kits are necessities?
-What kind of lid is cheap and gets the job done? I'm not going for look by any means.
-As far as a protein skimmer, can I start with out one and eventually get one?
-I know it's recommended for 1-2 pounds per gallon on the Live rock but would around 20 lbs. be good to start out with? Keep in mind I'm in high school with a tight money situation.
-Recommendations on starter fish?
-When am I ready to add fish?
-My powerhead I have now is only for like a 20 G tank but I plan on adding another. Can I just keep that and use another one that's designed for my tank?
-If I buy uncured live rock, can I cure it in my tank?
Also, any suggestions or questions for me please ask...I'm looking to get this tank rolling in a timely manner but get it done the right way.
Thanks and hope to hear back!
I'm a fifteen year old highschooler just starting up my first saltwater tank. I've recently added water to my 60 G tank.(about a week ago) I have a Tetra Whisper Power Filter running, heater, and powerhead. I have 40 pounds of Argonate sand. My LFS gave me some gravel/gunk from one of their tanks to get the cycles going and essentially made my sand "live". I plan on adding a few pounds of live rock to start with as soon as I can and will gradually add more.
Questions:
-What exactly is a sump/refugium, and do I need one?
-What kind of light is suitable for a FOWLR? My LFS suggested a T5 and I'm likely to go with that. I found a wholesaler on Craigslist who can give me some good prices.
-I have test kits for nitrates, pH, phosphate, and alkalinity....which other test kits are necessities?
-What kind of lid is cheap and gets the job done? I'm not going for look by any means.
-As far as a protein skimmer, can I start with out one and eventually get one?
-I know it's recommended for 1-2 pounds per gallon on the Live rock but would around 20 lbs. be good to start out with? Keep in mind I'm in high school with a tight money situation.
-Recommendations on starter fish?
-When am I ready to add fish?
-My powerhead I have now is only for like a 20 G tank but I plan on adding another. Can I just keep that and use another one that's designed for my tank?
-If I buy uncured live rock, can I cure it in my tank?
Also, any suggestions or questions for me please ask...I'm looking to get this tank rolling in a timely manner but get it done the right way.
Thanks and hope to hear back!