Protein Skimmer and Light

[Viperboy]

So im just starting my 30gal saltwater aquarium and im getting all my stuff together. Ive never had a saltwater but have had many freshwater and have decided to try my hand at it. Im stuck right now because i have decided to get a protein skimmer but im not sure which is best and what they do exactly. So i was wondering which of these 2 would be better?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13924&N=2004+113771

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4400&N=2004+113771

Also i have a cannister filter, heater, live sand, salt bucket and salitnity reader, glass top .... so with the protein skimmer am i missing anything vital that i need to set it all up besides a light?

On the issue of light ..... what would be a good light fixture to put over a 30gal that would let me grow some decent corals and things? I picked out these tell me what ya think (mine would be 30") ....


http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12109&N=2004+113345

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...ife30aqualight2x65wattpowercompactstraightpin

TIA and just let me know any other tips a saltwater noob should know ... thanks

Ray

 

[Charlie]

All the technical crap aside, the very best thing a new SW aquarist can do is read, read, read. SW is 100x more complicated than freshwater, at least if you're going to be successful at it.

Don't make the same mistake that nearly every other newby (myself included) has already made - Don't rush anything with SW. Time is on your side and patients will pay dividends. A rush to get inhabitants in your tank OFTEN results in disaster.

Here is a good place to read up on a few things, but there are many great places available for learning about SW aquariums on the net.

http://www.marineaquariumadvice.com/library.html

 

[Mikebaker]

Definitely between those two skimmers go with the coralife. The seaclone is nothing but a bad joke, a really, really bad joke, like not even the slightest bit funny... oh errr, anyway, hope this helps
Mike

 

[SCFatz]

I've been looking into it for a couple of weeks....I settled on the coralife.

Got the 125 off of bigals for the same price they listed at the dr site....should get it in a few days.

Try google and key in "protein skimmer review" for starters.

One thing I feel confident in adding even though I've never had one...The seaclone blows...the coralife is pretty good....just my research based conclusion.

 

[theatrus]

The Coralife SS is not a bad skimmer. Other options would be an AquaC Remora Pro for HOB useage.

 

[mnestroy]

Skimmer

AquaC Remora Pro Protein Skimmer is another very good option.

 

[Viperboy]

O believe me i have done my fair share of reading on all this .... but i was just wondering on these things which will be better and i think i will get the coralife or the other skimmer u guys recommeneded .... but does anyone have any idea on the lighting and if not have a link to some other type of lighting that would be good for me .... and yes i realize all fish keeping requires paitents which i have much of and am willing to wait ... im not looking to add fish for a long time .... just trying to get it set up .... and i also realized i should get a couple power heads ... right?

TIA

Ray

 

[theatrus]

Only real difference is the moon light. So either way. What were you thinking of keeping under the light? "Decent corals" can be anything

I'd get the legs for the light and not run the glass top either.

Yes, you want some powerheads. I'd add 2 MaxiJet 600 or 900s to the tank.

 

[Viperboy]

Im looking to go to about medium corals not really looking to do high yet with MH .... so would the one without the lunar light be enough to have mediums? ..... and also when i get the power heads is there a certain placement i should put them ... like underthe water shooting at each other or what? ..... any other tips would be gratefully appreciated
TIA

Ray