[SBHans13]

Hello, just dropped by to introduce myself here. I am still in the planning stages of converting my 29G Bow Front from FW to SW. I have read quite a lot and the plan is to clean out everything from freshwater and clean it out real good. Going to start out with a AquaC Remora Protein Skimmer with Maxi-Jet 1200 pump. Going to probably get "The Package" for my size tank from Tampa Bay Saltwater and see how it all plans out. Will either continue to use the Power Filter (with new media) or nothing at all. Is either way okay? I have upgraded the lights already, but will probably need to pick up some different bulbs I think. This looks to be a great resource and I will keep reading as much as possible.

Steve

[Hosser]

If you have the room and funds,a sump would be the way to go, research and lean that way for extra filtration. Lights are only an issue if you plan on having corals, and as many would probably suggest make a livestock list and go from there too. Sounds like your on a good track researching before jumping in and welcome to RB.
I take it your from Fl.? In Tampa?
Quite a few of us from florida here.
Keep us posted and as always pics are always nice as it comes together.

[pogodzib]

First off, welcome to RB!

Filtration on lighting methods are both highly determined by if your tank is a reef, FO, or FOWLR tank. If you have enough LR, the LR plus the protein skimmer will be all the filtration that you need.

One of the keys, as you're finding out, is to ask questions and read all you can. It is much cheaper to do everything correctly the first time around than replacing lost livestock and poor equipment choices caused by not researching enough during the initial setup.

[SBHans13]

No, not from Tampa, but they have ship and it seems to be a pretty good deal even with the freight. Check them out at Live Rock - Tampa Bay Saltwater Aquacultured Live Rock

Steve

[Hosser]

Dont be afraid to check like craigslist too, I personally got my Fiji rock for 2.99 a pound and several stores around here sell Fiji for 3.99, tonga for 4.99. Carribean or Florida rock , while it does the same thing essentially if you can get fiji or tonga for the same price what MIGHT grow on it will be quie a bit more enjoyable, and colorful. Personal experience only though. The good thing about Fl rock though is that it is very light in comparison, meaning more surface area for the dollar.
But alot of people on craigslist will sell it for next to nothing.
Keep us posted. Cant wait to see it come together.

[DA KING]

good luck on the 1st attempt SBHans13, i am new also with the saltwater tank, but have had great advice from the people here so ask the questions these guys got the answers....

[Tonz of fun]

50 LB BOXLOT FIJI LIVE ROCK WALT SMITH PRECURED - eBay (item 150276531414 end time Aug-07-08 12:13:32 PDT)

Tell them Gmvehar sent you and you should get it for 150 shipped.

[likemike99]

I know live rock is the preferred method of filtration, but it can be expensive. there is nothing wrong with using media filters for a fish only tank. When I ran only emperor filters I had near perfect parameters. I slowly added live rock and began removing my filters. Sumps are a great place to hid your equiptment but also add difficultied. May not be something you want to tackle right away, or it may since you are starting from scratch. Most importantly BE PATIENT. it will save you alot of frustration and money.

[RyanG]

Welcome to RB Steve!