[freefallingegg]

Hey guys and gals!

I'm new here. Started reading yesterday...started posting today.

Okay, to the questions...almost...

I'm VERY new at this. I'm preparing for my first go at it. It's nothing big, but I'm ambitious.

I'm open to as much advise as you guys can give me.

I've been reading...oh, believe me...my eyes and brain are both aching from it...

Here are my thoughts:

I have a 29g...planning on a 15g sump (baffled...too maybe three sections). I'm really wanting to eventually be working with some soft, low-light coral. It is going to take time before I can get/ will be ready for them...but I'm wanting to be prepared for when that day comes. I know I won't be able to have very much in my tanks...but I want to make the best of it.

At the moment all I have are the tanks and the stand.
I want to be running a skimmer and really that's about it. I plan on healthy doses of live rock and sand.

Okay, to the actual questions.

1. Lighting...what am I going to need (minimum) when I actually have those soft corals? And...at what point have I reached the maximum side for those little fellas?

2. Roughly how many power heads should I have in the 29g?

3. What is a decent skimmer that I can hopefully afford (money is an issue) that will serve my needs?

4. What is a decent pump (again...money issues, but hey...I'm prepared to have some major patience both aquiring equipment and with setting up) for the sump return? I'm thinking 200g/hr. Is that at least in the ballpark?

5. I know it's probably better to get the tank drilled for the overflow. I'm a DIY kinda guy...any suggestions there?

and finally

6. Any verbal reprimands for my thoughts/wrong ideas?

Thanks guys.

I'm really looking forward to joining you in this very interesting life we've all chosen.

[freefallingegg]

Oh, and has anyone ever heard that UK band "Reef"? They had this really good album called "Glow".

They're pretty sweet...like a funky present-day Stones or something.

Just sayin...

[Adam J]

Welcolme to Rb!Your of to a good start.Now to your questions.#1 lighting.For softies a power compact will probably be your best bet.30 inch 2x65 Watt Current USA PowerCompact Dual Satellite Fixture (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Lighting > Fixtures > Power Compact > 30in Units ) I'm assuming your 29g is 30" long.I had this exact same light over a 29g and kept softies and lps.#2 powerheads.Your going to want 20Xs your display atleast.Multiple,smaller PHs make ridding deadspots easier.I personally like the koralias.#3 skimmers 2Xs your size of your display is the rule of thumb.Their are as many opinions on this as fish in the see(same on lighting) but after alot of reasearch I went with an Octopus.Easy to adjust,works great and within my budget.Octopus NW-150 Protein Skimmer: Aquarium Supplies - Aqua Buys #4pump I woud get my sump built and skimmer in before I looked at pumps.After the sump is complete you can tell a little more about what you will need.Your going to want atleast 10Xs turnover.200 is probably not even close.I have a 30g with a 20g sump and mine is about 800gph.You can check a head loss cal. when you figure up how many 90s its going to take.I will be more than happy to post you a link to one if you need me to.#5 I cant really help you with this one as I have no personal experience with drilling(mine was bought drilled).I'm sure some will help you out though.I hope this helps. Good luck!!

[Adam J]

Never heard of the band "reef" but Ill check'em out.

[Br14n55reef]

And I'm the guy that can point you in the right direction on getting your tank drilled and even the pump you'll need. heres a really good web site I bought my over flow kit from, the kit even comes with the drill bit you need.
These guys are good friends of mine, They will hook you up I guarentee it.

1-805) 598-1706, Ask for Mike or Scott V. OR
Glass-Holes.com dope aquarium stuff

Good Luck Brian Coble