[bluechromis]

I am thinking about starting a FOWLR 40Gallon tank (36x18x12). In anticipation of upgrading to a reef tank some day I'm thinking about getting Aqualights compact fluorescent (2x96watt) (hoping that these would be ok for some corals at later stage). Am thinking about getting a fluval canister filter, substrate (aragonite) 60 pounds of live sand, 70 pounds of live rock. Should I add a protein skimmer at the beginning also or should I wait? Do I need other filters? What kind of water movement equipment is recommended (powerheads? airstones?) Anything else? What's a good timing equipment for the lights and what's a good heater? Btw, once it's cycled (by use of live rock), would like to start the tank with 1 blue chromis? I know, I should take it very very slowly, but in terms of other fish, I was thinking about 2 clowns, 1 neon goby, one pajama cardinalfish... any comments?

[bleueau187]

you want the protein skimmer form the get go!!! these are one of the most important things you can have. as for the compact light it wont be strong enough for all corals. You should buy the best skimmer and light that you can afford, it will save you in the longrun. the canister filter you could go without IMO. the "uglies" it takes out of the water will just sit in there until you change the media and the water will run through them. the rock and sand look good. Are you going to have a refugim?? If not you need some powerheads to keep the water moving REMEMBER the more flow the better!!!

[lynnvangsnes]

I gotta agree with blue. In addition, I think you may need more lighting, depending on exactly what corals you'll end up with; perhaps another 2x96 would do it. Forget the airstones and the cannister. Your LR will be your filter. Your skimmer will do the aireation. As far as heaters, we usually get 2 lesser wattage heaters so if one sticks, it won't boil your tank. If you get more than one clown, be sure they are a mated pair; otherwise they will fight to the death.

[kolokefalo]

By beginning with the skimmer you can get rid of alot pf phosphates which will be releasing into the tank as it is cycling. Without the skimmer it will simply reenter the live rock and or the live sand. This is especially true if you are using Kalkwasser for your make up water (in reef tanks).

[bluechromis]

Thanks! So you all seem to agree on getting a Protein Skimmer and stronger lights. Thanks for the tip re. getting 2 heaters and a mated pair of clowns..
As for the cannister opinions seem to vary. What's IMO by the way? So if LR was sufficient as filter, would an additional cannister actually be bad, or would it simply support the system even better (and maybe last longer, as it's working less hard)?
Right now am a bit intimidated about building a refugium (will look into it though).. I guess it would be Powerheads otherwise.

[kolokefalo]

Live rock and canister filters perform different tasks. Live rock is a biological filter, whereas a canister filter is simply a mechanical filter.

Biological filtration involves the nitrogen cycle. Mechanical filtration is just removing particles out of the tank. If you feed your fish sparingly, vacuum the substrate when you perform a water change, and have your circulation positioned so it is keeping floating particles in the water column where they can be eaten or broken down you really don't need a mechanical filter. Before company comes over through some carbon in a filter pouch to remove all types of yellowing substances and get your water crystal clear, scrape the front and viola you will look like an "old salt".

by the way Blue reef chromis and pajama cardinals are schooling fish...I would keep a minimum of 3 in my tank.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

After looking at your list of possable aquisitions I would say you are a sump away from a reef tank,that and get two of those 2x96 light fixtures and you have it made.you have enough rock and sand on the list so that no other filter would be needed.Is the tank reef ready or does it need overflows?I am thinking if you dont go for it you would be making a mistake.

[bluechromis]

Thank you all so much! I'll do more research on: the refugium, overflow and will post new threads with specific questions (as the title doesn't match any longer).