[arthur]

I must have been to 100 diffrent web sites and books but they all give me diffrent info I'm tring to start a 40 gal reef tank with live rock and live sand i need every thing from lighting to filtration. As with most of you i am trying to start the most healthy and colorful possible.i also want to know how many natural cleaners i will need can i just have a single star fish or a fleet of turbo snails please tell me your past experiences. i belive that in this hobby knowledge is power.

[glampka]

First off, there is no set rule for having a successful reef tank. With that said here's what works for most - you want 1-2 inches of live sand, about 1-2lbs of live rock/gal. The best protein skimmer you can afford, lighting depends on what type of corals you want to keep. Metal halides or T5 for light hungry ones. Compact flourescent can be used for less demanding ones. Overflow/sump to help increase the amount of water you have & as a place to set up a refugium to help eliminate nitrates. Use RO water - you don't want to use tap since it has too many nutrients in it.
Clean-up crews should be diverse - snails & crabs - see Geothermal Aquaculture Research Foundation Home Page for stocking numbers
Above all have patience & take it slow.

Put up some pictures when you have yours up & running.

[crazygator]

i would stay away for airstone skimmers, they're just a pain. you'll want at least a 150 watt metal halide, at about 10,000 to 14,000k ( thats the color temperature). as for the clean up crew mix it up because they all have different abilities. glampka has it right on the filter and water. good luck and keep asking questions.

crazygator

[ACE]

You are totally right knowledge is power.