First tank.. just buying equipment

[inxcesof]

Hello,
I am in the starting stages of buying my first tank. The first thing I have found is the local stores all seem to reccommend different things and different equipment. I have been doing alot of reading... way more than I thought. And have only decided on the size of tank so far. ( 46 gal bowfront). other than that I want a nice mixture of colourful fiah and rock. I am just learning the Lingo.. so be patient. I was wondering if some of you could offer some help on the right equipment for a healthly tank. I am in no rush for fish at the moment.. just making sure i have the basic equipment for when it is time. If it takes me 6 months to have all the right equipment to get going , so be it.
I will continue to read every night and hope some of it sinks in :notsure:
thanks
Jase

 

[pchromis]

First, decide what you want......Fish Only, Fish Only with Live Rock or a Reef tank!
That would help you with equipment choices.

 

[inxcesof]

well thus far I want a fish with live rock tank. I am sure that changes the needs somewhat. I like the look of the rock as it make the tank look more full without a bunch of fake props.

 

[pchromis]

Good lighting, a protein skimmer some powerheads, sand bed, quality heater for starters

 

[fgcu14]

I have a 46 bow and I use a wet/dry filter good for up to 75 gal. and seaclone 100 protien skimmer. 2 Rio 600 power heads. LS and LR is the way to go. Also if you want to go FOWLR there are some cool artificial corals to give it the reef look!