first timer needing help at sw tank

[bb21375]

i have a 30 gal saltwater tank that i want for fish and corals only. i'm just getting stared so i only have a heater and a undergravel filter in it. i would like some suggestions from you experts on what other equipment, fish corals,ect. to add to it. and also is there a way to make your water blue like the ocean. is thier a special light that i may need. you help i greatly appreciated.

 

[tizzo]

What kind of substrate do you currently have? And if I were you, I'd nix the under-gravel filter. As far as turning your water blue, your best bet is a tank backround.
Since you want corals I would suggest about 50 lbs of LR. You will also need a protein skimmer. A sump (or at least some kind of filtration). Test kits to moniter your water chemistry. A refractometer or at the very least, a hydrometer.
Boy oh boy, the list goes on...

 

[tizzo]

I skipped the lighting question.
Depends on which corals you want. Hard corals will need metal halides, while the soft ones can do OK with VHO or PC's.

 

[essop3]

Read the Conscientious Marine Aquarist. You can order it here.

 

[bb21375]

i have crushed coral