Minimal Tank Question

[vaughn]

I have a 40 gallon breeder tank that has been filled with nothing but air for two months. I can't seem to save up enough money for all the equipment, etc, so this is what I am thinking about doing: Get a basic light for around $60, a heater for around $25, and a Fluval 205 for $100. I would then get base rock or some live rock depending on how much money I have. I would do water changes every 1-2 weeks or so.
My question is, do I need to have better lights if I get live rock? What happens if I don't get a protein skimmer right away? I will buy one eventually, but do I really need one at the beginning? Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[tizzo]

Where are you located?

 

[cdangel0]

Live rock does not require strong lighting. A protein skimmer isn't essential until you have enough bio-load to require one.

 

[jj_harrison]

You can get away with alot more than you think when setting these tanks up. Insted of a fluval I would use a 20g tank for a sump with tons of live rock rubble. But then you would have to figure out an overflow. I have always drilled my tanks I think it works really well and saves money as long as you dont brake it. I have also built an over flow out of veroius tupperwares for a total of $15. Then get a decent return pump. and some powerheads for the tank.
If you have a local fish store you can ushally pick up used pumps and tanks for dirt cheap.
The light do not mater for live rock only for corals. but you can have fish till you get good lights.
Right now i have a 80 that i drilled 8 1" holes in! 4 for 2 closed loop pumps mag 12's and two for a returns mag 7 and two for over flow drains with corrner over flows in each side. a 20g for a sump ev180 skimmer and filter sock and lots of rubble in the sump. this is one of the cleanest tanks I have seen. I am a strong beliver of lots of water flow. The setup didn't hardly cost me anything. But then again i work in a fish store LOL.
My last tank was nice too a 20g with a fluval 405 and a maxi jet 1200 in it for flow. that one was crystal clear too.
I like the tank for a sump and you dont need to get all crazy with the baffles either if you dont want to. just kind of stack LR rubble for baffles it works good.
Thats alot more than i meant to post i hope it helps

 

[mr_x]

live rock doesn't need any light to remain live. and yes, you can get away with water changes indefinitely.

 

[vaughn]

Thanks for the replies. I've been reading these boards for a while and am somewhat overwhelmed with the complexity and cost. Sumps at this point are a bit too much for me. I would like to work up to having a 20gal sump in the future though.
My plan is to get some base rock and a little live rock and then build off this as time goes on.
What about crushed coral and sand? I know there is a bit of a debate about this as well as the depth of sand etc. I tend to like the idea of crushed coral. That way, I can vacuum the substrate while doing my water changes. Also, I saw some small rocks (probably for fresh water) at a store the other day. Its got the same color as crushed coral, but its a little bigger which I like. What makes crushed coral so special? Thanks!

 

[mr_x]

everyone i know, including myself who had crushed coral previously, ended up with sugar sized sand.
i like the look of the smaller granules and also i like keeping sand dwelling creatures.
the depth is not debatable. it's personal preference.
nothing makes crushed coral "special".
people tend to try to make their FOWLR's and reefs look as close to the natural habitat as possible.
if you were to dive down to a reef, i don't think you'd see too many pirate skeletons spewing bubbles and red gravel at the bottom

most of us like to leave that stuff for tyhe freshwater folks

 

[mr_x]

one thing- if you install a sump now, it will save you money and aggravation. if you wait until later to do it, it will be more expense, and twice the work.