Need help

[Adam030291]

Hi guys I'm looking for advice. I just bought a 46 gallon bowfront tank with a stand. I plan on buying 30lbs of live rock to start off with. I need help with what exactly I need for the tank. I'm not buying any fish until I have it properly set up. I'm also on a budget so I want decent equipment but not cheap. Please help

 

[bang guy]

I understand the need for inexpensive vs cheap. That said, it's still going to hurt LOL

First item to ponder for you is what do you envision your end result looking like? If you don't know yet then stop everything... go to the photo forum and look at tank pictures of similar size (29 - 55 gallon) until you see something you really want. Once you know where you want to go we can provide advice on how to get there.

 

[bang guy]

In addition to properly setting up your tank you need to cycle it. I think that's probably what you meant by "properly" but I just want to make sure. You're a couple months from adding fish to your tank in my opinion. Please don't get in a hurry. Impatience is the number one reason why new hobbyists fail.

For some reading material, here is the approach I use to cycle a new reef system ---> https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/index.php?threads/interesting-water-change-find.173892/#post-1278876

This is, of course, my approach. Ask question ahd do what you feel is right for your situation but don't ever do something only because it's easier or faster...

 

[beaslbob]

I always recommend you start the tank is macro algae in a refugium. The refugium can be just a simple partition to keep the livestock and macro algae separate.

After a week or so I would add a single male molly acclimated slowly to salt water and not add food for a week. Then start feeding 1 flake per day.

When the molly lives for a couple of weeks then try more expensive marine only fish.

my .02

 

[2quills]

I also like the idea of starting off with macro algae and a refugium.

I would plan for a skimmer but it isn't needed right away. And you will probably want to give yourself the ability to have adequate water flow regardless of what you stock the tank with.

A heater is often necessary if this is you're first tank as well. Get yourself a refractometer and a salt water test kit to check your water chemistry.

Those are just some of the basics.