New 20 gallon! Need a little help.

[reeferdc]

I currently have a well established 75 gallon Fo tank and I just got a 20 gallon tall that that I want to make a reef. Can someone give me a list of what I have to do in order? This will be my first reef.
How many lbs of rock? How many watts per gallon of medal halid lighting? How think a sand bed? How big a clean up Crew???
Thanks

 

[reeferdc]

I was also planning on getting this light..
Aqualight Advanced Hang-On Tank Mount HQI 150W 20,000K
Will that be enough for ALL corals??
Sorry for all the questions,

 

[reeferdc]

bump

 

[edward]

Before buying anything you must ask yourself what animals will you house in your aquarium. The biggest mistake many people make when purchasing equipment for their tank is not taking into account what their ultimate goal is for the tank at hand. You may find that you already have everything you need for your aquarium. I have spent thousands of dollars on several aquarium systems to find out later that I really didn't need everything that I have purchased.
I have several reef tanks, one of which is a 29 gallon with a simple hang on Emperor 400 filter (aka by my aquatics pals "nitrate producer"). Currently (and for the last two years) I have no skimmer on it, nor lavish lighting system (110w PC) , no chiller, etc. With only a small macro algae bed, 15lbs LR and 30lbs LS, it has proved to be the least challenging of all of my tanks. I occasionally use carbon and phosguard as media and use RO/DI water for all water changes. All soft corals I have placed in this tank have thrived well. Algae growth is limited to coralines. One big factor that probably plays a significant role in the success of this reef aquarium is the small bioload (3 very small fish fed every other day at most).
Simply put, plan well. Know and research what species you would like to have before buying anything. Check your water parameters and the health of your inhabitants and let them dictate what needs to be done and/or purchased.

 

[reeferdc]

thanks edward!

 

[lennon]

Originally Posted by edward
I have several reef tanks, one of which is a 29 gallon with a simple hang on Emperor 400 filter (aka by my aquatics pals "nitrate producer"). Currently (and for the last two years) I have no skimmer on it, nor lavish lighting system (110w PC) , no chiller, etc. With only a small macro algae bed, 15lbs LR and 30lbs LS, it has proved to be the least challenging of all of my tanks. I occasionally use carbon and phosguard as media and use RO/DI water for all water changes. All soft corals I have placed in this tank have thrived well. health of your inhabitants and let them dictate what needs to be done and/or purchased.

Edward..can I ask how often you do water changes for the 29?
I want to get a 55 but worry about things getting so complicated with refugiums and all the other stuff. But then they said the 29 leaves little room for error and takes much more maintenance. But I like the idea of simple with just maybe 5 fish.
If you think I am better off with the 55..what items do you feel are essential that I have from the start??And then like you said..let the fish dictate what I need. :happyfish
sorry to cut in here..but I needed your expert advise.

 

[reeferdc]

The only thing I have to say is the bigger the better! The water will stay more stable and you are less limited by what livestock you can have.. I only got a 20g beacause it is going to be in my bedroom.
Get the 55!