New Reef Tank Setup Need Questions Answered

[saltwater2]

:help: I have a few questions regarding starting my 56 gal reef tank.
The tank is 30 inches long 24 1/2 inches high and 18 inches deep.
I am trying to decide if I want to run an outside filter along with a protein skimmer. I really don't know what protein skimmer to use or outside filter to start the tank. I will be getting about 60 lbs of uncured live rock and 60 lbs of live sand to start with while I am cycling my tank. Since the tank is deep I feel I need a good protein skimmer. Also does the tank need to have a heater during the beginning cycle? Will it hurt to use an airstone at the bottom of the tank. I like the way it looks in the tank.
I ordered one power sweep. Do I need another power head and where do I place them in the tank. What size should they be?
Sorry about all of the questions. I just could use some help.
Thanks

Judy

 

[lion_crazz]

Hey Judy, welcome to the message boards!!
A good skimmer and outside filter is a must. If the tank is not drilled, you have two options. You could buy an overflow box and run a sump or a wet/dry. If you do not want to go that route, you can just run a hang-on-the-back filter. I always liked Marineland hang-on filters the most. Skimmers that I would look at are Coralife, Excalibur, and AquaC Remora. They are all excellent skimmers.
The tank should have a heater anytime anything live is in the tank. There is a bunch of critters on the rock, so you will want to try and keep some of them alive.
Airstones should not be used in saltwater aquariums. They can actually cause many problems.
Be careful with the powersweep. Their "sweeping" movement often breaks in saltwater. What size powersweep did you order? The size of the powerheads all depends on the size of the filter you get. You want to aim to have a total of 800-1000 gallons per hour of water movement.
If you have any more questions, post away!

 

[saltwater2]

I appreciate your great feedback.

I wanted to let you know that I purchased the Aqua C Remora Protein Skimmer for my new reef tank. I also purchased besides the power sweep the Seio Super Flow Pump. It puts out 620/gph and the power sweep 228/gph.
I also ordered the Eheim Hang on Filter Liberty 200.
I will not be putting any airstones in my reef tank as you suggested.
All I have to order is the uncured live rock and live sand. I will order the light in about one month after the tank has cycled.
I have one more question. I don't have a ro system for my water. I was told to buy water at the store to mix with my salt solution. What kind of water do I buy?
I appreciate any feedback.

Thanks.
Judy

 

[teresaq]

Hi and Welcome. You can buy your water from the lfs. RO or RO-DI. I use the water from the machines at wal-mart also. I use the blue 7 gal blue water jugs you can buy at wal-mart and the 5 gal water jugs you get with water already in them. you can also use distilled.

 

[saltwater2]

Theresa: Thanks for the feedback on the water.
What does this mean lfs. RO or RO-DI where else can you purchase the water. Is there a place that delivers the water to you? I know I couldn't carry seven gallons at walmart.
Is the water at Walmart in the larger container marked drinking water?
I would appreciate any feedback.
Thanks
Judy

 

[watson3]

LFS= local fish store/live fish store
RO= reverse osmosis