NEW SET UP please help

[blitz99]

i used to work in the "industry" but it's been 15 years now... i've kept octopus alive for 2 years (until he figured out my hood)...
but i'm starting new with a 40 gallon high (will be starting an octopus tank soon after in a 20)...
i've always used an undergravel and a whisper for filters... i'd rather go with an external filter like a whisper, but is there a bonus to those in tank filters???
also, is it still just damsels to start the tank for it's cycle?
i'm planning on using live rock to help with the cycle but i know it's gonna be well over a month to cycle all the way... does anything out there now help it go quicker?
what would YOU suggest i get for a 40 high (equipment)
filter, heater, thermometer, all the salt testing/water quality stuff,
i have a double hood and was going to switch up the lights in time but i'm not there yet...
what substrate? crushed coral? or live sand? or just plain sand? whats the benefit of sand? it seems like it would jack up a filter pretty good.
i will not be doing coral in this tank...

 

[sergeant]

Blitz
First, Welcome to the board.
Im sure with your experience it wont be as hard to get a tank setup. For the octopus I would suggest a mosquito screen on top of the tank before they figure out the cover. ;-)
I have a home made filter (wetdry/sump) under the main tank and it has work a lot better than the Emperor 400 I had before. Im sure you know that the larger water volume the less chances of a system crash.
To cycle the tank just get a shrimp, put it in a net bag and sink it in your tank. Let it sit for a week or two and then take it out. The idea of the net is to keep the decay together and easy removal. Monitor the ammonia, it will peak and then drop.
For a test kit I use Marine Lab by red sea but Im sure there are many others out there. To test the salinity the best equipment would be a refractometer. To start the tank I guess you can keep your current lights and for substrate I have a deep bed of live sand. It works as a filter and is home of many pods and critters which feed the fish. I hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[mandingo]

Congradulations on getting back in to the scene. a 40 High. I would go with a under tank wet/dry bio filter with a good power head that moves at least 600 gallons an hour. Damsels work pretty good to help cycle but don't really do much. Your really gonna have to give it time a solid 6 weeks. I like live rock gravel. One thing that will help your tank cycle much fast is lots of live rock, it help builds your bio load faster than anything else. I wouldn't use an underground filter with it. Lights can come with time. Remember that in the beginning to much strong light with form to much algae and with no fish to eat it, it can become a problem.
Well good luck and if any questions I'll help as much as possible:jumping:

 

[blitz99]

well, things are going....
i'm already itching to put up my 20 long for another octopi... they are easily the most fun animal i've owned (apart from my dog)...