New Tank

[clowns77]

Hey all,
I am getting ready to set up my 30gal show tank for a mini reef. I have had a salt water fish only tank in the past, but now I want a nice reef set up. I havent added anything yet, as I am waiting for my lights to arrive. I am getting 4X55wat pc's I am hoping this isnt too much light, but my tank is 28 inches deep.
I guess my question is, how much live sand and live rock should I get. I was wanting to add the water, sand and rock at the same time. Should I have the lights on, off, and for how long. Also, for a tank this size, should I get a skimmer, or just do water changes? If I get a skimmer, what kind, as I dont have room to put it in the tank. I have a 300 gph filter hanging on the back. I am hoping that will create some good water flow, but I can add Power heads if needed..
Tank dimmensions are
28 in deep
24 in side to side
12 in front to back
any help will be appreciated..
Thanks in advance..
Larry

 

[finger leather]

Welcome to the BB! For your tank, maby 50 pounds ls. That would do it. And your light is good! There really is no such thing as too much lighting. You should leave your lights on(while cicling the tank) for about 6 hours a day w/ the actinics(if any). A skimmer would save you lots of time. But, since it isnt over 50, I dont think you really need a skimmer. If you cant resist, Buy a small/medium prizm or sea clone skimmers. Those work the best. You would probably want to add a small power head to the tank.

[hr]
See, even 12 year-olds are well educated in this hobby!

 

[mrmaroon]

What kind of filter do you have? You may not want to use it a all if you get enough LR and a good skimmer. I would definatley get a skimmer if you want to keep corals or polyps. A CPR bakpak may be good for a 30. I have a Red Sea prizm on a 20. It is ok but I wish I had gotten a bakpak. You may want to think about RO/DI as well.

 

[clowns77]

Thanks for the suggestions, and the welcome. I am getting excited about setting up this tank. I know it will take alot of time to make it, but it will be worth it.
My filter is a tetratec, I got it because it has the heater built in 200w. I guess if I dont need the filtration, I could always take the filters out, and use it for water flow.
Is there any particular kind of LS that I should use, also is a plenum on the bottom a good idea or not?

 

[joe's reefer]

uve gotta deep 30.mines only 18 in deep 30 in wide and like 12 front to back.and thats alot of lighting for a 50 how are u going to fit all those lamps on the top and where did u find them and how much .if u do have aol/aim instant meassge me at surfnbike4christ <img src="graemlins//uhuh.gif" border="0" alt="[U-Huh]" />

 

[m1rodrig]

Hey finger you really know a lot for being 12 years old.I wish I knew that much.You just started on this board and know so much!!

 

[clowns77]

I ordered my lights from Hellolights.com. They will easily fit on my tank I think the measurements are 24x9.75x1.75. Cost about $250.00.

 

[finger leather]

Thanks! I have been in this hobby for about a year and a half. I spent most of my time at my lfs learning all about marine life. I would spend hours at the lfs and learn so much! My best friend was the owner of the lfs. So, on my B-day, the ownwer got me a good tank(85 gal) and then, well, here I am! The lfs started me out, helped me when i needed help, and was always there when i needed more help.