New to reef. Need info

[cdnmedic]

Hey folks, I need some help. I have had a FOWLR setup for about 5 yrs now and think I am pretty good with that. Still learning but doing good. I am thinking of getting into Reef setup and doing research before hand. Any help would be appreciated. I guess specifics first.
125G tank with 4 t8 bulbs (48 inches) 2 canister filters, 2 heaters, protein skimmer, 3 power heads. ABout 100lbs of live rock, 12olbs of sand/crushed coral.
Tank inhabitants. 2 tank bread clowns, 1 damsel, 1 vlamingi tang, 1 lawnmower. 40 snails and 40 mixed crabs. All parameters are great and have been for years. 10% water change done every month and the rest pretty much takes care of itself.
What do I need for upgrades? Things to watch out for? Dangerous parameters? Starter Corals? Lighting ideas? Any GOOD books I can buy to get more info?
Any help would be great.
Thanks

 

[mr_x]

read the threads marked *sticky* at the top of each forum. especially the newbie and reef forums.
naturally, you'll need to replace the lighting, and possibly upgrade the powerheads, depending on thier efficiency.
when you say all parameters, which are you speaking of?
what sea salt have you been using? there will be a demand for trace elements, and you might have to choose a salt suitable for corals.
which corals were you thinking of keeping? i'll tell you the same thing i tell everyone else- once you get some beginner corals thriving, most turn to the more difficult corals. i would suggest the best lighting you can afford. a 6' fixture with metal halides would be my choice. 3 x 250 watts and you can keep anything.

 

[cdnmedic]

thanks for the help. "All Parameter" meaning Salinity, pH, Nitrates, Phosphates... All are good and have been for a while. I know lighting need to be upgraded and I was going the metal Halide way. PH should be fine, they are brand new and pretty big can't remember GPH at the moment but they were one of the biggest and I have 3.

 

[cdnmedic]

SOrry using Carib Sea salt mix.

 

[nycbob]

as long as ur water parameters r fine and hv the lighting, then u r good to go. for starters, zoas, softies and shrooms r the easiest. follow by lps corals, then sps.