new to sw. please help

[percman]

hello im new to sw. and i am going to start a sw. tank in the near future...i've been researching info for about 3mnths. now and i think im about ready (now all i need is the $$$$$)

could you please give me a run down on what ya think i should get (info such as stay away from rio is good) basicly i want to have some soft corals and sponges some percula clowns, a tang or two and what ever else you all think would go well with these fish....and in the very distant future id like to have a couple anemones. oh by the way i am considering a tank between 55 and 75 gal. i do intend on using lr,and ls. for a biological filter. i have no clue as towards skimmers,lights, and basicly anything else . i am going to purchase some books too because im sure you all are thinking that. so any help would be excellent. thanks
Percman

 

[mr . salty]

Welcome to the group. 55-75 sounds good for a start,but by the sound of it #1,your in no rush to get it going,and you want to do it right.#2,sounds like you want lot's of action in the tank. In which case I would reccomend going bigger if possible. I started with a 40gal,and thought that was plenty big,but after two months,I've moved into a 125gal. Much happier with the potential in a larger tank. STEVE

 

[percman]

yep your correct im in no rush yet i am......but i wanna do it right the first time so im not......does any one know of anyone in illinois or anywhere that would be up to selling me a tank for cheap???just adding a little plug sorry.....but as far as skimmers etc...what do you think....yea i do want alot of action in my tank......the more the better....

 

[mr . salty]

You will definatly need a skimmer. As for which one,I suggest you go to your local store,preferably a fish only store,and see what they have. Spend time going to different stores and pick one that you trust,and stick with them. You should build a good relationship with them ,they will be your first line link into this adventure. The live sand setup is a good setup,but I wonder if you need a filter going till it builds the needed bio system. Same with live rock.When you put it in you will get alot of dieoff so it takes awhile to grow back to become a benificial filter system. A hangon filter would be good enough for this.Like a skilter. Thats what I have in my small tank(40gal) And it works fine.They go for about 70bucks. Hope this ramblin' helps. STEVE