Newb asking the pros(you guys)

[luvmybizz]

Hi everyone, just wanted to say this is a great site and has been helpfull so far. I just had a few questions beings i am starting a 29 gallon biocube tank but am new to all the saltwater stuff(had other tanks for years and are in great condition). First off, what all will i need to start out with this 29 gallon biocube. My LFS said that is had pretty much everything i will need to start out. But on here I fell that i might get some more info than just that.I was planning on making this tank a reef tank and was wondering how many i should put in there without making it cramped.NOTE i have looked at reefs on here and there reviews and learned about there behavior and etc. I was just wondering wat all i will need besides the tank to make this work so if you could almost make a checklist for me that would be great!(Please include how many fish, coral, crabs, cleaner shrimp. Also chemicals and the levels they need to be at!) You have been more than helpfull and god bless!

 

[mie]

First off what type of lighting do you have? You need live sand, and about 30 pounds of live rock, a good protien skimmer. If you do not have lights yet you problably want some metal halides with vho's or a nice set of power compacts with halides. most all corals need the halide lighting.

 

[turtlegirl933]

This May Help...Listed below are the ideal parimeters of a reef:
Temerater: 75 degress
Salinaty: 1.025
PH:8.1-8.4
Alk.:8.0-12.0
Cal.:about 450
Magnesium:1288.0
Strontium:8.0-10.0
Iron:0.1-10.0
Phosphate: Up to 0.5
Silicate:Up to 0.5
Ammonia:none
Nitrite:none
Nitrate:Up to 10.0

 

[snakeblitz33]

What kind of lighting come with it? What kind of filtration system? Does it contain a protein skimmer? How much is the flow in the tank from the standard pump that comes with it?
You might want to add a couple of internal powerheads to the system to get enough flow. You might also want to consider some other options for different types of live rock as well as getting a fish list together and making sure everything is compatable.
You might want to read a very good book. "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" is a very good book. I would also recommend just reading several books before hopping into this. Realize as well that this is a very expensive hobby, and can turn into an addition. (heh)
Read up on the nitrogen cycle, as well as how to combat certain problems in saltwater aquariums, such as cyanobacteria, hair algae, flat worms, etc.
Look at some of the TOTM's on -- to get an idea of very healthy systems.