Setting Up a New Saltwater Tank

[snowquest]

:help:
I have been an aquarium enthusiast for years! I have successfully kept a freshwater tank for the past 8 years - and a Brackish Tank for the past 3. My original Figure 8 Puffer is still going strong, so I think I'm doing something right!!
My husband as an early Christmas Present decided to get me a saltwater aquarium kit - more than likely since I have been researching and exploring the saltwater world for the past two years. I've read up alot on what to do and what not to do.
Here's what he bought for me so far:
Saltwater Liquid Master Test Kit
Coral Life Creep Eliminator
Oceanic Natural Sea Salt Mix
Hydrometer
Blue Moon Reef Bulb for the hood
Floating Thermometer
30 Gallon Wide Tank
Bio Wheel Filtration System
Tank Heater/Cooler
What else do I need to get to set it up, and make it thrive for the 6 weeks before I can introduce fish and inverts? I'd like to use live sand for the bottom so I can add Shaving Brushes and Urchins. I'd also like to have a pink tip anemone for 2 Clown Fish I'd like to have.
Please help me with what I need and should do before adding anything, how to cycle a saltwater tank for the six weeks, and what I should add while the cycle is in process.
Thank you all! I'm so excited!!
Colleen
:happyfish

 

[debbie g]

Hi!I can feel your excitement! Since no one responded to you, I'll give it a shot. First thing is to get the book "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist". It is very helpful. Are you planning on using a reverse osmosis unit? I understand that you can buy products to treat tap water, but it seems in the long run, it could lead to problems (high phosphates, copper, chlorine, etc.) so you might want to consider buying the r/o.
I don't know what a blue moon light is, but lighting is crucial if you want an anemone. Metal halide lighting would be best for an anemone. I'm sure some people will tell you that they have kept them w/o metal halides, so maybe they will chime in and tell you what they use. But I want to point out, that you don't NEED an anemone for clownfish to host in. Clownfish will use many things as hosts. Anemones don't have a very good survival rate, so you might want to reconsider it in general. Also, I've read that an anemone should not be introduced to any tank less than 6 months old.
Are you going to use the decomposing dinner shrimp method to jump-start your cycle? Cause once it starts creating ammonia, you just need to use your test kit to see how your ammonia, nitrite, ph, and nitrate levels are doing. Once your ammonia , nitrites, and nitrates, rise and fall and you have zero readings, you can add fishies!
Have you considered adding live rock? It looks great, and it helps the cycle go a little faster and also acts as another filter! I'm sure other people will add some more things you may want to look into, but in case they don't...you can use the "search" button on any of the forums and get LOTS of information. (Doing a search on "cycle" might be a good start) Good luck! Keep asking questions!
Debbie G:happyfish