ToNs of questions!!

[saltnube]

Ok i got a 40 gallon tank (which i also posted in the fish photography fourm).
The Questions:
1.whats better saltwater you make or saltwater from the ocean??(I live by the ocean)
2.would i need a skimmer for this tank if i wanted to keep corals?
3.Lights what would be efficent for keeping corals? (18w x 2 blue is what i have now)
This us a top filter system 450 L/H
Let me know what you think. and please input!!!! THX

 

[chrgerondavins]

you need 5 watts per gallon to harbor corals. Also you will need a skimmer, yes. Not sure about the seawater, but I assume making your own is better.

 

[muggiwhplar]

Get a good skimmer and more powerful lighting. Since it looks like your lights are built in along with the filtration system, I guess you'll probably need a new filter too.

 

[patandlace]

I would definately use a synthetic salt mix. There could be harmful bacteria in water collected from the ocean. Also you would need to do water changes more often using seawater.
I'd strongly recommend a skimmer they remove a ton of waste from the tank.
The lighting depends on what kind of corals you want to keep. If you want soft and some LPS corals PC lights would be fine. If you want SPS, clams or anemones you would need T5 or Metal Halide lights.

 

[saltnube]

Originally Posted by muggiwhplar
http:///forum/post/2467804
Get a good skimmer and more powerful lighting. Since it looks like your lights are built in along with the filtration system, I guess you'll probably need a new filter too.
ACTUALLY LIGHTS AND FILTER ARE SEPERATE. SO WHAT WOULD E SUGGESTED?

 

[saltnube]

Originally Posted by patandlace
http:///forum/post/2467805
I would definately use a synthetic salt mix. There could be harmful bacteria in water collected from the ocean. Also you would need to do water changes more often using seawater.
I'd strongly recommend a skimmer they remove a ton of waste from the tank.
The lighting depends on what kind of corals you want to keep. If you want soft and some LPS corals PC lights would be fine. If you want SPS, clams or anemones you would need T5 or Metal Halide lights.
THATS GOOD TO KNOW ABOUT THE WATER,SO ITS BETTER TO MAKE UR OWN. AND WHATS THE DIFFRENCE BETWEEN A WET/DRY AND A SUMP AND WHICH IS BETTER

 

[michaeltx]

wet dry is a type of filter that uses bioballs and such that needs proper maintence to keep water quality up
sump is a seperate tank to house equipment and most also have a refugium for a safe haven for benificial organisms to thrive for a healthier tank.
A sump/refugium combo is the best IMO
Mike

 

[perfectdark]

To get a better idea for lighting you need to post the length and more importantly the depth of your tank. Watts per gal is not going to give you the information you are asking for.

 

[saltnube]

Originally Posted by PerfectDark
http:///forum/post/2467876
To get a better idea for lighting you need to post the length and more importantly the depth of your tank. Watts per gal is not going to give you the information you are asking for.
ok the size is...... 29.5" L X 16.5" W x 22.25" H. let me know if you need more info

 

[wangotango]

You could try a Nova Sundial T5 fixture for lighting. I don't know how you would fit a skimmer on the tank with the built-in filtration, but the Aqua-C Remora is a good skimmer.
-Justin

 

[saltnube]

Originally Posted by WangoTango
http:///forum/post/2468868
You could try a Nova Sundial T5 fixture for lighting. I don't know how you would fit a skimmer on the tank with the built-in filtration, but the Aqua-C Remora is a good skimmer.
-Justin
weel what about a skimmer for a sump??

 

[saltnube]

bump

 

[wangotango]

Originally Posted by saltnube
http:///forum/post/2470028
weel what about a skimmer for a sump??
Well if you're going to use a sump put the skimmer in there, you only need one.
The Aqua-C urchin is pretty much the same as the remora, but made for in-sump use.
-Justin

 

[saltnube]

Originally Posted by WangoTango
http:///forum/post/2474153
Well if you're going to use a sump put the skimmer in there, you only need one.
The Aqua-C urchin is pretty much the same as the remora, but made for in-sump use.
-Justin
nice thanks justin. ur alright