starting new saltwater tank

[stevelearnin]

I am researching and starting a new 46 gal saltwater tank. just put uncured live rock in one week ago. patiently waiting for tank to cycle. In the meantime, I want to get set up with equipment but not sure what to buy
have read many articles, talked to people at fish stores, but getting some conflicting info.
I think I want sump with a protein skimmer, maybe a refugium. all to go under the tank inside the stand if possible
I believe in buying the best the first time. hate screwing up. I am patient. need solid advice from experienced people willing to give me just a little time. thanks Steve

[waxy]

A sump with a protein skimmer and a refuge would be a good start. It will give you more error space if you incorrectly douse your solutions.

Id keep going, but I am sure there is someone else that knows it better than I.

Just take a look around, you will see a lot of forums that are relevant to this discussion.

Goodluck, and Welcome to the hobby.

[bertoni]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

This thread is a good place to start:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1031074

There's a lot of ways to run a nice tank, so conflicting opinions are common. :) I suspect most tanks are run with protein skimmers, and a sump is nice to have, so I don't think you'll be unhappy with those pieces of equipment. Same for a refugium, except they're not as common, I suspect.

[burks]

I think you're on the right road to success.

As Bertoni mentioned, you'll find there is more than one way to set up a tank. Some swear by T5's, other MH's, some crushed coral, others only sand, and so on. Kind of take a look at most, if not all, ideas and pick what is best for you.

I like the KISS method. Keep It Simple Stupid. Works for me but not others *shrugs*.

[mrme]

Some people Don't even put sand ! =O

[mrme]

Sounds like you already know what your doing Steve.
I suggest picking up a book or two.
The Conscientious MARINE AQUARIST
by, Robert M. Fenner.
Comes to mind...
Of course there are a lot of people here at the central that won't mind helping you.
Its a short book and will get you going in the right direction.

First you must plan what type of Aquarium setup do you want ?

Fish Only With Live Rock ?
invert/Reef ?
Planted ?
or Agressive/FOWLR ?

It a hard decision.
Over the years, my tank was a reef, then fish only with live rock, then just fish sand and seaweed, then finally a reef again. What brought me back to the Reef was the surplus of aquacultured clams, and of course the SPS.
But mostly clams....=P
I got my first metal halide light because of the NEED for a clam.
Had to get rid of a butterfly fish and an Angel, of course...
Hope this helps.
Your off to a good start.. live rock.. tank... Toss a couple of RAW Cocktail shrimp in your tank for an extra ammonia boost for your live rock/pods.

[mrme]

Oops i forgot to mention my tank was an aggressive tank for a short while. I had a couple dwarf lions that were doing well for 6 months or so, Got bored (i really wanted a Puffer/trigger/grouper.. but my tanks to small)
Traded the lions into a local LFS for the seaweed. =D its been a long journey..