Newbie with a few questions

[notto2006]

I plan on starting a 30 gallon reef tank. I am planning on buying 2 powerheads, a protein skimmer, about 50 pds LR, and a canister filter. Now the 30 gallon tank is a tank I used for a freshwater tank but it has been empty for a while. My question is is it ok to use this tank? If so how should I clean it to ensure no problems from previous residue. Also, I need a little help in the lighting department. I am new to this and would appreciate any info or advice you have to offer. Also, would like to know some opinions on brands of skimmers and canisters if you don't mind.

Thanks for having me!
Natalie :p

[tims28gnano]

natalie

[welcome]

might not apply for you but some people have had a problem with copper in the silicon (i think) from tanks that came from fresh water - - - - just ask that question here!

[divewsharks]

yes you can use the old freshwater tank, just make sure it is still in really good shape, and clean it with water only, no soap.
what are you planning to use the canister filter for, if you want to run carbon in it, thats cool, but otherwise you really don't need it for filtration (long as you have a quality skimmer). Will you be adding sump? where will your skimmer and heater be?
AquaC Remora is good skimmer. As for lights, you can go with T5's, what are the dimensions of your tank, will you have a canopy, or do you want a complete hood/fixture?

[Xolsiion]

Have you ever treated your freshwater tank with copper? I've read that copper can get into the silicone and it can cause a problem in a reef tank for inverts.

For lighting - what do you want to keep in the tank? Fish only, soft coral, LPS, SPS?

Can't offer anything on skimmer and canister suggestions.

Also, if you haven't found the newbie thread its worth reading
here (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1031074)

[svynx]

I will make one suggestion. I started with a 30 gallon. I now have a 55. Even though the 30 wasn't a problem, I'm glad I switched to a bigger tank. If you can (since it will cost more) go with a bigger tank. You'll thank me later on when you look at your tank running out of room and wishing you had gone bigger.

Having said that, I ran one of the smaller Octopus skimmers with a light made by Nova. That setup allowed me to keep mushrooms, button polyps, and close to my expansion, an anemone. IMO, don't use a canister. find a 10 gallon tank and set up a sump. You will have more stability with the added water volume. Plus you can keep the skimmer/heater in that so you don't see it in your display. You could also put a place to grow macro algae in the sump.