filters and skimmers?

[alexlaser]

hi, I'm planning on setting up a reef tank, it will be either a twenty long, or a thirty gallon, probably a thirty. I will have live rock in it, and coral, and eventually some anenomes, a few inverts and a few fish. and i am wondering what supplies would be best. Do i need a skimmer because i read in a tank that small they are not needed. What kind of filter would i need, and what would be the best lighting for it? thanks in advance, alex.

[alexlaser]

its going to be a thirty gallon

[mullinsd2]

Generally, for smaller tanks you do not need a skimmer. I ran my jbj 28 with out a skimmer for a couple of months, and I had good growth on some sps :). You will probably want to add one eventually. They are nice to have.

[Reefman29]

T5 lights would be good because they are cheaper than metal halides, run cooler and you can keep almost anything with them. I have a thirty mixed reef like you and I do use a skimmer and a simple hang on back filter with carbon.

[alexlaser]

http://www.marineandreef.com/Nova_Extreme_T5_Aquarium_Lighting_Current_USA_p/rcu01125.htm would this be a good light for my tank?

[megatsea]

I have the nova exteme pro 18' and very happy with it on my 10 gal....most likely I will order the 30' NEP for my 20g long.
Good luck!

[mullinsd2]

The nova extreme lights are pretty good. I haven't really heard anything negative about them.

[alexlaser]

okay good to here. are all t5 lights good. because someone has a t5 light hood for sale in my area. they said they used it with sea horses.

[Reefman29]

For the most part. Do you know the manufacturer?