Just doing my research for a new tank

[rudy.gut81]

Im very new to saltwater but i recently aquired a tank 6' x18"widex24"tall not sure the gallons also i bought a 5'x18"wide tank im going to convert into a sump.1st question i have is lighting it came with lights (i dont know what they are)i know it takes special lights for coral eventually i would like coral but would like to start the hobby slow but still something to show for it as im working my way up any advise would be appreciated. One of the things im worried about is live rock thats the one going to put a dent in my budget besides lights i was told i need a pound of rock for every gallon of water and i cant find it less then $5.00 pound thats a lot to start off do i need that much to start?

 

[Mayberry]

I recommend you contact Richard at Tampa Bay Saltwater.com. He sells the best live rock and live sand in the business! Your tank cycle will be less than a week!

 

[jstephens24]

Id start off with mostly dry rock and dry sand. Then you can help seed the tank with a few pieces of live rock

 

[GMay]

Welcome to the hobby. That is the way to go, two different ways to start confusing a new person.

 

[Frostyfishman]

The orbit led is a good starter light for softies and lps and is inexpensive. I started with dry rock instead of live. Use jet.com t get free shipping and 10% off first purchase. It's the cheapest rock at free shipping and 60 bucks for 50 lbs.https://jet.com/product/Reef-Rock-Asst-Box-Carib-Sea/d31f89906c634d9e8d3b6cea92ed29cc

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You can use live rock to seed if desired. Or not.

It's also nice and porous and great size and shapes.

 

[heathlindner25]

I would also use dry rock and do a long cycle

 

[chimmike]

Id start off with mostly dry rock and dry sand. Then you can help seed the tank with a few pieces of live rock

I agree with starting this way for a newbie. Keeps everything in check and limits potential unknown outside influences and bad hitchhikers.

Cure the dry rock as shown here on RC and it'll be all ready to go. You can seed with small pieces of LR rubble that you can inspect.

 

[rudy.gut81]

Thanks everyone so far really good advise cant wait to get started.looked up on you tube seeding dont look hard has anyone tried to make there own rock from crushed coral and white cement? and is it worth 50 bucks to drill 3 holes in tank or just put a tube down back tank let gravity take it to sump

 

[Frostyfishman]

Drill it if you can safely do so, you won't regret it. It's more flood resistant.

 

[Frostyfishman]

You have a great tank size by the way. 120 gallon I think. Your tank is to big for orbit led by the way. You could go mars aqua and go full spectrum lights on the cheap but they lack a controller.this would allow for any corals.

 

[chimmike]

OP: probably a good time to spend the next several weeks reading all the stickies here, checking out the videos on bulk reef supply, etc., before asking too many more questions. Everything you need to know as a new reefer is clearly delineated in multiple places, options, pros, cons, etc.