New to marine tanks. Have 29g with some live rock...Where do I go next?

[froggyday888]

Good Evening, I am very new to the Marine Reef Tanks and I am hoping to find assistance build a dream tank. Currently I.... have live sand and about 40 lbs live rock from Flordia. I have a large hang-on filter and a power head. The light is the standard strip with lid. I want to know what I need next and the order. Any help would be welcomed.

MarGal:frog:

 

[treesprite]

What do you want to house in it? If you are planning to have corals, you will need better light and flow.

 

[crobattt]

What are the inverts/fish in your "Dream tank"

What is the tank size?

 

[zigzag1]

Yes, give us some ideas of your goals to get good advice.

And, welcome to Reef Central!

 

[__SKINNY__]

MarGal

Current Tank Info: 29 g with about 30 lb. live rock, hang-on filter, power head, and florescent

a 29gal is a good tank for led's and yes more flow(another powerhead or two

 

[reefjunkie42]

1st off welcome to REEFCENTRAL!!! Second decide what type of live stock you want, I.e. soft coral, LPS,SPS. FOWLR or REEF. next do us and yourself a favor and get a sump. Google it! DEF upgrade the lights. LED , HM or T5 are the current good choice. Oh and go slow and research everything, ANd I mean everything! and get a small tank for QT. Forget any type of tang and read all the stickies in this forum, reef discussions,water chem.,and new to hobby. that is a good place to start. Welcome to the most relaxing and 2nd most popular hobby in the country,marine ornimental fish keeping(next to photography, based on revenue)

 

[froggyday888]

Thanks for the information and help in advance. I am not sure what fish would be best in a 29 gal. I want to have a natural tank with a lot of color so coral and inverts are a must. Not sure what would be the best together. As for fish.... some say that this fish is good and others say they are not. I really am a blank slate and just enjoy watching fish. I have run several 55 gal freshwater tanks for years but have always wanted to try saltwater fish. I thought that I could begin with the 29 gal and work to go big as I become more comfortable and learn more.

I want to be able to have a balanced and diverse tank. I will be getting a sump, another powerhead, light for the corals, more rock, the tank has been up and running for 6 months (FO) and it had 2 damsels, clownfish, starfish and hermit crabs. When I got the tank and replaced the hang-on filter (went with bigger one) and powerhead as well as the Florida live rock. Tank temp is 78 and all test levels are normal and salinity is 1.024.

My first question is should I wait until I have all the rock purchased and in place before adding any fish or can it be done after? And can you mix the type of rock or should it all be the same? Is a protein skimmer important? I have heard both ways? I will continue to read the posts and newbie info while I build my tank.

 

[crobattt]

You need to atleast have a good bit of rock in the tank before adding anything, because it is your main line of filtration. Go to liveaquaria.com look at the fish/inverts/ and others and find ones you like and then ask questions about them.