Noobie to reef tank

[ktsgolfer]

After seeing a few peoples' tanks, I think I may have finally decided to build one. I never wanted to drop the money and time to research and build it but I guess I changed my mind lol. Anyways, Im not new to the SW field with years of experience BUT I am a complete noob to the whole coral thing. I have so far done a few hours of researching and still feel like I have learned nothing. But I will do much much more. Unfortunately I am poor because of college so I will be trying to take many economical shortcuts. So far...

Tank: 20G Long FOWLR established for over a year, weekly water changes, HOB nitrate factory lol, .
Filtration: I have no space to build an overflow with a sump but I may just do somesort of aquaclear mod to turn it into a refugium.
Lighting: Not sure if I will go with T5 or PC, unfortunately MH is not an option for me. Any suggestions on lighting?
Skimmer: Unsure yet, still looking.
Other Equipment: ?

Any and all help is appreciated!

 

[baitshopboy]

First your gonna want to dump the nitrate factory and get a decent HOB skimmer. Lots of people like the T5's and will work great for soft corals. All that you really need is a good skimmer, good lights, good flow and live rock and keep up with water changes.

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

 

[ktsgolfer]

cool thanks man! thanks for the welcome too! do you think the aquaclear would be good or should i just shuffle my room around and try to see if i can make space for a sump?

 

[baitshopboy]

They only thing I would use the aquaclear for (instead of target practice) is to take out the filters and stick a sock with carbon inside in the filter. They make special socks for this. Kinda like panty hose. If you can, the sump is the way to go. I didnt set one up cause I suck and didnt plan ahead when I set mine up.

If you want to keep corals and have them grow your gonna want to get a skimmer. Check out the for sale thread or the reef club forums. I'm sure there is one in your area. You can probably get a good used one. I have an aqua c remora and I like it. You have come to the right place. TONS of info on here. Check out some of the different forums for lighting info.

Got any pics of your setup?

 

[ktsgolfer]

no pics at the moment... will get some up for you tho. nothing special. only thing i really prize is my sphex lion.

 

[otrlynn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13311590#post13311590 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ktsgolfer
no pics at the moment... will get some up for you tho. nothing special. only thing i really prize is my sphex lion.

Also, make sure that the fish you have are "reef safe" if you will have coral and inverts. If you are unsure, ask on here.