Questions from Newbie

[BayHeli]

Hi everyone! I am new to this hobby. I just purchased a 100 gal used system over the weekends. I should have do more reading before I purchased it. I probably brought a system that not good for ready for reef.

I spent $300 for this system which includes the tank, stand, oddysea light (48" 4x65W - two 12K lamps, two blue lamps and four blue LEDs), eheim canislter (rated at 156 gal system). Also, the previous owner gave me a air pump too.

Questions:

1) Can I use this setup without buying a protein skimmer? I really try to avoid buying additional equipment because of my wife. I have been asking her to let me buy a saltwater system for 5 years already.

2) Do I need to use an air pump to provide air to the tank? I don't see the eheim filter will provide air to the tank.

3) Do I need to buy new hose for the eheim filter because I see some algae inside the tube?

4) The tank come with lids. Can I leave it off?

5) How many lb of live sands do I need for this tank?

Sorry for the long messages! I was trying to find some answers for some of my questions last two days. However, this forum is so busy that it won't let use the search functions. I am located in Bay Area, CA. Any good LFS in this area.

Thanks to you all.

 

[Hens4Fish]

Question 1, you do not NEED a protein skimmer, although I recommend one. #2 I have had nothing but good luck with providing air to the tank, it releases built up gasses and breaks the H2O surface. If you can get a sump, you can put it in there. #3, no just rinse it out with tap water. #4 If you have susspended lights and you want to leave the lid off, you can, but sometimes fish might jump out also, there will be much more evaporation of the water. #5 I ususally say about 2lb per gallon, but you can get away with half that. The more live rock the better for the tank and faster the tank will cycle. Hope this helps.

 

[bertoni]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=239848

I think you should start reading there. I wouldn't use the air pump since the bubbles tend to make a mess. Good circulation will keep the water well-aerated. A protein skimmer would also be a good investment in this area. You can leave off the lids and most people prefer that, since air flow is better and heat exchange is faster. You don't need any live sand. An inch of dead sand or no substrate at all is fine.