Required Supplies? (20 gallon)

[The Kosher One]

As the title implies, what are some of the absolute necessities for a 20 gal saltwater tank? I suppose I should elaborate on type, so here goes nothing. This will be primarily a soft coral tank, consisting of types similar to mushroom corals (still deciding completely on type, this is just the planning stage.) It is neither tall nor long (very similar dimensions all around, except width, which is about 8 inches.) I already have many supplies for this, but I'd like a general list of supplies that would benefit me most (ie; amount of live rock, sand, type of filter that isn't live rock, and other things.) I'm open to making a refugium, as I have a ten gallon tank left over. I don't plan on having any more than two fish, and maybe some invertebrates (5 at the very most). Thank you for any help.

 

[mcgyvr]

i'll bite..
30lbs or more of rock, enough sand for a 1-2" sandbed, no mechanical filters (just water changes of 10-20% per week), nitrate/nitrite/ammonia test kit, refractometer, salt, 50W heater.
read/learn/4week cycle/have fun

 

[Azedenkae]

The above, pretty much.

I would balance out the amount of rock with a really good biological filter media such as Marine Pure, so if you like less rock in your display, get more Marine Pure. If you like a lot of rock in your display, Marine Pure isn't necessary. Marine Pure is essentially rock, but is a lot more effective as biological filter media, hence you'd need less volume of them.

 

[acabgd]

I would use the 10 gallon as a sump.
You need powerhead(s), heater, light, thermometer, mixing containers, pumps for mixing salt, another heater for mixing, refractometer, return pump (if with sump), ATO would be nice to have, cleaning magnet, long tweezers, toothbrush, lots of towels, lots of power outlets and lots of baknotes.

 

[The Kosher One]

Thanks all Very helpful. It seems I have about all I need, so will get started on gathering the rest of the supplies and studying a bit more. Just wanted a few thoughts on the process.

 

[Sk8r]

We have a sticky up above that says SETTING UP. That will help you in detail.