New to reefs

I've shopped Petco for 10+ years, but the selection in Sioux City is pretty limited. I watch Craigslist and I got some pretty nice and very reasonably priced corals back in April. I would be happy to share some of my LR, sand or corals, but I am trying to rid my tank of flatworms (red planaria). I couldn't give anything in good conscience until I get rid of the little pests. I don't have much extra equipment, sorry. I've shopped in Sioux Falls, but I would recommend Omaha since there are quite a few more fish stores to visit. I really want to stop by the Nebraska Aquatic Supply the next time I go to Omaha. I've only heard good things. Really, I buy most everything online. I frequently order from Bulk Reef Supply and Foster & Smith...maybe we can combine orders for free shipping, plus I get the preferred BRS discount. I also recommend going to one of the GIRS Spring or Fall fests. They are a bit of a drive from Sioux City, but there are a lot of vendors, club members, and good speakers...so well worth it.

 

Nope, I don't know him. He's asking $5 a pound which is about what I paid for some at Aqua Pets in Omaha. If you are patient, you can fill your tank mostly with "dry live rock" which is about half the price and then seed it with a piece or two of live rock. After a year or so, all of the rock will be live and you won't know the difference. BRS carries several varieties of dry live rock ( http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...i-dry-rock ).  If you go all live rock, you can pick pieces that appeal to you.  If you go with mail order rock, you get to anticipate and then discover what your box contians.
As far as power heads, I don't know if one or two is better, maybe someone else can chime in.  IMO you can always start with one and add a second if you have dead spots where algae starts to grow or if you get corals that need the extra flow.  If you do put sand in your tank, fine sand can tend to blow around with high flow.  One of my tanks is a 50 gallon and it only has 2 power heads.  I actually turn one off during the summer to keep the tank a little cooler.

 

I'll PM you before I do my next BRS order. I just ordered some stuff last Sunday, so it will probably be at least a few weeks before my next order.
 
I have been using Reef Crystals in the 160 gallon bucket.  Dr. Foster and Smith have a good price right now at $52.99 per bucket.  It comes with a free t-shirt and $5 rebate and ships free.  http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...catid=4856

 

You will be better off with some form of skimmer. You don't need a skimmer, but your tank will be much stabler and cleaner. A simple CPR bakpak style would be fine.. I use one on my 40 breeder and I am very happy. I setup a 29gal tank for my first reef tank, but I soon found having a skimmer less reef tank don't do as well as ones with on average. It will work, but most end up putting on on. My tank was more stable and I could add more fish also..

Here is what I am talking about:
http://www.amazon.com/CPR-Bak-Pak-2-Protein-Skimmer/dp/B001EUL4XM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341357454&sr=8-1&keywords=cpr+bakpak
Many people sell them used on here form time to time. Keep an eye out.

Just keep an open mind on the skimmer and keep doing the research you will see it to be true. Simply put you don't need a skimmer, but its very well advised to have one on a reef setup..


Hope this all helps.

 

Two T5 should do it..Or go LED

 

Welcome,
I would stick with the HOB stuff as a sump will add allot to the maintenance and cost.
I used a simple HOB filter, and skimmer for years on a 30g and had great success. You don't heed anything special for the filter just make sure you change the filter floss on a regular bases.
As for a skimmer you may not need one at first but you will need one shortly after your tank is up and running!!
As Xroads said do your water changes and you will be fine!
mthomp is right 15 to 20lbs of live rock (or seeded dead rock) is plenty.

One trick I like to do, (if you have or know some one with a chop shaw) is to cut the top and bottom flat on your live rock. that way it can be stacked very easily, use epoxy putty to hold the pieces together. by doing this you can make some very cool overhangs and caves.

As for your lighting, if you can go with the 4 -T5 you will be able to grow just about anything with that. as far as what bulbs to use that will totally depend on you're preference. If you like more of the blue or more of the white look.

Hope this helps, Happy reefing -Rick-

 

Yes Actinic is blue, but there are different shades of blue, so you will have to do some research to find what works for your tastes.
As far as the power heads go I would start with one and if you feel that it is not doing what you need you can always add another latter.
One thing that will help you out is to try and set your rock work up so that water can move around and through your layout. (don't just stack it against the back of the tank)!
Good luck.
Happy Reefing  -Rick-

 

I use Salinity for reefs by Aquavitro. (Seachem).

 

Lighting is mainly a personal preference as long as you are using bulbs designed for reef aquaria you will be fine a 50/50 split 10k/actinic is the general and most common preference. Once you get the feel for it you will know more what your personal taste are.
Salt is salt what brand is really just a personal preference as well. The most widely used salt in the hobby is instant ocean or reef crystals. Whether this is due to distribution or actual quality It's hard to say but most commercial facilities use this salt it's also generally the most affordable brand. But again it's completely up to you. Regardless of what brand just be sure to mix it to the proper salinity.