Looking for expert opinions

[Sarina]

I am just in the process of setting up my first reef tank. It is 28 gal bow front and I plan to house corals and fish. I have most of the supplies needed to set it up however I have a few questions:

1. What would be the best type of filter for this system?
2. I really like the look of sand as the substrate but I have been told to go with a bare-bottom as a beginner - does it really make a difference?
3. How much live rock should I start out with, when do I add the rest?

Any insight and helpful tips you can provide me would be greatly appreciated!

[jimmyray]

The best thing you can do is buy a book. As everyone has there own opinions as to whats best. OA recommened the conscientious marine aquarist and for that i thank them saved me a lot of grief yes i know it's 40$ but well worth it IMO good luck.

[Jason McK]

Originally Posted by jimmyray

The best thing you can do is buy a book. As everyone has there own opinions as to whats best. OA recommened the conscientious marine aquarist and for that i thank them saved me a lot of grief yes i know it's 40$ but well worth it IMO good luck.

I agree 100% but will give my opinion.
I have 1 tank with sand and the other BB. I say go sand if you like it. If you go over 3.5 inches it will be a de-nitrifying sand bed and that can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on who you talk to.
The best filter for your tank will be Live rock. Then a skimmer get the best skimmer you can afford.
I would start off with all the lock at once. Each time you add LR you will have an ammonia spike that could harm any fish or corals. for a 28G I would recommend 28-35lbs.

J

[vanreefer]

Totally agree with Jimmyrae and J McK
Read as much as you can before you start.
Then keep asking questions everybody here is always willing to help

[TheReefGeek]

1. Go with 1.5lbs per gallon eventuall, so about 45lbs. You can add dry rock later as much as you want without worrying about an ammonia spike, so if you can only afford 15 lbs live right now, go for it for a start

2. You should get a skimmer, if you are not running a sump I would recommend either the CPR BakPak II, or the AquaC Remora, they are both really good hang on tank models for up to 60g

3. What other equipment do you "already have"? What is your water flow plan? What lighting? What corals do you want to try to keep?

[albert_dao]

Sandbeds will cause you nothing but grief if you don't have access to real live sand IMO.

[charlesr1958]

This page has my opinions on what is needed and why with a few good links as well concerning getting started, which can be a bit daunting since there are various methods in doing so, all with their own set of fans and critics.

Chuck

[niloc16]

definitely read as much as possible. and find a good fish store, i have a bad few but we are not allowed to name them, if you pm me i'll give you some that i really trust

[afreshoutlook]

1. READ FIRST then

2. REPEAT ABOVE then

3. REPEAT # 2 then

4. CONTINUE READING,

When I first started with my first 72 gal. bowfront, I took the suggestion of many reefers & read.

Dwight

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Where are you located? Oftentimes, tank tours and other reefing events are organized in different cities so if you can, join one. You'll get a chance to see lots of dif. systems & see what works, what doesn't & talk to local reefers about their experiences.

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Bob Fenner (as recommended by others) is one of the better beginner books on the topic.

If you like sand, go for it and ask someone local with an established reef tank for a cup or two of live sand out of their tank to seed yours.

Deciding what type of corals/inverts/fish you want to keep (ie. softies, lps, sps, clams) will help you figure out what type of lighting & skimmer (if you go with one) you will need.

If you post your location in your profile, you can probably find someone local who would be happy to show you their tank & talk about their positive & negative reefing experiences.

Anthony