Looking for expert opinions

[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

[Sarina]

So far I have:
Stand, Tank, -Light (not sure of the brand name, but it meets the requirement for corals), Salt (Instant Ocean), Thermometer, Heater, Protein Skimmer (but it was really cheap $60.00), Hydrometer (I think that is what it is called - to measure the salt in the water), test kits.

I was also planning on getting a power filter (the 110) and a power head. This should give me enough flow for the corals.

Am I missing anything?

Thanks for the tips re: sand, I think I have decided to use sand in the bottom. Is it necessary to use “live sand” or can I just use regular sand. Isn’t the live rock enough?

Thanks for all you help!