Thinking of setting up my first salt tank

[kwirky]

Originally Posted by ron101

I would seriously consider using a different tank. Not only does a 72Lx24Hx12W tank require a lot lighting relative to the volume but the short width will be a PITA for stacking rock and because of the higher density of saltwater, it will look about 9" wide from the front.

agreed...

that's actually been itching at me... I was promoting T5 lighting, because it would suit your own tank, with it's surface being 6'x1'. I had a 33 long nano, that was only a foot from front to back and 18" tall, and aquascaping that was quite difficult, to get the rock to stack in a good way. It was hard for me to keep it from looking like a wall of rock in the tank. Your tank's 24" tall, which may make it even more difficult to aquascape.

And like joe reefer said, there's nothing like good ol' metal halide.

Using a different tank is another option to consider all together (to make it even more confusing, too! ), and I think in some cases, spending the money on another, more suitable, tank might work out much better in the long run. If you're worried about wasting anything, you can sell the old tank in a bargain finder or something. And spending $600 on a new tank and stand isn't much if your gear and rock to go with it may cost double that.

And like joe reefer said, there's nothing like good ol' metal halide. You could use a tank that opens up more options to you, so you don't HAVE to pick something because it appears to be the only thing that will work well on your tank.

I can say from being kinda new to the hobby (4 months experience), I had experienced the "should have done it different the first time" problem, and like many more people on here, would like to see you be satisfied with your choices from the get go