Brand new and more than a little confused.

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by Joseph Elliott

My tank isn't drilled can someone post pictures of how to set up an non drilled tank for a sump? DIY is not a problem for me.

While sumps are nice to have and allow your display have a cleaner look, they are not mandatory to run a succesfull SW system. I've been sumpless since I set up my used system almost 4 years ago. I do have a future build in the works for a larger system with basement sump though. Other than the detraction of more visible equipment in and around the display of a sumpless set up, it can actually be simpler and ... gasp ... safer than something with a sump. BTW, I have a mini sump... it's a Rena XP series canister filter running empty except for a small amount of carbon.

[Joseph Elliott]

Sorry for all the questions What would you recommend for test kits - brand and types? And do you think i need a skimmer?

Also since the single rouge anenome there hasnt been any sign of life in my tank... I'm sure the rock is busy cycling but no critters Any ideas? Its been 3 weeks time to turn on the lights?

[intarsiabox]

I personally cycle new tanks with the lights on from the start, although at a reduced photo period that I gradually build up. Some of the life on the rocks may be photosynthetic and will require light to grow. I also wouldn't expect too much out of your rock. Most of the life is bacteria. You will also be getting lots of little bugs, different coralline algaes, macro algaes, tube worms, sponges and such. I once had a trumpet coral grow out of a piece of rock after it was in my system for six months and a few zoanthids apear every now and then. After you get your lights on take a very close look at every inch of your visible rock and you will for sure see stuff growing, most of it is just small. But you never know when something will just start growing out of a rock but it could takes months from now.