Help With New Reef Tank

[tapkawiman]

I recently started a reef tank I was told that I cannot have ground corral in the bottom of my tank with sand I would like to know if that is true and why is that a problem. Also have read that you can have a reef tank with just a protien skimmer is this possible or am I asking for problems. Is there a lighting system out there for a reef tank that is inexpensive or a DIY system that I could build myself. I currently have a 75 gallon acrylic tank with a Aquarium Systems SeaClone 100 Protein Skimmer 300w Heater and a tetra hang on filter for a 60 gallon tank.

 

[Anonymous]

:welcome:

I recently started a reef tank I was told that I cannot have ground corral in the bottom of my tank with sand I would like to know if that is true and why is that a problem.

You mean using ground coral as a substrate (flooring) with sand? The problem with using the more coarse coral as a substrate has to do with it trapping debris. If you mix sand and coarse coral, the heavier coral sinks to the bottom while the sand lays on top and that can cause problems.

Also have read that you can have a reef tank with just a protien skimmer is this possible or am I asking for problems.

Most of us have systems that only use flow (pumps), live rock (bacterial action), lights and a protein skimmer and those tanks do quote well. I suggest you read the articles mentioned in the first two links on the new reefkeeper's forum page. Lots of good info there.

new-reefkeepers.html

Also, in this hobby Google is quite a good tool for information gathering.

Is there a lighting system out there for a reef tank that is inexpensive or a DIY system that I could build myself. I currently have a 75 gallon acrylic tank with a Aquarium Systems SeaClone 100 Protein Skimmer 300w Heater and a tetra hang on filter for a 60 gallon tank.

There are many DIY kits out on the market, but you need to decide exactly how much light you need. What are you planning on keeping?

 

[tapkawiman]

Ok Thank you for your help. Wanting a reef tank with a few fish but I ran into these issues when I started a fresh water tank a few years ago. Got a different answer to every question. Can be frustrating but will get it figured out.

Thanks Again

 

[Anonymous]

Ok Thank you for your help. Wanting a reef tank with a few fish but I ran into these issues when I started a fresh water tank a few years ago. Got a different answer to every question. Can be frustrating but will get it figured out.

Thanks Again

I didn't mean to be vague on the question of lighting, but different coral have different requirements so ask yourself exactly that question and go from there. The best way to plan any type of reef tank is to make a list of 'must haves' in terms of inhabitants, find out what they require and build the system to accommodate them. Also, marine fish (sometimes a lot harder to keep than freshwater due to territory issues) have different needs and stocking a tank needs careful planning to keep losses to a minimum.

 

[Sea Turtle]

:welcome: