Looking to set up first SW tank. HELP!

[thebilljamin]

Hey all!

I should be purchasing a 36 Bow front tank this week and looking to start off with a FOWLR tank and then once I get more confident and more money upgrading to Mixed reef with LPS and mushrooms and zoas.

I can't decide if I want to sump the tank or not yet, and if I do it'll prob if I go with a reef tank just to add more volume to keep things more stable. But my question is what else do I need other than 1 or 2 powerheads, and a about 40 or so pounds of LR? I am thinking about grabbing a AQ 50 and running Carbon and Purigen, and of course a heater.

Is there anything else I need to know? How much will the bow front effect the water flow? Also, should I get cured or un-cured LR?

[scott3569]

you need a protein skimmer, if you buy the AQ 50 run it on a Quarantine tank, no need to run carbon from the start..in fact you will prolong your cycle..In fact if you are totally new to the hobby, Get some research done..research everything before you do it..unless you want to have problems down the line...Search Quarantine, and getting set up..There is a ton of things you need to know..the first thing to know is you need to slow down, this is not a fast process, you can't just set up a tank in a weekend. it takes time..

edit: I Started with my tank purchase almost two months ago, and I am no just being able to add a little clean up Crew (CUC) and I won't be able to add fish for another month or two..that gives you a little time line..Also if you think your going to use a sump down the road..I would go ahead and plan on it now, research it and the other things as your getting your equipment together

[thebilljamin]

Thank you Scott! Yea I do understand its going to tank a while and I'm ready for that. I will only be picking up a tank, not setting it up. I will be planning things out before doing anything. I appreciate the info on the carbon. I am totally new to SW but have a planted FW. I'd love to set up a sump but I'm not sure I will have room. I understand its extremely important to have a skimmer on a reef tank, will it be as important with the FOWLR because I'm not sure I truly like the idea of doing a HOB skimmer. I'm trying to understand everything I need.

[scott3569]

Well from what i have read the skimmer is the second most important part of your filtration..first being your live rock or you can start with dry reef safe rock)..people use hob skimmers on here all the time..do a search for it..INHO even if you just have room enough for a 10-15 gal sump. I would do that, the more water volume you have the more stable your system will be, which is why you see so many people with such big tanks in the Saltwater..heck even my tank is small..but we got to start somewhere..Oh and btw some of the equipment i bought, i bought with the thought in mind that i was going to up grade in the future that way i only had to buy it once..more up front but if i do upgrade less down the road