New IM Fusion 30L- Rookie

[EaglesNest]

I’m starting my first SW tank after having a few freshwater tanks for upwards of 10 years or so. I don’t have friends into SW, so I’m counting heavily on you guys to lead me down the right paths, don’t let me down.J
This is what I have purchased thus far after reading a few books but specifically your threads:



Tank: Innovative Marine Fusion 30 gallon long (36L x 15W x 13H)
Stand: Innovative Marine Stand for Fusion 30L
Sand: 40lbs of Carib-Sea Arog-Alive (2-20lb bags)

Powerhead: Vortech MP10 ES - Hydor Koralia Nano 425 (for mixing Saltwater)

Heater: Colbalt Neo Therm 100w – Eheim Jagar 75w (for mixing saltwater)
Filtration: All in one unit with 2 media baskets
Equipment: Refractometer, API Saltwater Master Test Kit
Salt: Instant Ocean RO/DI Unit: BRS 4 Stage Value Plus 75GP



Still Needed:

Live Rock (20 ish lbs), Lighting, ATO, Controller, Skimmer and Media Reactor.

This weekend I will purchase the live rock, make my saltwater and get started. Here are my initial questions:

1. Lighting Recommendation: Keeping in mind that this tank is shallow (13 inches high). I need a LED lighting fixture that I can attach to the tank that doesn’t extend more than 4 inches high due to family pictures already on the wall. (Compromise with wife for getting that space to place the tankJ). I plan to start with a few fish then add “beginner”corals (Mushrooms, Zoanthids, Soft Coral). I want to get a fixture that I can use if I venture to more advanced corals later, so, I don’t have to buy new lighting. I’ve seen: AquaticLife EDGE LEDs and 20000K Reef Spectrum-XB. Any good?

2. Skimmer: How long into the cycling can I wait to add a skimmer and your recommendation? I’m leaning toward: IM Ghost Skimmer or Tunze 9002.

3. ?? I think I can wait on the other items…right?

[Pife]

Take your time and get better test kits.