My new setup - help please!

[OceanLuv]

Ok, I have lots of different pieces, with nothing put together yet and I was hoping someone could give me an opinion with what I have. I had originally been planning setting up a reef immediately but I think I am going to start with a FOWLR setup.
I have a 72 gallon, 20" tall tank that came with a canopy and 2, 48" 32W flourescents. Will this light be Ok to accumulate some algae in the beginning? Will my first couple fish be Ok with this type of lighting? Idon't have the budget right now so I was going to upgrade lights in a few months if this will be Ok to start.
I have 30 pounds of base rock and plan on adding 30 pounds of live rock over the next month and then adding a couple of chromis. Also planning on getting 72 lbs (1 lb per gallon) of sand.
I have a Fluval 404 filter, still in box not set up. With the amount of rock and sand I currently have (well currently plan to have), would I be Ok going with a protein skimmer and ditching the filter?
Thanks!!

[showfish]

Sounds like you have a good plan. The lighting should be fine to get you going. The addition of the live rock will replace the need for your fluval; take it back to the store and save your money for the new lighting. Absolutely, go with the skimmer. With the rock and the skimmer, you really will have no need for the Fluval, other than to polish the water. But they are a pain in the _ _ _ to keep clean. Good luck and be patient

[Reefland]

showfish has provided some good direction here.

The lighting sold for marine aquariums is not need if you are not going to have photosynthetic animals in the tank. And although I still recommend a basic PC/VHO/T5 kit to bring out the color of the fish and rock, it is not needed with a FOWLR setup.

Also on the filtration, rock and a good skimmer is all that is needed. Get a good skimmer though, an AquaC Remora would be recommended.

[showfish]

I will second that motion for the Aqua C Remora, I just got one myself for X-mass. They are real producers. I would recommend the Mag 3 pump rather than the Rio. The Mag 3 is a much better pump, and less maintenence.

[OceanLuv]

So even with this little live rock, I can use only a protein skimmer? My LFS suggested 1.5 lbs per gallon but that was out of my budget ... It will filter fine with 30 lbs live? Also - how long until the base rock and sand also are considered live? Thanks so much for the advice!

[OceanLuv]

I am also figuring about 2 inches of sand at the bottom - which would probably be closer to 60 lbs. How much sand should I put on the bottom? Is it the more the better like live rock or is it all personal preference?

[Reefland]

Talk has it that 3"+ of fine grade particles is what is needed for a nitrate reducing live sandbed.

And yes, as long as your bioload (fish load particularly) remians low until you add more rock, I think you will be fine as long as you practice good husbandry (not over feeding, water changes, etc.).

[OceanLuv]

And my LFS (which I am distrusting less and less) insists on live sand, at least partially. He sells live sand at $40 for 15 lbs - does that sound like a lot? Also, he said it would take 4-5 years before the sand becomes live - what is your recommendation on that? I find that very hard to believe when rock becomes live within months! But then again, I am new ...
Also, what constitutes fine' sand? Is it harder to clean and do water changes with finer sand?
Sorry for all the questions - its the more people I talk to the more confused I get!

[showfish]

That price for live sand sounds way too high IMO. This is almost twice the retail price. You might do better elsewhere. Check out this link just as a comparison http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...ea.asp?CartId=. These guys are reasonably priced and have a good reputation. I would shop around if I were you. As far as the 4 to 5 years, this is totally incorrect. Your live rock and sand normally takes about a month or so to fully cure under normal circumstances. Give or take a week or two. Make sure you have good circulation, and watch your ammonia and nitrite levels. If they start to rise, and they will, do appropriate water changes. You will be up and running before you know it.

[OceanLuv]

Sorry I misspoke - I meant he said it would take 4-5 years for NON live sand to become live if I were to use live rock. I checked out the link you gave me - they seem relatively expensive too once you add on shipping, right? That ebony sand looks really cool - I have a all black stand/canopy/background - could be cool in there ... what does anyone think of the 'moon sand'?

[jiggly75]

And my LFS (which I am distrusting less and less) insists on live sand, at least partially. He sells live sand at $40 for 15 lbs - does that sound like a lot? Also, he said it would take 4-5 years before the sand becomes live - what is your recommendation on that? I find that very hard to believe when rock becomes live within months! But then again, I am new ...
Also, what constitutes fine' sand? Is it harder to clean and do water changes with finer sand?
Sorry for all the questions - its the more people I talk to the more confused I get!

Hello , I wouldn't pay the high prices for live sand. Just get the regular sand and if you know someone already in the hobby they can give you a couple of cups of there sand to seed your new sand. You might be able to buy a cfew cups on sand from your LFS pretty cheap!

[OceanLuv]

Thank you everyone - you've been very helpful!!

[Something Fishy]

If you would like a really good price on lights and stuff for your tank annex marinedepot and go to aquatraders.com