[boxers]

i recently got a 135 gallon tank. i want to make it a saltwater tank with corals and fish,but i need to set it up first.what would i need to get it going i've heard different things but more advice can't hurt. i was told that i could fill it with water , get about 40lbs. of sand and would need at least 80lbs. of live rock,is this right or could i go with less and add more later. i looked at a filter (i forget the name and model) but was told it would handle up to 175 gallon tank,is that good enough if not could someone point me in the right direction.

[Reefland]

Hi boxers,


It sounds like you are wanting a reef tank but we still need to know exactly what kind of corals interest you before we can give detailed information. However, for a reef tank this size you will want a sump, possibly a refugium, a good protein skimmer, ~100lbs of rock or more, a good deep live sand bed and some good lighting.

[Steven Pro]

In addition to the advice you will get from online message boards, you might also consider joining a club. Here is one near you, http://www.marshreef.com/

[boxers]

im not real clear on what all that is the sump and skimmer is that the tank that is under the tank in the stand

[johnny gray]

Originally Posted by boxers

I'm not real clear on what all that is the sump and skimmer is that the tank that is under the tank in the stand

you got it and a skimmer skims out excise nutrients i like asm skimmers
http://www.asmskimmer.com/

[Steven Pro]

If I may, I would suggest that your first purchase be a good book. Mike Paletta's The New Marine Aquarium is an excellent first read for beginners. This will give you an idea of what all the components are and give you the vocabulary as well. Plus, Mike's book is cheap (about $15 online) and only 140 pages or so with full color images. It is written in plain language too, so it is very easy to read.

[boxers]

thanks for the advice i'm in the process of finding a skimmer good for my setup i will get everyone updated on how its going

[BubbaWPB]

Steven gives good advice. You can't read too much at this point. Get the book. It will be the best $15 you'll spend on your tank and will save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.