starting from scratch

[mountaindew]

I am starting a 160 gal,tank,saltwater.It will be fish and live rock only.I wanted to know if someone could tell me what equipment I need.Like filter,lights etc.I dont want to spend a lot of money,I just want to have a nice aquarium.Right now the tank does not have a lid,a buddy of mine is going to make me a canopy for it.With the lights should I go with two small bulbs on each end or go two long bulbs all the way across

[Reefland]

Since you are going with a FOWLR, you don't need to worry about lighting, too much. I add too much in the last sentence because I like to suggest a couple of PC or VHO bulbs, even for FOWLR, to help bring out the true beauty of saltwater fish. A couple of regualr fourescent tubes just don't do it.

For equipment, you should look at a good quality protein skimmer. I am currently using a Bermuda Aquatics which is working very well for me. But there are many, many others. The ASM Octupus Skimmers get great reviews, My Reef Creations, Euro Reef, Geo, and the list goes on. Don't think your doing a good thing if you find a skimmer for $100. The skimmer, your liverock and water changes will work for your total filtration package.

You should also look at internal tank flow. A couple of Stream pumps would do the trick, but again there are other options here.