New Tank, Have a few questions

[Josh10985]

Hello,

I have just picked up a 40 Gal Hex tank for my apt. It comes with powerheads, metal halide lights /w timer, heaters, and the stand. The stand does not look big enough to run a sump, so I was looking at some HOB filter/skimmers. Mainly the CPR Backpack 2 and the AquaC Urchin Pro skimmer. I am wanting to have a reef tank and should be able to with the lights I am getting. Will I need anything else before I start cycling the tank besides everything needed to test the water, and sand? I am going to buy some LR next week, how long should i cycle the water for before the LR goes in? I am going to start setting everything up tonight so just looking for some ideas.

[cwoods5]

You can cycle your tank with LR in it. Personally I would find a way to get a sump. You will be better off and happier in the long run.
I would save the money on the filter and buy me a RO/DI system, but thats just me, everyone has their own opinion about bio balls but most will tell you to stay away or gradually start taken them out.

Once again I'm new around here but if you read around in here and you will get alot of great information from alot of great people.

[Josh10985]

I would get a sump is I had a spot to put it. There is hardly any storage space under the tank. The light that is on top is massive and leaves little room on each side to put a skimmer/filter. That is why I was looking towards the AquaC Remora. It says it has a really compact size and looks like it might fit perfectly.

Tank Size (Gallons): up to 75
Skimmer Height: 17.5"
Minimum Tank Height: 12.75"
Minimum Overhead Clearance for Proper Function: 5.5"
Depth: 2.75"
Width: 6"
Rio+ 800 Pump Flow Rate: 211 gph

Looking at that, the depth is 2.75 so I guess the rest of it hangs off the back. Does anyone have a picture of a Remora installed in their tank? I just don't want to get it and it not work out. Having a Hex tank is a pain but I think once I get everything lined up it will look nice.

The light that came with the tank is a Coralife Aqualight Pro Metal Halide, It looks identical to that but has two extra moonlights. The guy i bought it from just has the entire light sitting on top of the tank laying acorss it. He was using a sump so he didnt really care about not having much space. I wander if I could use the legs and add some height to the light, or the adjustable legs that rotate the lamp 90 degrees.. Sort of hard to do on a Hex tank If I can somehow add a little bit of height to the lamp then everything will work out fine. Going tomorrow to look at some options, then buy my salt and all the other goodies!

[cwoods5]

Here is a hanging kit that shoulddo the job for you


Coralife Aqualight Pro Suspension Hardware Hanging Device