need advice guys:)
 

hey guys ok i know this has been asked a million times but i have some question
ok my 2 room mate just got a 45 gallon long tank and have a metal stand for it . they are looking for a good setup
they are thinking like 3 bags of sand from johnathon. they want to have a well stocked coral tank with fish (hard and soft corals)
i am wondering what they should get for skimming and lighting and all that

i would like to here what you guys would do because i know you all have good tanks.
also they were thinking of a sea clone skimmer
also if you have any second hand stuff you loooking to sell then they would be super happy

Hey,

:shock: No Seaclone!

A deep sand bed might be an option, I'm not sure how much depth 3 bags will get you, aim for 4". That could be an effective biological filter for the whole tank. Sounds like you won't be having a sump so I would reccomend a good hang-on skimmer like the CPR Bak-Pak, look for one in the buy/sell they are usually easy to find for a decent price. As for lighting 2x55w PC would be fine for most softies or even go for a dual/single 175/250w MH hood for more light demanding corals. I would add 4 powerheads, a heater, and a 50lb box of Figi LR and you're set! Sorry if I missed anything but that should get you started.

I agree no seaclone!!

whats seas clone

zoos

does this mean aooanthids and polyps?

:lol: for your morning coffee break... :D

http://www.ozreef.org/reference/coral.pdf

What are you on Em?! I dunno what she means...

Um, zoos would be zooanthinds/buttons polyps.

A Seaclone is a really crapy cheap skimmer that does not work, do not bother with one!

You've lost me Em.

KGB, Seaclone is a hang on back skimmer made by Aqarium Systems. Considering they make good quality products such as Maxijets and Instant Ocean, it surprises me that they don't make good skimmers.

http://www.aquariumsystems.com/skimmers.htm

I recommend an AquaC Remora w/ Maxijet upgrade if you want a hang on back style of skimmer.

2x55W PC lighting is minimum but don't expect to be able to keep Acropora. I find that my bulbs get dim every 6 months when used 16 hours/day. I've only started keeping Acros alive consistently when I added another 96W PC to my 110W lighting system. Even then, not all acros maintained their color. However, I haven't lost any Acro frags nor colonies since adding the extra light. A few surprised me and actually colored up under the PC lights when they were previously under MH.

ahh i get it now
also which is better 175 watts 10k pc or 175 watt 10k