Reef Sanctuary - View Single Post - planted tank guy that wants to start a reef

Luukosian · 04-29-2008, 12:00 AM

Hello,

I've had several successful planted tanks for years and 1 brackish tank(T. fluviatilis , and Vespicula depressifrons) but have yet to wander into the world of the reef tank. I recently got a 55gal glass tank and stand from a local auction(real cheap) and for some reason I got it into my head that i haven't spent enough money and want to start a reef tank lol.
Not sure where to start since first of all im sure the tank doesn't have sufficient lighting(2X24" flourescents i think) and I dont have a filter. I would like to have a sump/overflow because that sounds like the route to go but I dont want to spend a ton of cash because I know I'm going to have to buy live rock and livestock as well. What is a cheap place to get a pump(thinking 20 gal sump)and are there any bargain protein skimmers out there that are worth it? I know I'm asking a lot of questions and I've spent a lot of time reading about this reef stuff over the years but...just want to make sure I'm doing everything right before I spend all the money.

ps. I have co2 tanks that I use for my planted tanks...is it worth the money to have a calcium reactor for a begginner tank?

If anyone spends the time to read/answer this thanks!

04-29-2008, 12:00 AM	#1 (permalink)
Luukosian Tunicate Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 4 View Gallery Karma Komment	planted tank guy that wants to start a reef Hello, I've had several successful planted tanks for years and 1 brackish tank(T. fluviatilis , and Vespicula depressifrons) but have yet to wander into the world of the reef tank. I recently got a 55gal glass tank and stand from a local auction(real cheap) and for some reason I got it into my head that i haven't spent enough money and want to start a reef tank lol. Not sure where to start since first of all im sure the tank doesn't have sufficient lighting(2X24" flourescents i think) and I dont have a filter. I would like to have a sump/overflow because that sounds like the route to go but I dont want to spend a ton of cash because I know I'm going to have to buy live rock and livestock as well. What is a cheap place to get a pump(thinking 20 gal sump)and are there any bargain protein skimmers out there that are worth it? I know I'm asking a lot of questions and I've spent a lot of time reading about this reef stuff over the years but...just want to make sure I'm doing everything right before I spend all the money. ps. I have co2 tanks that I use for my planted tanks...is it worth the money to have a calcium reactor for a begginner tank? If anyone spends the time to read/answer this thanks!