first salt/reef tank setup questions.

[xDukex]

Hey everyone, I'm working on setting up my first saltwater/ reef tank. 45 gallon with a 20g sump. I am making my own sump with a protein skimmer, phosphate reactor, a sock and return pump. Is there anything else I should add? Uv sterilizer or something like that or even bio balls or a sponge for bacteria? My plan is to have soft corals for the most part and fish.

Also a dumb question, I'm making my own led light. Does uv leds do anything near the same as a uv sterilizer? Obviously wouldn't be as effective but worth getting down the road?

Thanks in advanced.

 

[3Twinklets]

Hello and welcome to R2R! There is a lot of great information in the thread "How to set up a saltwater tank".
A UV sterilizer is probably not needed at this time.
Share your progression photos with us as you move on!!

 

[mrcoffee2]

Hey everyone, I'm working on setting up my first saltwater/ reef tank. 45 gallon with a 20g sump. I am making my own sump with a protein skimmer, phosphate reactor, a sock and return pump. Is there anything else I should add? Uv sterilizer or something like that or even bio balls or a sponge for bacteria? My plan is to have soft corals for the most part and fish.

Also a dumb question, I'm making my own led light. Does uv leds do anything near the same as a uv sterilizer? Obviously wouldn't be as effective but worth getting down the road?

Thanks in advanced.

What kind of lights are you using? If you have not decided yet google GU10 reef light build posted by tinygiant. I have seen his build in person and was completely amazed with the coral growth he has gotten from his DIY lights.

 

[xDukex]

Thank you, save me a little bit of money. Also Mr. Coffee I have actually already bought Cree leds for most of my lights. I'll definitely look into them though!

 

[Reefing Madness]

You should be adding some macro algaes to the sump. No need for a UV sterilizer.
The UV LEDs are ok to use in the set up. They don't have the same effect as a UV sterilizer does.