First saltwater tank :D

[Leahraeleah]

Hello all!
So I'm about to set up a 20 gallon tank. Tank is cleaned out and empty, ready to start. I have a few questions about set up. Right now I have a HOB filter that I was thinking of using that is meant for 40-70 gallons. It's a fluval I was thinking of using the sponge and a bag of matrix as the media. - will this filter and media be fine?
Also I'm going to use live sand. About 4 inches in tank. Should I add sand before water or add with it filled? (Come across people saying either)
Also my local reef store sells salt water for $1.60 a gallon. Do you think I'm better off using that than making my own salt water to fill and for changes?

I appreciate any advice! Thank you

 

[Leahraeleah]

I should probably mention that this will be a live rock and fish only tank for now

 

[yazeed]

You should have a protien skimmer,,i think you can make your own water cause you will know what you are added to your tank

 

[Waters]

Yes, you can use the HOB filter...just need to make sure you keep it clean. Are you going to use live rock? If so, the HOB filter will be unnecessary unless you use it strictly for mechanical filtration or as a small reactor with carbon. Regarding the sand, I would personally add it prior to adding the water. As far as the water, if you are able to get a RO/DI unit, I would definitely make your own. It will be cheaper in the long run...plus like yazeed stated, you will have more control of what goes into your tank. Also, I respectfully disagree on needing a skimmer on a 20 gallon tank. It wouldn't hurt and would obviously improve water quality but with a tank that small, regular water changes will do more than enough.

 

[Leahraeleah]

Thank you both for your help. I kinda was thinking i would skip the protein skimmer on this tank since its only 20
Gallons. I have 3 running freshwater tanks that I change water every week so I'm ok with water changes.