Long time reader, first time poster

[MikeyLikesit]

Hey Y'all! Have been reading the forums for the last year or so and have finally saved up enough money, with the wife's permission, to spend on a saltwater setup. I originally was going to go with freshwater planted and ordered parts... I then decided to go saltwater since I got a nice little bonus from work, haha..

Anyways, this is what I have so far.
40 gallon seaclear
Aquaclear 110 HOB
couple Hydor powerheads (the small guys, 240gph)
I have the Beamswork FSPEC LED light
Here is the link:
Beamswork Light Amazon

I don't want anything crazy, just thinking one or two SPS, 40-60lbs liverock, a couple of clowns, goby, and some invert's... I read that If I want SPS (like a Green Slime Acropora) I would need more powerheads?

I would rather not build a sump for something like this, or buy a skimmer.. I would rather "add" this equipment as "problems" occur and see how I get buy using the aquaclear 110, since I already spent $90 on it.....

My main questions I have, besides any open criticism, is the light. Is it enough? It says freshwater, but after researching it seems like it would suffice?

THANKS!!!

 

[Diesel]

SPS?
Stay away for a while from the SPS as your tank needs to be matured for a while and I'm not sure about that light for SPS or for most other corals.
It has 36 led's and each are 0.50W that is only 18W of light............ not enough.
Also it says "Suitable for freshwater, plants, cichlid" not for saltwater.
Just want to point that out to you.
My $0.02 is that you should read and ask a lot first here on R2R.
We can help you understand not making BIG mistakes you'll regret later.
Better start slow but on the right track than fast and be a run-away train.
A 40 gallon tank needs at least 150W of light and that is on the low end.
If you're on a budget look for a used or a Chinese knock-off on Ebay.
Before you buy post a link in your build thread that you can start here and you have a awesome project going.
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/member-tanks.52/

 

[MikeyLikesit]

SPS?
Stay away for a while from the SPS as your tank needs to be matured for a while and I'm not sure about that light for SPS or for most other corals.
It has 36 led's and each are 0.50W that is only 18W of light............ not enough.
Also it says "Suitable for freshwater, plants, cichlid" not for saltwater.
Just want to point that out to you.
My $0.02 is that you should read and ask a lot first here on R2R.
We can help you understand not making BIG mistakes you'll regret later.
Better start slow but on the right track than fast and be a run-away train.
A 40 gallon tank needs at least 150W of light and that is on the low end.
If you're on a budget look for a used or a Chinese knock-off on Ebay.
Before you buy post a link in your build thread that you can start here and you have a awesome project going.
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/member-tanks.52/

Thanks for the prompt reply!
Would light I purchased be OK for FOWLR?

 

[hybridazn]

Welcome to R2R

 

[jsker]

Spend the money on a good light, even if that means putting off your setup for a month or two. Oh by they way Welcome. I just switched out my LED lights from a less expensive starter light, and I am blown away by the difference. I have Sps, Lps, and softies

 

[Mike in CT]

Definitely get a decent light. You ARE going to want at least some easy corals and soon! You don't have to break the bank to get a good light that will grow coral.

 

[Diesel]

Thanks for the prompt reply!
Would light I purchased be OK for FOWLR?

As the majority already said look around for a better light.
The light you have can function for a FOWLR but you will not get the beauty from your colorful fish.
IMO, the light will be good enough to function for Christmas light

 

[MikeyLikesit]

Thanks guys, could anyone point me towards a few threads for information for beginners.
How to check water paramters and keep them in check, for example.

I'd watch youtube videos but I trust the folks here more...
Thanks

 

[melypr1985]

Welcome to R2R! I agree..... Your light is not a place where you should cut costs. Get the best you can afford the first time

 

[Salty1962]

Welcome to R2R!