New guy questions....

[hodnett_matt]

I'm new to the SW side of aquariums. I have a couple questions. Hopefully some can help me out with it.
1)What do you mean by a "mixed" reef?
2)How do I know what fish can be with other fish as far as the parameters go? Like different parts of the world.
3)Black live sand vs regular live sand?
4)I need equipment for my sump, any recommendations on pump, skimmer, powerheads, etc?
5)Recommended lights for reef?
6)sump to tank ratio?
7)what's your favorite fish? Favorite coral?

Thanks! Geaux Tigers!

 

[zwulfke]

Well lots of questions and well some answers are it depends.
1 . Mixed reef is fish and coral of all sorts
2 http://www.liveaquaria.com has a load of info on all sorts of fish and corals
3 Well black sand is one of those you like it or you don't. Also some of it can be magnetic so a mag scraper will pick it up it is annoying. Also non magnetic black sand usually is silicate and you would want to stay away form that. also it looks dirty quick and needs cleaning more. IMHO regular sand is better I have used black and its nice for a while but, I feel it cuts on reflected light as well
4 depends on your sump and display tank. go with what fits the gallons you have and your budget sometimes looking for used helps it does not always have to be new
6 i have had lots of answers for this. some say for 55 you need 20 but, you won't fill it all the way. What size tank are you thinking?
7 mine is the leopard wrasse i have and my huge dunkin coral

 

[hodnett_matt]

I have a 120g display and a 30g sump
I have decided to stay away from black sand

 

[zwulfke]

For the 120 a 30g sump is good. For me I have overkill 57 with a 40b sump. How is your sump set up? Do you currently have equipment ?

 

[hodnett_matt]

Not set up yet. Getting ready to cut and silicone the baffles in. Got a decent design in mind. Also have no equipment yet.

 

[zwulfke]

Before you do baffles be sure your skimmer will fit. Were you looking new or used ? I do not know what type of budget your on

 

[hodnett_matt]

Good idea. I'm not partial to either. I've been looking around. Just don't know what brands are dependable. I'm about dependability.

 

[zwulfke]

Well IME I have used a corallife = garbage (sorry) , cad lights been really good , reef Octo even better, bubble mag is just as good as the Octo

My current is a reagle 150 sss it's big though I also head good things about vertex but, can't get my hands on one

 

[hodnett_matt]

I've heard good things on the reef octopus