New tank equipment upgrade priorities

[Oceansinmybasement]

hello, I have a new 30g setup in it’s early stages. currently a fish only Tank with dry rock, very lightly stocked. I currently use a hob filter as a temporary filtration and to run carbon. And have a very basic lighting system that does not support plant growth (just something kicking around from a old FW setup I had). I plan to slowly introduce a few hardy corals as I stock the tank with a few more fish. I know I need a proper lighting system but my question is is a skimmer required for corals. Should I get a skimmer first and wait a bit on the corals until I get the light after? Or can I get a light, start with a few corals and eventually get a skimmer as a bonus but not a requirement. I know the skimmer is a controversial topic. I just can’t shell out for both at once but obviously want to get into corals as soon as the tank is capable. I have 2 clowns currently and plan to get 3 or 4 other small fish that are reef friendly. Have started my cleanup crew with hermits but will add snails and shrimp as well once there is more to clean. So ultimately what’s first; skimmer or lighting?

 

[dough]

I've run a 34 gallon tank with a skimmer that I really never dialed in. Sometimes it pulled out skimmate but most of the time it didn't. I would keep the fish population low, and watch the amount of you feed, I think you can start with the light first. Just keep up with water changes.

 

[Dempsey941]

IMO systems under 30gallons don't really need a skimmer as long as you are practicing good tank husbandry with decently sized water changes.

I would buy the light first than some hardy corals like zoanthids, leather corals, or maybe some forgiving LPS like Frogspawn or acans.

Keep the livestock light and keep up with the water changes and your tank will let you know if it needs a skimmer.

 

[slojim]

I think I would first add some strong circulation via a couple of powerheads, then a light, prior to considering a skimmer.

 

[Oceansinmybasement]

I do have two small Powerheads that make decent flow so outside of that guess I’ll get a light first and start those corals when the tank is ready

 

[Cwentz758]

If you arnt getting a sump Eshopps makes a good small hob skimmer for down the road. I’d say light first

 

[Oceansinmybasement]

Are you referring to the psk-100H? I was debating that, a similar reef octopus one or a in tank one like tunze 9004. And for lighting I’ve been looking into the Current USA orbit marine LED, anyone have any insight on these? I don’t want to spend like 500$ on a light just something that will do what I need it to.

 

[Cwentz758]

You can get a new area Sea Reef LED 50 for 220 plus 50 for the bracket. Some people have the 90s on here for sale cheap. They’ll get what you want done.