Newbie starting up

[forestzoe]

Hi all! After many years of hanging my nose over marine tanks I'm finally in a position to be starting one.

Tank is in place and the live rock went in 2 days ago to begin cycling. I'm now turning my attention to lighting. LFS has recommended the Razor 5, and I'm just having a look at what is available second hand. I need 180w for my tank according to him but probably would not use the full power. (Tank is an Aqua One 300, 39"x24x20 ).

I do intend on having corals, but have not yet decided what.

Would this:
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/263329567228

at 160w be sufficient or would I definitely need the 180w?

There's also a 300w local but that would be too much?

Pics of Tank below (if I loaded them right!)

The rock is in but I can't seem to get the aquascaping to my liking just yet. I figured that as long as it's in and cycling for now, I can aquascape over the next couple of weeks until it looks right! (Suggestions welcomed)

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

Welcome to R2R

 

[Dsnakes]

Welcome to R2R it looks like you've got plenty of rock, and selection of shapes/sizes. I would try to set it up to have a couple swim throughs for fish and better flow.

 

[forestzoe]

Welcome to R2R it looks like you've got plenty of rock, and selection of shapes/sizes. I would try to set it up to have a couple swim throughs for fish and better flow.

Thankyou. It's not apparent really from the pics but as the rock is atm there is a channel behind the large centrepiece of dry rock and one in front. The dry structures have plenty of hidey holes and plenty that go all the way through also. I've tried to get it stable but with space between the glass and rock also.

Will play with it some more over the coming days. Have not yet bought any powerheads as I'm looking at lighting, but it's next on the list. Any feedback on the link above? Is it too small or would the 160w do it? I dont mind paying for bigger if it's necessary but if that 160w will do, I've got more leeway elsewhere if that makes sense?

 

[DeepBlueSomething]

Welcome to R2R! Agree about making sure you have enough flow with the rocks...and not sure on the lights for a tank that size!

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[forestzoe]

Welcome to R2R! Agree about making sure you have enough flow with the rocks...and not sure on the lights for a tank that size!

That's where powerheads placement will be key I think. The shipment of live rock that I had was all fairly large plates and I haven't got the confidence to start breaking them up! I am going to be trying to create some shady areas whilst leaving large areas on the top for corals but I definitely need to have a play as I don't think I have enough sand freed up iyswim.

Not sure yet if LFS will let me swap some plate rock for branch (he rang me today to say they'd had a shipment of branched rock arrive). If not I may have to advertise a couple of the plates locally to free up some space for branched and aquascape a little better as I'm a little limited with what I have tbh.

 

[Palyzoa]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[reef lover]

Welcome!

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R!!

 

[forestzoe]

Ok. Tank has cycled. Parameters are now all good after having to raise the PH slightly. LFS double checked all my figures.

Managed to pick up a Maxspect Razor R420R 160w light unit for £250 (about $340) which LFS said was a very decent price.

1st stock has gone in tonight. 2 clowns 3 turbo snails and an orange lipped conch. The conch appears to have dug itself straight under the big rock on the right of the tank, the clowns are slowly exploring but have fed a little and the snails are slowly working their way around.

I did find an unknown creature earlier (before the stock went in) and which i hadnt seen in the 3 and a bit weeks the live rock has been in the tank, but the LFS couldn't ID it (2nd pic). They think it may be some form of sea cucumber. It's gone into the sump for now. Any ideas? Just under an inch long and quite hard to get a decent pic.

I'm aiming for 6 to 8 fish and adding corals so suggestions welcomed for additions. I am in the UK so some of the more exotic stuff is probably not available. TIA.