Hi there , I am sure this is a very common post but here goes.. I have a 6 x2 x 2 trop tank at the moment but am thinking about marines instead with power heads for additional water circulation and 3 5ft strip lights in the lid..It runs off two large external fluvals at the moment. What equipment would I need to set up a reef tank, any suggestions gratefully received...please do not be afraid to treat as total novice although I am totally aufait with water quality and nitrogen cycles as I have a fairly advanced koi setup, I have never ventured into the marine world, and I would rather be guided by people who know what to use and what works, rather than a sales assistant flogging what they need to sell....Cheers Koi2849:wink::wink:
Great! You won't regret the decision. You'll definitely getsome great advice on here. You basically need to be concerned about 3 things: good water quality, good flow, and good lighting.
First is your tank reef ready with an overflow and do you know what a sump is?? Live sand live rock much more expensive!! Lighting depends on if you want a reef or fish only with live rock... Let us know where you stand on those items they are the basics. Then we can also help to give you more accurate advice.
It would be helpful to know these details, but you can start by knowing that you'll need a good protein skimmer (rated for about twice your water volume if you plan on keeping corals). As far as lights go, I'm assuming you want corals since you said "reef tank" so you'll need to look at metal halides or LEDs (t5s and vhos are an option, but I'm not sure they'd be strong enough for that size tank). I personally use 3 120w fixtures over my tank which is the same size as yours. Also, LEDs don't have to cost you your first born...don't know what your budget is, but you can get LEDs at good prices and save on bulbs, heat, and electricity.
You'll need at least a pound of live ARAGONITE sand (don't get silica) per gallon (at 6' x 2' x 2' you have a 180). You should be thinking about the same amount of live rock, but you can get this cheaper from other hobbyists or online than from your lfs...LOTS cheaper.
Also, you won't want your canister filters on a reef tank...they become nitrate factories very quickly.
As far as flow goes, random flow (as afforded by wave boxes and controllable powerheads) is better than constant flow. I have 2 tunze 6101s on my tank. However, you could start put with some constant flow powerheads (less expensive) in order to get started.
Hope this helps!
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