need help chosing new tank and equipment

[toddy]

i am new to salt water and this is the equipment i think i need not going to get for a month until i am ready dont want to make a hash of it

tank - juwel vision 260 - 260 litres or 57 gal
was told buy lfs a fuval 404 canister is all i need for a fish only.

how much live rock would i need to get rid of canister i worked it out between 40kg - 50kg = 88lbs - 110lbs would this be right.

and a prism skimmer

all advice most appreciated
thanks lee

 

[Mikef1]

Hi and Welcome to reefs.org

I would plan on a sump setup and just forget about the canister if you have live rock. You shouldnt need 88lb of rock more like 50-60LB. Also have you thought about what you are going to use for substrate? I would go with a live sand bottom 2-3 inch.

 

[Johnsteph10]

I second Mikef -- 60ish lbs of live rock (25 kg), a sump if you can have one, and 2-3inch live sand bed. you mentioned the protein skimmer. you would need some more movement in your tank -- like powerheads, etc. What about lighting? If fish only, then fluorescents are fine -- the fish won't look their best, but it will be more than adequate.
Make sure you put your stand on a level surface that can support the weight. a 57gallon (200-260 liter) tank with everything can weigh upwards of of 300 kgs (roughly 700 lbs) or more!

I have a canister on my tank but i use it strictly for circulation and occasionally to keep carbon and other kinds of media in....

Other items: a heater (probably not necessary now), a refractometer (the swingarm hydrometers are crap...don't trust them), salt mix, a thermometer (not the stick on the side of the tank ones...get a real floaty one), etc.....

Have you decided what fish you would like in your new tank?

John

 

[toddy]

If I get the vision 260 there is no room for a sump that is why im not to sure on it as everything will need to be in the tank and a skimmer stuck to the side spoiling the look of the tank.

I was going to use sand as substrate what is best live sand all over or just on top or bottom of normal tank sand.

What power heads are recommended as I don’t have a clue?

As for the lighting I was going to use fluorescents with reflectors on I was told be lfs to use a blue and white would this be right.

What do most people use to mix the new water and salt in when doing water changes?

As for the fish not to sure I would like a community tank

Thanks for the fast reply’s

 

[saltnmyeye]

i would go with regular sand, with live sand on top. i would also get a better skimmer than a prizm. something like a backpac 2 or remora pro. as far as the powerheads go, you could get 2 maxijet 900's, they put out 230 gph, one on each end. the sump is usually below the main tank, and the main tank is drilled and has an overflow. If your just starting out, i would get a tank with an overflow and already drilled for a sump. if you plan on keeping any corals down the road, a sump really comes in handy to hold all your equipment and such. for a fish only setup you could put all your equip. in the tank but it takes up alot of room. please dont hesitate to ask any questions here. good luck and welcome to reefs.org. 8)