Newbie needs advise on new system.

[cgbexec]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I am a nebie as you can see. I would like some advise on a new small system. I had a 125gal feef system with Metal Halides about 4 years ago, but since I have been out of this, I am sure that things have changed. I just purchased a 24 Gallon Nano Cube. My intention is to just keep live rock, annenomies, and some soft corals. The system has two 36 Watt Power Compacts, so I know that SPS corals are out. What do you think about LPS? This system has no way to upgrade lighting that I know of.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I mixed the Reef Crystals Salt with water(Bottled Crystal - I know Ishould use RO/DI, but that system would cost more than the tank- What are your thoughts on Bottled filtered water?)as directed and the specific gravity was only 1.017. If I remember correctly a reef tank needs to be more like 1.022 - 1.024. Any advise? I added a 1 inch layer of live sand. I know in days past everyone recommended thicker sand beds, but it seems now that thinner is in. Any thoughts on this. The water, sand and system has been up and running since Friday. I was going to add live rock today and perhaps add some critters next week if the water checks out. I am just looking for advise and suggestions. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Thanks,#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Chris B.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Reptoreef]

Howdy and welcome to CR. As far as lighting, you can upgrade to a pendant halide if you really want sps, but your current lighting should suffice for just about any euphyllia(frog spawn, hammer, etc) as well as some brains and candies. SB well that's just an opinion of what is better. I've been mixing 3 cups per 5 gl water and all is well. As for bottled... get the ro/di. If you have a walmart near by, you can usually get it for about 30-40 cents per gallon with your own container. IMO, add your LR and possibly a few cleaners and you should be ok for now.

Jason

[jerryc]

Looks like repto has it covered for you
I used the ro collagen machine at wall mart for a long time till i got
a rodi and had good luck with it.
Just .20 a gallon hear cheap but inconvenient

[cgbexec]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Thanks everyone. I just put in 14 lbs. of Tonga Rock last night. There is almost no life on the rocks, but some very nice Purple coraline along with some nice red coraline. At night with the moon lighting the rocks glow irridecent pink an purple spots. I am going to add another 10 lbs tonight from another store that has a deeper purple rock. I hope that the Power Compacts will be enough light to get that coraline to spread. I will let you know how it works out.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Thanks,#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[dakar]

Any idea what the color temp is of your PC lights?