Beginner With Some Questions On Tank, Flow, Lights, Etc...

[EnocentOne]

Hello! I've been reading these forums the past few days after stumbling on it in a Google Search, GREAT SITE!
So far the most informative I've found. The internet is filled with information, what a shame no matter how far you look, you still can't get straight answers to certain things!
I want to apologize in advance for some of my questions, as I'm sure a lot of topics have been covered before, but for my own sanity, I need to ask them!

Background: I havea 40G Stretch Hex Tank, Rena Filstar xP2, CPR Skimmer, about 30lbs of live sand....
I don't know much about the light, as I was able to pick up this tank as a used item from somebody no longer in the need.
About 4 years ago, I had attempted a 125G FOWLR tank, all was well with it.... I got very lucky, since I never really knew what I was doing..
Before moving, I gave up the tank to a neighbor, and have ever since been wanting to start one again. With the wife rolling her eyes as the money is starting to dissappear, here I am

My Questions are as follows:
1) I set up the tank on Friday (11/4/05), at what point should I add live rock?
The guy at a local pet shop said wait a week, however I've gotten worthless advise from pet shops before!
2) Durring this initial set up, should I or should I have not been running the Skimmer? I've seen articles saying both ways....
3) I am wanting to order LR from the net, and have emails out to a few potential places to purchase from, first one to answer me gets the business, but for a 40G Hex Tank, how many lbs should I look at getting? I've been told stick to around 1.5-2lbs per Gallon, then of course I see articles that say 1lb or less per gallon... (this is what I meant in my opening comment about the internet and no straight answers)
4) Since the tank is relitively small, the filter and skimmer are doing a fine job of circulation, should I still invest in additional powerheads?
5) My Light is a 24" Compact Flouresent Aquarium Reflector 55w - Made by All Glass Aquarium, I'm going to assume I need to be looking for other lighting, but so far everything I've read has made no sense, and undefined in the "answer" department... My intention is a reef tank... If somebody could point me in the right direction for reading or recommendations, I'd appreciate it!

That's all for now, I apologize if this thread is in the wrong section, or if I've hit on subject I'm sure have been talked about 900 times here, it's for my own piece of mind

Thanks all.

[Reptoreef]

Really... no apologies are needed. Glad to have ya!!! My best advice would br to purchase some good reads... try "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Fenner and "Natural Reef Aquariums" by Tullock.

IMO, add all LR, now

Run skimmer

1-2 lbs is a good range of LR... depends if you intend to run a DSB(deep sand bed)

As long as you're circulating 10-20x's total tank volume, you should be fine. I do recommend a separate sump/refugium.

Your light should be adequatew for lower light softies which could be a theme reef tank.

Hope this helps!!! Take care and keep posting as things go on... Remember your best friend now is going to be a whole load of patience.

Jason

[jerryc]

Jason is right on. but thank you may wont to look at a different light sooner or
later you will wont something other than the real low light corals

[EnocentOne]

Right now, I have about a 1 inch sand bed, which is what was recommended to me.
I do eventually wish to have more than just low light corals, but as Jason said, patience
I'm going to order my LR today, hope to have it in a few days then and get things moving!!

Thanks for your replies!

[KG]

Hello! I've been reading these forums the past few days after stumbling on it in a Google Search, GREAT SITE!
So far the most informative I've found. The internet is filled with information, what a shame no matter how far you look, you still can't get straight answers to certain things!
I want to apologize in advance for some of my questions, as I'm sure a lot of topics have been covered before, but for my own sanity, I need to ask them!

Background: I havea 40G Stretch Hex Tank, Rena Filstar xP2, CPR Skimmer, about 30lbs of live sand....
I don't know much about the light, as I was able to pick up this tank as a used item from somebody no longer in the need.
About 4 years ago, I had attempted a 125G FOWLR tank, all was well with it.... I got very lucky, since I never really knew what I was doing..
Before moving, I gave up the tank to a neighbor, and have ever since been wanting to start one again. With the wife rolling her eyes as the money is starting to dissappear, here I am

My Questions are as follows:
1) I set up the tank on Friday (11/4/05), at what point should I add live rock?
The guy at a local pet shop said wait a week, however I've gotten worthless advise from pet shops before!
2) Durring this initial set up, should I or should I have not been running the Skimmer? I've seen articles saying both ways....
3) I am wanting to order LR from the net, and have emails out to a few potential places to purchase from, first one to answer me gets the business, but for a 40G Hex Tank, how many lbs should I look at getting? I've been told stick to around 1.5-2lbs per Gallon, then of course I see articles that say 1lb or less per gallon... (this is what I meant in my opening comment about the internet and no straight answers)
4) Since the tank is relitively small, the filter and skimmer are doing a fine job of circulation, should I still invest in additional powerheads?
5) My Light is a 24" Compact Flouresent Aquarium Reflector 55w - Made by All Glass Aquarium, I'm going to assume I need to be looking for other lighting, but so far everything I've read has made no sense, and undefined in the "answer" department... My intention is a reef tank... If somebody could point me in the right direction for reading or recommendations, I'd appreciate it!

That's all for now, I apologize if this thread is in the wrong section, or if I've hit on subject I'm sure have been talked about 900 times here, it's for my own piece of mind

Thanks all.

You're welcome.

[dakar]

If you find a good source for patience get all you can and share it with the rest of us.... I'm sure here shortly you'll have plenty to show off.... We all enjoy watching a new reef come together and watch it evolve into maturity, it;s like a constand source for new ideas... there are onlt few 'accepted rules' that need to be followed, aside from that the only limit is you imagination and borrowing from others ideas and methods....

Keep us posted.

[Dirt4dinner]

This is only my second post so I am not going to offer much advice
because I am very new to this. But I also was recommended an amazing
book! "The New Marine Aquarium" by Michael S. Paletta. I read it cover
to cover twice before I even put water in my tank. Very informative,
lots of pictures and drawings (for people who are simple minded like
myself!)
I also noticed that several people have been looking for a good source
of LR on the net. I recently purchased 100 lbs of Carribean Live Rock
out of Ft. Lauderdale for $2.80 lb (INCLUDING shipping). It was sent on
a Southwest flight and arrived within 24 hours. There are so many
different types of plants growing on from the minute I took it out of
the box and unwrapped it. I highly recommend them. Guys name is Gary,
website is http://www.supercadet.com/intmarinefish/

I hope this helps! -Tyler

[Reptoreef]

Excellent find... thanks for sharing!!!