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