Is a sump required

[pgr11]

Hello im new to the sw world and am trying to get the correct info on starting my reef tank. I cant seem to get a straight answer . I just picked up a used 40 gal tank. It came with a light setup that has 2 compact flourescent and a little led in the middle, heater and heater controler, one power head, 5 gal of salt mix and about 50lbs of rock that has been out of the water for a few months. I have a couple of questions that i need help with. 1 Is a sump required? I plan to purchase a remora skimmer and and another power head. will this be ok for a reef tank if i also use live rock and sand? 2nd is there anything I can do to reuse the old rock? Can it be brought back to life or should I just purchase all new live rock? I will start with these questions with a promise of more to come. Thanks in advance.

 

[little_fish]

Hello and Welcome!!!

A sump is not required but its really handy because it increases your water volume (more stability) and its a good place to hide equipment.

Im not sure if that is a good skimmer or not, but someone should be able to chime in.

You are going to want several powerheads. You want around 40 times the volume of your tank turned over per hour. If you think about it, the ocean is never still so neither should your tank. Also any low flow areas make it easy for detrius to settle out and have algae grow in those spot. Plus you need to good flow for proper oxygen exchange, make sure at least one powerhead is rippling the surface.

Those lights wont be enough for any corals, but it will get you started! Here are some great lights you will be able to keep anything you want with:
Aquarium Lighting for Reef Systems: Current Nova Extreme Pro Saltwater T-5 Fixtures
For a tank that size i would look into getting T5 lighting like the link above. You can also look into LED stuff, but i dont know too much off the top of my head.

Also, just use dry sand and the old rock you have laying around and just a few lbs of live rock. Everything will become live after you cycle your tank and you will save a ton of money that way. All live means is that is has a population of bacteria on it that can process waste into less toxic components.

Here are few articles you really should take the time to read. They will answer lots of your questions and give you some very critical information. If you have more question, dont hesitate to ask! We love to help people out here and watch them succeed. Plus, its much easier and cheaper to do it right the first time around!

https://www.livingreefs.com/cycling-tank-adding-fish-and-corals-t26452.html

https://www.livingreefs.com/water-chemistry-t31270.html

https://www.livingreefs.com/basic-equipment-list-t19611.html

https://www.livingreefs.com/why-using-tap-water-bad-idea-t19865.html

https://www.livingreefs.com/ideal-books-reef-keepers-t19535.html

https://www.livingreefs.com/marine-aquarium-disasters-and-prevent-them-t20514.html

 

[navyguyame]

1. You dont need a sump to start the tank. There are a few advantages to have one. It gets rid of all the equipment hanging on the back of the tank and is a great place to grow macro aglea. 2 The old rock will be fine just seed it with a few pounds of live rock.

 

[pgr11]

Thanks for the replies so far. And now as promised i have another questions. Its concerning the lights. Little fish you stated these lights wont be enough, but i was told by my local store that they would. I am just wondering now what to think. The lights are a 65w 10000k + 6700k blue life the other bulb is a 65w dual actinic bulb model 2036 . Is this enough or not? Thank you for all your help and advice. I appreciate your info little fish

 

[little_fish]

No, compact fluorescent lights are pretty "crapy" lights. You might be able to keep some softies, such as mushrooms, leathers and zoas with that light, but not much else. You should be very cautious with LFS advice. You have no idea if that person even has a reef or if its a successful reef. Remember, its their job to sell you stuff, and many people work at lfs just for the pay check. There are some good lfs out there, but they are few and far between.

 

[Smitty]

Hello and welcome to the site...glad to have you. Little fish has you covered.

 

[marcah]

howdy and welcome to the site..:D