Tank size

dusterdan

Reefing newb
I am completely new to the saltwater hobby. I was wondering what is the minumum size that you can use in this hobby. I bought a used oceanic hexagon tank, used from a friend of a friend. I don't know exactly how big it is but the tank is in great shape and the stand was included in the deal. Anybody also know anything about older oceanic tanks? Its a very heavy tank for its size, if I had to guess size I would assume slightly over 40 gallons. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!!

Dan
 
Since you have this tanks already it should be fine.Hex tanks are sometimes more of pain to get right kind of lighting to do a reef though.Also smaller tanks thangs can go wrong easier.Do all all the reading you can and ask for as much help as need welcome to the forum
 
I know that lighting is very important for saltwater tanks, what kind of lighting should I get? And how light is my wallet going to be afterwards? Thanks for the help!
 
It really depends on what you want to keep.Metal halide is the best for everything.You could go with a Power compact light as well.3 watts per gallon or more for soft coral.LPS and SPS hard coral you 5 watts per gallon or more.Your tank is 40 gallon hex(23x20x24) so a light with 200 watts would work
If your tank is 60 gallon hex(27x24x28)so a light with 300 watts would work.those ratings are at 5 watts per gallon
here few links for lights
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4370132653&fromMakeTrack=true
The above would work good if you made or bought a wooden copy top
Regular pc 24" lights will only provide 130 watts at best
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7700295829&fromMakeTrack=true
corallife make a great product.
here is another option at good price
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7700069738
 
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with minimal metal halide and flourescent you will spend apprx. 350 to 500 dollars. the upper end would be a complete out of the box fixture, 1 metal halide, and one or two small compacts as a unit. if you have a hood you could do retrofit kits. I would suggest you decide what tank canopy equipment you will have, or, if you intend to hang the light fixture over an open top tank or other, and what it is you want to keep long term (corals, fish, etc, then post that information here in your thread. we will visit and try to help as we can based on the information you provide. WELCOME TO THE FORUM. LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING SOME PICTURES OF YOUR SYSTEM AS IT DEVELOPES.
 
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