Need ideas for new 50gal

[Peter@JAX]

I can always find/get great input/information from my fellow 3reefers.
I need some ideas for a 50 gal tank I just got.

I want to do something that is not equipment intensive.
BERLIN System? Bare bottom, Sand??

I have thus far cleaned the tank and painted the back black.
it came with a 55w PC fixture, I have since gotten a 50/50 55w Blub.

What do you guys think.... I don't have a skimmer yet, but have been looking at CL65 of a remora.

Pete

[amcarrig]

Are you looking to do reef or fish only or.....?

[Peter@JAX]

Opps - Reef Tank
Few fish
SPS - LPS

[amcarrig]

You'll need much better lighting if you want to keep anything but low light corals in that tank. One watt per gallon isn't going to keep any sps or lps corals alive. If I'm not mistaken, the only difference between a Berlin system and the way I set up my tanks is that you don't use a sump with the Berlin. My personal preference is to have a sump. Whether you go bare bottom or put sand in the tank is entirely up to you. I personally don't like the look of barebottom so I always put an inch of sand in my tanks. Looks nicer and I can keep gobies and wrasses because of it.

[Peter@JAX]

Better light are a given - I will use the 50/50 for Coraline growth in the beginning until I choose a good light setup.

As for the bare bottom - I have been thinking of using STARBOARD for the base. I have always used substrate but I think I will try bare bottom with very intensive skimming

[amcarrig]

Originally Posted by Peter@JAX

Better light are a given - I will use the 50/50 for Coraline growth in the beginning until I choose a good light setup.

As for the bare bottom - I have been thinking of using STARBOARD for the base. I have always used substrate but I think I will try bare bottom with very intensive skimming

Good plan. Post pics when the tank is set up!!

[Peter@JAX]

I'll post the project when started.
Just trying to choose the best skimmer for the project

Pete

[sharkatak]

I use the Berlin method with great success.I have 2ins. of crushed coral,about half the tank volume in live rock and no sump.I use an Otto 2000lph with 3 cups underneath,1with phosphate remover,1with activated carbon and 1 with a sponge filter{this is my only manual filter}.1 1400lph for extra water movement and I an obscure brand of skimmer{Queen?}driven by another 2000lph.I think the secret is plenty of water changes.I'm lucky to have easy access to A1 quality sea water which makes life a lot easier.No mixing or cost.My only downfall is a lack of a chiller.Maybe next summer.Hope this helps.

[amcarrig]

I thought that the Berlin method involved live rock and skimming as the sole form of filtration? No filters or filter media involved?

[Peter@JAX]

That is what I thought as well..