newbie starting out

domoney · 05-20-2007, 10:03 PM

well i have 80 gal (48l x 16w x 24d) tank with 404 fluval canister pump and one floresent bulb. i've looking into a protein skimmer coralife 220 super skimmer but not sure if its the best bang for the buck. i presently have fresh water in it wright now but want to set up with some corals and fish. when they talk about cured live rock what does that exactly mean? what do i need to do to get set up properly?

It would be greatly appreciated if some one could help me out!!!

geekdafied · 05-20-2007, 10:27 PM

First off, welcome to 3Reef! As for setting up, in this hobby, opinions are like butt holes, everybody has one, and usually its different. You will need to upgrade your lighting, That all depends on what exactly you plan keeping. Different corals require different light intensity.

coral reefer · 05-21-2007, 02:37 AM

Welcome to 3reef!!!! The best thing you could do for yourself and the livestock you wish to keep is get a good book on the saltwater/reef hobby and read it to give you the beneficial knowledge to make you successful at the start and in the long run.
Cured live rock is rock that has been sitting in a holding tank for a period of time so that any dead/decaying organisms on or within the live rock since its arrival from where it was collected, can be removed...essentially the rock is going through a cleaning process!
And yes, you will need to upgrade your lighting for corals and I would definitely invest in a good protein skimmer!
Best of luck!

yankeereefer · 05-21-2007, 06:57 AM

Welcome to 3Reef!

One key thing both the other responders mentioned was figure out what you want to keep before spending your money.

You might want to upgrade your lights, but only if you decide to go with a reef system - You normal flourescents will likely work if you want a FOWLR (Fish only with live rock) system.

Keep researching and asking questions -

Yankee

domoney · 05-21-2007, 04:32 PM

coral reefer thanks for the info! this might be a dumb ? but if cured live rock is dead what's the use of buying live rock? and do you buy your corals and attach them to it or what? will i have enough filtration with my fluval? with metal halide how many watts would i need for my tank? there so many books out there which one do you recomend?

this is a great site!!!!!

thanks for all the good info!!!!!!!!!!

omard · 05-21-2007, 06:01 PM

To 3Reef!!!

The Tao of Marine Aquaria
Tips for Our Hobby and Life

© 1997 Adam H. Whitlock
Edited By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/25/00

(© Fair Use Doctrine of International Copyright Law ©)

Quote:

Originally Posted by domoney

... this might be a dumb ? but if cured live rock is dead what's the use of buying live rock? info...

NO SUCH THING AS "dumb ?'s" here at 3Reef...I average a couple of real dumb ones a week.

Here is a good link explaining "Live Rock"

About Live Rock

domoney · 05-21-2007, 08:00 PM

Awesome site thanks omard for the great link!!!!!!
3reefs is a deadly forum!!!!!!!!!

sssnake · 05-22-2007, 04:36 AM

Welcome to 3reef domoney!

Lots of great info in here and seasoned hobbyists always willing to lend a helping hand.

Enjoy the forum.