Minimum requrements to start a reef

Ok, I have limited funds this next month to start my tank...I have a 46 gallon bow front with a 2x39W T5 fixture, a HOB biowheel filter (will use just the biowheel and water polishing media or LR rubble), CPR Bak Pak skimmer and will be ordering my heater on the 1st. Can I get my LR, LS, water & more salt mix and then start my tank with just this?

I will add powerheads the month after I start the tank if what I have is adequet.

 

I don't see any problem in that. Save some money and don't buy all LR/LS though. Just one piece of LR and a scoop of LS will do just fine. The flow from the HOB should be fine for the cycle.

Ivan

 

Thanks...yay I get to start my tank!

Yeah I was thinking about just getting a little of LR & LS the base rock and dry sand for the rest.

I want enough LR to possibly have some sort of life in my tank to watch as I recover from surgery on my ankle.

 

you can buy 1 or 2 fish.. green chromis damsel is good starter/cycling fish. they are non-agressive, and so down the road you wont have problem when adding more expensive fish in the tank..

 

sounds like a good start. just keep an eye on the surface water as you may encounter an issue involving a filmy/bubbly surface. I had that issue when i used an Emperor and HOB skimmer when i first started out.
GL!

 

i would just get rid of the filter and just stay with the skimmer filters are usually nitrate factories and will cause problems down the road

 

Unless it's used for chemical filtration only. Nobody likes yellow water

 

The best thing you can do for your self to save money is find a local reef club. Just google reef forums in your area.

I agree... save your money and buy dry rock and sand.... most local reefers will have some laying around the house. Even in my area... when reefers breakdown or rearrange.... the going rate for live rock is $2/lb. A heck of a lot cheaper than other places. Try Craigs list. Most locals will be happy to give you some seeding sand for a couple of bucks... maybe just a beer.

If you are starting a tank and on a budget... you really need to hook up with the locals. They usually have a ton of stuff for sale and a lot of knowledge. Hint.... frags go for cheap, and most in my area will donate to a worthy cause.

 

so what if I took out the biowheel and just LR rubble in there or pehaps find a sm light and use it for a mini fuge w/chaeto?

 

Great info...thanks