HELP Please

Diehl · #1 02/27/2007, 11:16 AM

I had to get rid of my 90gal. last year due to space in my home. So now I bought a 36 gal. corner bowfront that I was going to setup as a FW tank. But I really never had FW tanks and I know I would always be thinking what if I set it up as a saltwater tank

I know I'm not going to have a bunch of fish I had in my 90gal. or the benefits of having a sump and RR tank but I would like to see If I can make it work? The 36 corner is the only tank I had room for unless I went smaller. I do like the 2 foot depth of the tank which would make it easier to aquascape. But what I don't want is everything hanging on the back of the tank

Could I use a canister filter? My cabinet is way to small for a big sump. I messured and I think I can fit a 10gal. aquarium in there if I cut about a 1/2" toatal off the lower part of the stand in the back? Would you advise that? It does not look like it would make the tank weaker.. But what would you recommend me getting for a return pump and a skimmer? I like the deltec mce600 but you know$$$$$

Plus I don't want problems with flooding which I've heard about with those hang on overflows. any overflow box you guys recommend? Plus the lighting problem I want to keep a mixed reef but maybe some SPS on the top. But what type of lights can I get I was looking at the 24" 150watt HQI's with two 65watt pc actinics? My tank demensions are 34 LX24WX21H

Chrsnwk · #2 02/27/2007, 11:31 AM

If all you want is a FO saltwater tank, a canister filter will work nicely. skimmer is a nice bonus, but not really necessary if all you want to keep is fish and keep up with your water changes.

Good luck!!

Diehl · #3 02/27/2007, 11:39 AM

I know I would want a few corals mostly softies. How much LR would I need in that size tank? I might try the sump with a Lifereef overflow. Just not sure what size return pump I would need and a strong skimmer but a small one also. How many fish in a tank that size? I still need some help with the lighting. Thanks

192clark · #4 02/27/2007, 11:40 AM

In your statements above you say that you want to keep a mixed reef. I would use a sump and put a skimmer down there with heaters etc.. As for the light the 150 HQI system you mention should be fine. Leave enough room in sump, so that when power fails you will have space for the water in line.

Chrsnwk · #5 02/27/2007, 12:44 PM

I'd get a smallish return pump, no more than 200 gph or so from the sump, and either do a CL or put a good amount of powereheads in the tank itself for chaotic water movement.