can some one help me out?

[619travv]

ok so i am very new to this salt water stuff every thing i have was givin to me...the thing that i need the most is a UV light so i can start getting some coral and things... if there is any one that would be willing to donate one to me i would be very grateful. i would buy one if i werent so down on cash and maybe one day when i can afford one and i will give it to some other SW newbie :P thank you...

[poakley723]

PMed you

[619travv]

oh yea i have a 30g bout 30 inches long..

[DaveMorris]

You don't need a UV light. Most people do not use them. What other equipment do you have?

[sonnybihis]

at least you found this place...it's full of people to help!

[rudy]

I agree with Dave.
I actually can't think of anyone who does use a UV.
What equipment do you have right now?
What are your plans for your tank?

[619travv]

well right now i just got two marineland filtration systems with bio wheels and a regular flourecent light as for live i've got live sand no live rock but i want to get live rock and some plant life i thought it was a UV light but i guess it is another kind... dunno im kinda lost lol please some one help me out... also i will post some pics asap

[mj1333]

I think your talking about Power compact, T-5, Metal Halide light. Keep looking around the boards. There are alot of good deals on here.

[Fishlvr619]

Most People start out in this Hobby using Power Compact Flourescents or PC'S for lighting.Someone correct me if I am Wrong.Some people tend to go directly to Metal Halides if they have done their research before starting a reef Aqurium.I tend to think the best beat is to start with PC's.They are fairly cheap and the bulbs last for a fairly long time.Hope that is helpful.

[corbeano619]

It took me 4 years to move up to mh's and I dont regrat it at all. Mh is the way to go. It also depends on what you want in your tank. Pc's are good dont get me wrong. You can grow softies and some lps with them but if you want sps then you definetly need mh's. Good luck with your hunting.

[DiverDave]

Not sure where you're located. At this stage in your game I highly suggest you get a book or two and read up. I started with Martin Moe's Beginner to Breeder which is a good source of basic marine systems. There are other good books that will go more in depth with regards to invertebrate / coral reef tanks that I'm sure others will post and recommend. Keep asking questions here as you will continue to receive good information. The point is, keeping marine tanks is a lot like gardening. There are at least 25 ways to grow a tomato. What makes this hobby fun is understanding WHAT requirements MAKE the tomato grow and then putting your personal touch on it. Plus...on this forum you can bounce ideas around and learn from other peoples experiences / mistakes / successes. GOOD LUCK>

DD

[Techknowledgy]

I third that, no UV, although I do have one still in the box for sale. Read read read. This one is excellent: The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Fenner....... then ask questions here. Lots of friendly people.