Critique my set-up

[Mmorse]

Ok, here it is, I have a 20g high tank with a custom built canopy with 2x55 watt pc's from ah supply. For a substrate I plan on using fine grained sand, and seeding the sand with live sand.(how much would do the trick?) I plan on getting 10lbs of live rock and another 10lbs of base rock to put under the live rock. Also thinking of using some old dried up live rock from a former tank of long ago;) I will be purchasing 2 maxi-jet powerheads but not til later, until I start putting corals in. Right now I will be using an 802 powerhead also from an old tank. I would like to run this tank filterless and skimmerless but if anybody has some strong advice not to then I will have to re-think that one. dont know what corals I plan on keeping or the fish for that matter but would love to hear any suggestions. Also I am confused about the whole top thing. Can I put a glass top on or something to cover the tank so the lights are not exposed to the water? I was told that a glass top was a good idea with a sump but not without it because of the whole gas exchange.

Thanks for all the help

[edying]

I'd get all the PHs now and not wait until the corals. No problem running filterless, but a skimmer can help in a couple areas - 1) gas exchange 2) more lee-way in terms of water quality.

 

As far as glass tops - its a give and take. From the positives, 1) less crap gets in your tank from the air, 2) less evaporation and 3) helps prevents jumpers.

 

On the negative - 1) less gas exchange and 2) less light.

 

If you do get a skimmer, it takes care of the gas exchange problem of the top.

 

- Ed

[Mmorse]

Thanks that whole glass top thing was really stumping me