Advise please

[andrew catling]

Hi guys,

I had a 130 gal reef tank 3 years ago and being a newbie it was surprisingly a success, unfortunately I moved homes and didnt have the room to re set it up and sold it all.
However, I cant do without anymore and am about to ditch my discus tank and set up a mini reef system in my living room.
The tank will sit in an alcove which will take a 36x18x18 tank I believe this to be about 40 gal, is this a bit small for a reef tank, I dont have the room for a bigger one.
Also when is it best to add live rock, right from the off or when the water has matured also should the lights be on and should the skimmer be running while maturing I seem to get conflicting views on these.
Any advise would be appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[ostrow]

Add the rock right away. That is a small reef but doable. I've seen nice tanks that size, including the treasurer of the CMAS (Chicago's reef club). If you can plumb a sump/fuge system you will be much better off.

 

[andrew catling]

Will be putting in the biggest sump I can fit in.

Thanks.