Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am new to saltwater having some experience with freshwater including discus.
I have just set up a 40 gallon fish only tank with:
-a large cannister filter.
-2x30 watt 10000k fluorescent lamps.
I reside close by the sea in an island of the indian ocean.
I plan to add a protein skimmer very soon.
I have a ready supply of live sand and live rock.
my questions are the following:
1.is the total of 60 watt sufficient to bear live rock and live sand.(i.e should I rather be content with a bare tank with very few fish after cycling the tank)?
2.if the lighting is sufficient should I add the rock and sand progressively or all at once?
your insight would be much appreciated.
Vivek

you would need to upgrade your lighting system to have live rock because live rock needs approx 3 watts or more per gallon to have purple algae growth. and for some flora and fauna

Thank you for your advice. I now have 110 watts fluorescent lighting(2x40 30).
is the recommended 3 watts per gallon - 3 watts per gallon of water added to the tank (in this case 36 gallons rock) or should the light requirement be calculated form the size of the tank( in this case 48 gallons)? Please forgive my ignorance on the subject but I have not been able to obtain an answer from web searches.

its no big deal. Three watts per gallon is just a general rule of thumb.