3 Things left to Buy

[jrc6490]

SAND- Which brand should i get for a Fowlr and how much will i need its 55Gallon.
SALT- Which Brand should i get for a Fowlr and how much will i need its 55 Gallon.
HEATER(S)- Do you reccomend getting two smaller watt heaters or one big one if so what brand and how many watts for a 55 gallon as well
Thanks For the help guys will post pics soon as its up and running

 

[jackri]

I would go with 2 heaters, Instant Ocean salt is just fine and easy to find. Sand -- umm... just get stuff meant for saltwater that you like. Sounds like you're on your way.

 

[jubbin2001]

Sand - I normally deal with Nature's Ocean myself. Bio-Active Live sand from them has really treated me well (Though I still do not recommend adding fish right away, even though they say you can).
Salt - This can be a matter of personal preference. Even in FOWLR I still recommend a reef type salt higher in calcium. Simply because it's nice to see the LR covered in coraline algae. There are supplements you can use, but honestly I have gotten excellent coverage under regular flourescent lights (not CFL or T5, actual strip lights using Reef*Sun 50/50 bulbs) directly above my LR curing tank using Oceanic's salt. Personally for me not to have to dose the curing bin, and still have the growth I have seen, I wouldn't change to another brand.
Heaters - I personally use 2 lower wattage heaters for my tank. Both Hydor Theos rated for a 75g tank. The thought behind it is if something goes wrong and the heater is stuck on, it gives you more time to react and remove the heater. Also if one fails, you still have one that will help keep the temperature normal for a short time to get a replacement. Some people do this, and some don't. Up to you.
I will be looking forward to the pics.

 

[saxman]

i prefer #3 aragonite sand for most of our setups. it "lays down" better than "sugar-fine", but it doesn't trap detritus like CC. 30-40 lbs should be enuff for a 55 to put you in the 1"-1.5" depth range.
IO is fine...been using it for years.
i normally don't run heaters unless the tank is chilled, then i run one to keep the temp more stable. however, two smaller heaters are better than one larger unit.

 

[chilwil84]

i think rugular instant ocean was changed recently and now contains more calcium. many members on another board are basically saying there is no reason to buy reef crystals.