50 gal reef setup

[ezhawk]

I was hoping some of the experts out there could help me configure my 50 gal. I was going to do a fish only tank but Ive decided to do a reef instead. I currently have a Fluval 304 and 50 lbs of CC and a 4' powercompact.This is what the LFS sold me and now after some research it looks like I bought the wrong stuff. Could you help me out and list what you would do? <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />

 

[nm reef]

Myself I'd try to do the following:
1-remove the cc and use a dsb of 4"-6"(I prefer carib sea aragonite & sea flor grade combined with natures ocean LS)
2-approximately 1-2 lbs of quality LR per gal(in this case 60-90 lbs)
3-look for a quality skimmer to suppliment your filtration(I like the cpr bacpac 2r)
4-seriously consider all available options for lighting upgrades(pc-vho-mh) and build your lighting to provide requirements for the creatures you plan to keep.
5-research and consume all information you can find on reef keeping and requirements of corals you plan to keep(reading is sometimes the most vital part of the process)
6- you will need to insure a stable/mature environment for your future reef so now is the time to learn the importance of maintaining proper water quality(ammonia/nitrite/nitrate/calcium/alkalinity/phosphates)...I would suggest you look at getting some quality test kits(personally I prefer salifert)
7-you will also need to insure a moderate to high current in your system...and minimise any dead spots or areas of no current(most suggest that you turn the system over 10x per hr)...in other words if you have a 50 gal system...provide 10x50 gal per hour of flow(current)
Plus read...read...read....and be patient.

One more thing......never place too much trust in info from any LFS.....and good luck with your reef!!!!

 

[lerch]

I have a 55 gal reef tank that has been doing pretty good and this is what I would tell you. Pack on the lights, I have a 48 inch power compact and 2 other small flourescents that I am wanting to upgrade. Put in a dsb and as much live rock as possible, also put on as many and as big of filters as you can do. I added a protein skimmer a month ago and I love it, if you get one get a skimmer for a 100 gal tank, the more the better. Use a lot of power heads and make sure to put one in so it blows behind the rock because I had a lot of detritus collecting behind the rock in my tank. Other than that just take your time and listen to what other people say and then draw your on conclusions. By several books on tanks and never stop learning, don't overstock you tank with fish and I would recommend getting sevral cleaner animals, I love shrimp and I think they do a GREAT job and cleaning up waste food and stuff.. Good luck.