55-gallon fish only start up help needed

[nickantbi42]

Sorry if this is a repetitive post, I know you probably get a lot of these but I can't find exactly what I want to know. I have a 55 gallon (29 x 17.5 x 24) freshwater tank that I want to convert to salt water. I'm on a minimum budget. I am worried about filtration. I have a penguin hang on back filter and an Eheim canister filter. I want a fish only tank. I would like to get an SFE and maybe a Picasso trigger and a lion or puffer. Would this filtration be enough to handle the bio load? What else would I need? I'm not opposed to weekly water changes, would this be enough to get by without a protein skimmer? Also, would the fish be compatible? I like personable fish like triggers and tangs but I worry they'll be too big for my tank. Thanks for any replies and again sorry if this is repetitive post.

 

[olrat]

I had started with a 55 also. I think the hang on and Eheim will be enough. But you will need to get live rock 1 pound per gallon so 55lbs, also some sort of substrate sand or shells, 30 pounds. So right off the expense mounts. Also you have to cycle the aquarium for 30 to 45 days. You can accelerate the process but patience is the best method.
I still have a 55 freshwater and when I compare the maintenance they are not even close. But I definatley say give it a try. The protien skimmer you can add I use one but it was well after my tank was up and running.
As to your fish in my 55 I have a Sail Fin Tang and he has gotten pretty big, almost to the point where it needs bigger tank. I also have a Niger Trigger in another tank and he is or they can be fairly aggressive, I had put 5 cardinals in at once and he killed all 5 in a matter of 2 minutes.
But there are plenty of sites and areas that talk about compatibility. Hope this helps.
And start that tank just remember patience.

 

[geridoc]

Lionfish often have problems when housed with puffers and triggers. If the trigger or puffer is too large to be dinner for the lion, then they usually spend much of their free time nipping at the lion's fins. If you do decide to house these together you will quickly find that you have too much bioload since these fish are all aggressive carnivores who generate massive amounts of waste. They will also outgrow a 55 gallon system unless water conditions are so poor that their growth is stunted. Always stock based on the adult size, not on the nice 1 inch juvenile you see at your lfs.

 

[nickantbi42]

Thank you for the detailed and helpful replies. Are there some ways I could speed up the salt cycle and add fish sooner? Some people I've talked to didn't seem too concerned about the cycle.
I was worried about those fish with the tank size, but I should be able to sell them back to our local fish store when they get too big. If I switched one of the fish for a spotted surgeon or small tang would that be easier for the filtration to handle? What are some smaller, interesting fish that would work? Again, thank you for the very helpful replies.

 

[geridoc]

Filtration really isn't a problem as long as you add your stock slowly so that your bacterial colony has sufficient time to expand to deal with the increase in waste. The issue will be nitrates, which filters don't remove. Fortunately, from the look of your stock wish list, you are planning a FOWLR system. Most fish are not unduly bothered by nitrate levels up to 100 (there's some debate about this, the acceptable level might be higher). Elevated nitrates only are a problem because you may get heavy algae growth, sometimes very heavy growth. I know you are anxious to add fish, but the most important thing to keep telling yourself is that nothing good happens fast in saltwater fish keeping. Patience will bring rewards, and you will be severely punished for impatience. Add your substrate and LR, a source of nitrogen, and let the system cycle. There are very few surgeon fish that are suitable for a 55 gallon system. Tangs are open water fish, and in captivity need 6 fot long tanks to swim in. You can sometimes get away with smaller, but you are taking a chance.

 

[nickantbi42]

Thanks again for your great advice. As you can probably tell, patience is not my greatest virtue. In regards to cost, my LFS doesn't think that live rock is necessary and I would prefer to not have it because of the expenses. Would I need some sort of algae-grazing fish in addition to my other stock?

 

[jay0705]

Just to chime in lol is lr necessary? No but it helps soooo much. U don't need alot. A 5-8lb piece is fine,but other than cost there is no disadvantage w it. I use it as my filter in my small 20 gal. Power head to move water and 40 lbs of rock no filter fish are fine. Now iam not saying do this lol I got a really good deal on it that's why there is so much in there. It just goes to show how beneficial lr is to bio filtration. But u don't need it, I just think it makes things much easier to maintain.