Brand new & need help

[drrlltmpln]

I got a 55 gal tank for Christmas & want to try saltwater. I know nothing about this & am going very slowly. I am working on filtration now & looking for advice. I have been told that I do have to have a wet/dry system & been told that I don't. Do I have to have it or would a Cannister system do? I am just going to do fish only for right now & maybe get into coral later. I just want to get started with fish for now. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

 

[mavgi]

first welcome to saltwaterfish .
the best things you want is to do first to buy this book and to get more information and knowledge base on saltwater. click on this link ;
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11...945b0c5bc0bedc
and before you do something or get any idea ask here ppl will love to help you and save from you mistake , and money.
if you want to run on the same tank in short time it's better to build your system from the begin for coral , because it's different then fish like : the ligthing system for coral you need total different lighting and more expensive then for fish.
you need to know that if it will be for short time then i suggest to you to think before you buy any item.
refuguim will be better filtration then wet/dry filter you want to have a good skimmer to and alive sand not crush coral and live rock. some power head to creat good circulation of the water in the tank.
there is a lot information you will get here but i think if you will read this book you will get more understand on salt water and marine.
good luck

 

[kdfrosty]

The best few initial investments include a deep sand bed (DSB), a protein skimmer, and lotsa live rock.
Are you planning a reef tank of fish only?

 

[keeffie]

I Started A 75g Reef On Christmas, I Am Running A Fluval 404 Two Aqua Clear 802 Powerheads And A Heater Right Now. That Works For Me,all My Levels Stay Good,but I Only Have 75 Pound Of Lr In There Right Now. I Do Plan On Upgrading In The Future,when I Get Fundage. So My Addvice Is Do What You Can With What You Got. Start Small And Cheap And Work Your Way Up The Chain.

 

[wilsonreef]

And remember....imo the number one thing to remember is patience, patience, patience. I agree too, that you will learn alot from this message board. While everyone sometimes has their own opinions, there is a lot of good information here. I was impressed with the ages of some of these people and the knowledge they have, and never be afraid to ask a question if you don't know. There was a post a while back that said "the only dumb question is the one you don't ask." I agree. Good luck with your endeavor I think you'll be glad you tried this. And remember... patience!! And be ready to devote the time this hobby will require from you...just my two cents worth.