Checking it twice

[carter3]

Ok I have one final payment than I can start. For the past month or so read every thing I got my hands on. I need your input before its to late to take anything back or exhcange. Ok so far this is what I have (reading my reciept won't have until payment in made.)
55 gallon tank and stand
75 gallon wet/dry filter set
finnex protein skimmer
finnex titanium digital heater
deep six hdrometer
altantic cc ( I'm changing to ls how many lb?)
api stree coat
marine max
coral life salt no pounds just $$$ amount
360gph power head pump
4 ft hose
graval valcuum ( do I still neede it go with ls instead of cc)
water test kit(ammonia, nitrate, and nitrate test strips quick dip
magnet scrubber
30 lbs lr
the guy at lfs will deliver and set up for 50 bucks> I'm just checking and need your expert advice I want to make sure I have every thing I need and nothing I don't.I also plan on adding more lr later and upgrading the lights later after 6 months so I can have coral.
Once tank has cycle (guy at lfs said it will be chemicaly cycled is that true ) I plan to have very hardy fish like damsels, before I go aggressive.
Thx Nita

 

[carter3]

Is there any one there?

 

[reefforbrains]

I would advise to set it up yourself. Might tank you a bit longer if your not familiar but you will know exactly how to adjust and what connects to what for future reference.
Over time you will know evry inch of your tank(s) and thier inhabitants do save the 50 spot. If you have the time to do it yourself naturally. Wont take you long.
1- no you wont need the vaccuum for the gravel, but some folks still use it to pull water for water changes if they cant pump from thier sump.
2-Powerhead, I would vote for two powerheads instead of one. In a 55 long this will eliminate spots of no current (dead spots) where algea will grow and have a more constant/even flow through whole tank.
3- Buy an extra powerhead, just have it on hand for pumping water for waterchanges. for mixing salt for changes. Just good to have in general.
4-Test Kits are incomplete. You did not post if you were planning on going for fish only or for a Coral based reef set-up. If for Reef then you will need addittional tests. (Just personal opinion I hate quick strips, i just never trust them)
5- You dont make mention of your lights, they are just for purpose of being able to see in a fish only tank, but if any coral or photosynthetic critters are going to be added the lights are one of the most important parts of the tanks make up
6- live rock, this is all personal prefference but more usually is better. It is asthetic to go beyond simple 1-2lb per gallon. But to have some basic bulk of live rock of at least that amount is benefitial for the tanks balance.
7- please dont listen to line that you NEED to cycle the tank with fish. You say you have read in depth so I will not go back through it but, its unessessary and a waste of money. The natural cycle of a new tanks bacterial development creates all sorts of unfriendly chemicals that is cruel to put fish through IMO
anyone else have more to add?

 

[wyvern]

I would upgrade your hydrometer to a refractometer and get better test kits. The quick dip might be ok for now. If you start to have problems you are going to need better readings than the quick dip will give you. You are going to need a couple of power heads. A couple of 5 gallon buckets, heater, power head, and a thermometer for mixing salt water. Think about investing in a RO/DI unit. I haven't used water from the LFS so I don't know if it's chemicaly cycled. Make sure the tank is cycled before adding anything. I know it sucks looking at a tank full of water and rock with no fish, but in the long run.... Save the $50 and set it up yourself, that way you get a better idea of how the different components work together.

 

[kanicky]

Ditto to what has already been said...
Definitely would be better to have more LR. I have about 50 lbs in my 45. As far as how much LS to get, well, that depends on how deep you want your sandbed. I have about 25 lbs in mine, which makes the sandbed a little above an inch (looks great, too!) You'd probably want to do about 40 lbs, I'm, guessing...
As far as test kits go, I'm using the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals test kit (Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates, and pH.) I've had accurate readings from it since we've had the tank, but I've also heard that the Salifert kits and the Red Sea kits are great, too. The "dip" test kits are not recommended, as they don't provide very accurate readings.
I also suggest that you set the tank up yourself. It's really not too difficult, and you will feel much more connected with the hobby and with your tank itself, not to mention accomplished, if you do it yourself. This way you will know exactly how everything works together and how each item operates.
Definitely invest in some 5-gallon buckets or some of those Styrofoam coolers, in which you can acclimate your fish and do water top-off's and/or changes.
As far as RO/DI goes, some fish stores will give you their RO/DI water for free (you supply the buckets/jugs, of course). Some stores, such as Wal-Mart, has RO/DI for sale. In the end, though, it's probably best to invest in your own RO/DI unit, although you don't have to do that right off the bat.
Good luck! I'm sure you'll be fine

Oh, and yes, Damsels are very hardy, however, I don't suggest starting out with them. Instead, go with another hardy, more docile fish, such as a false percula clown (once you're fully cycled, of course!)
:happyfish

 

[carter3]

Thx everyone the guy at the lfs said that I could use tap water and treat it with chemicals, so far sound all wrong. I'll try the set up myself :scared:
and let it cycle the natural way. I have 2 buckets just for the tank only, I just starting off with 30 lb lr will add more later. I don't have a problem with letting the tank sit for a while.. How long do you think I can wait for the power head I do plan to get more later the lights also because I want an anenome .

 

[renogaw]

i'm using the AP test kits as well, but recently have been reading they are giving false readings on ammonia, so i'm starting to worry about the other tests as well. i'll be getting a salifert setup in april (already went overbudget this month)
definitely set every thing up yourself, get your own RO unit, and cycle with either the die off from your live rock, or put in an uncooked shrimp and watch it melt into a disgusting goo in your tank to start the cycle.

 

[wyvern]

The best money i've spent was on my ro/di unit. After a few emergency water changes you will be wishing you had one. Best of luck with your tank!!

 

[awakened2life]

How's that finnex protein skimmer work? (if you got it)