From 12 gal Nano to 55 Gal tank

[vikki7]

First if this is not the place to post this, please excuse me.
I am trying to get in contact with Thomas...........

I have had a Nano 12 gal tank for about 2 years now.
My Nano is doing great as well as all the things in it. I have in the tank LR, LS, crabs, Mushrooms (growing to large) and one Anemonie which is also getting rather large. Just 2 clowns. Everthing is doing great so I decided to move forward after 2 years.
Now for my main reason for popping on here again. I purchased a 55 gal Perfecto tank with oak stand.It came with standard lighting, but not sufficient for what I need. I think the two hoods have 40 watts each.
The lable reads 24RFH-I OR L / 24 RFH-F RECESSED HOODS
I really have no idea what type of lighting to get.
Currently the tank has to partitions...... ie two hoods fit the width of the tank.
I believe I want to get ONE hood to cover the whole tank.
The tank is standing with nothing in it, yet.
I need to get the LS, LR.
I have a new cascade 1000 canister filter, but have been told it is not sufficient for
a 55 gal.
What do I need as well as a filter, etc.
I have a GREAT Anemonie (healthy happy and getting big) and Mushrooms and don't want to kill them with this move.
So I want everthing cycled and settled in before I try to move them to the new tank.
My goal is to have rose bubble Anemonies..... The other inhabitants will come as I move slowely into this new adventure.
That is about all I have planned so far........
Thomas if you are out there would you mind replying to this post and let me know what I need for setting up a 55 gal saltwater tank, with will eventually have corals, anemonie,

 

[thomas712]

If it were me, I would set this up with an external overflow that leads to a sump. That right there is extra cost, but it can still be handled cheaply with taste. Having a sump and return pump is better than having a few HOB filters and too many power heads showing in the tank as well as heater. Just get an exteral overflow, say a 29 gallon tank as the sump which you can put your heater, in sump skimmer if you like, and submersable return pump. Then it will have to be plumbed back to the main. The sump can be baffled to have filter floss, hold carbon or can be disigned many ways, that and a skimmer is some pretty good filtration.
If you want to go cheaper still, then a couple of HOB filters (double cartridge) and a couple of power heads (MJ 900's) will work, and a hang on skimmer. Very basic. And you can use the canister filter
To pick up any filtration slack you of course should have enough live rock and live sand to do the job right.
I'll get back to lighting options for you and a 55 gallon tank.
Thomas

 

[thomas712]

Here is one option: All options will require that you have a wood full length hood for your aquarium. None of that plastic junk that comes with most tanks. Or you can build your own wood box with lid, it's not hard. These are not fancy options, just plug and play, no duel timers, no dual ballasts (but that is an options), just flick a switch and all lights go on.
36" 4 Lamp VHO Retrofit Kit (w/ ARO Model 4LX ballast)
Bulb1: URI Super Actinic VHO #10-30-03-V (+$19.00)
Bulb2: URI Actinic White 50/50 VHO #12-30-ATW-V (+$16.50)
Bulb3: URI Super Actinic VHO #10-30-03-V (+$19.00)
Bulb4: URI Actinic White 50/50 VHO #12-30-ATW-V (+$16.50)
Dual_Ballast_Upgrade: None 236.00
Additional VHO ballast for 135.00
If I recall right this is 360 watts of VHO lighting.
Here is one that have 46.5 inch bulbs that will usually fit into standard 48 inch hoods. Again extra ballast cost same as above if you want it. This is also the first lighting system that I used over a 55 gallon tank with success with Bubble tip anemones.

[hr]
46.5" 4 Lamp VHO Retrofit Kit (w/ ARO Model 4L ballast)
Bulb1: URI Super Actinic VHO(+$20.00)
Bulb2: URI Actinic White 50/50 VHO(+$23.50)
Bulb3: URI Super Actinic VHO(+$20.00)
Bulb4: URI Actinic White 50/50 VHO(+$23.50)
Dual_Ballast_Upgrade: None 256.00
Many LFS don't stock 46.5 inch bulbs though so keep that in mind. This one is a 440 Watt VHO system and the kind I use today, only I do have the dual ballast and can turn one set of lights on at a time if I choose. I also happen to have a dual MH lighting system as well.
Those are only two options. you can look anywhere you wish for lighting systems, you can look at the fancy PC with moonlights if you like, but before you make your final decision check back here for input. I can also look up VHO/MH lighting if you wish, but it would be much more expensive.
These are only suggestions. They do not cover shipping and handling. The above quotes are from a favorite lighting store that I use. Notice the difference between the two systems is only $20.00
Thomas

 

[vikki7]

Originally Posted by Thomas712
Here is one option: All options will require that you have a wood full length hood for your aquarium. None of that plastic junk that comes with most tanks. Or you can build your own wood box with lid, it's not hard. These are not fancy options, just plug and play, no duel timers, no dual ballasts (but that is an options), just flick a switch and all lights go on.
36" 4 Lamp VHO Retrofit Kit (w/ ARO Model 4LX ballast)
Bulb1: URI Super Actinic VHO #10-30-03-V (+$19.00)
Bulb2: URI Actinic White 50/50 VHO #12-30-ATW-V (+$16.50)
Bulb3: URI Super Actinic VHO #10-30-03-V (+$19.00)
Bulb4: URI Actinic White 50/50 VHO #12-30-ATW-V (+$16.50)
Dual_Ballast_Upgrade: None 236.00
Additional VHO ballast for 135.00
If I recall right this is 360 watts of VHO lighting.
Here is one that have 46.5 inch bulbs that will usually fit into standard 48 inch hoods. Again extra ballast cost same as above if you want it. This is also the first lighting system that I used over a 55 gallon tank with success with Bubble tip anemones.

[hr]
46.5" 4 Lamp VHO Retrofit Kit (w/ ARO Model 4L ballast)
Bulb1: URI Super Actinic VHO(+$20.00)
Bulb2: URI Actinic White 50/50 VHO(+$23.50)
Bulb3: URI Super Actinic VHO(+$20.00)
Bulb4: URI Actinic White 50/50 VHO(+$23.50)
Dual_Ballast_Upgrade: None 256.00
Many LFS don't stock 46.5 inch bulbs though so keep that in mind. This one is a 440 Watt VHO system and the kind I use today, only I do have the dual ballast and can turn one set of lights on at a time if I choose. I also happen to have a dual MH lighting system as well.
Those are only two options. you can look anywhere you wish for lighting systems, you can look at the fancy PC with moonlights if you like, but before you make your final decision check back here for input. I can also look up VHO/MH lighting if you wish, but it would be much more expensive.
These are only suggestions. They do not cover shipping and handling. The above quotes are from a favorite lighting store that I use. Notice the difference between the two systems is only $20.00
Thomas

Thomas, thank you for this information.
We got company right after you posted the first time.
I will read this over and answer you back in the morning.
Thank you for replying...... I can always count on you to reply.