hello everyone! newbie with 55 gallon

atoms81

atoms81

New Member
hello my friend just gave me his 55 gallon tank, the whole back wall of the tank has synthetic fake but real live rock lol I kept all the water he had and added some rodi water to top off been set up for two weeks has a sump and protein skimmerit also has a dwarf lion fish yellow tang and tanni tang and a cleaning crew my questing is can I put some coral in or alot and or how many fish can I add any recommended fish or coral it has the Nova light with trimmers the moon light bright light and another light never have done salywater tank just freash water with African ciclids lol, I have a Guy coming to do the first water change next week, so I hopefully I can start learning more about saltwater
any input or suggestions. much appreciated thanks!
 
monsinour

monsinour

Active Member
find a good book to read, search these boards for information. Someone is going to talk to you about the tangs in the tank. But the best thing to do right now is gather up information. Start with gathering up info about what you already have, livestock and equipment.
edit: Oh yea, welcome to the boards and I hope you enjoy your SW adventure!
 
J

jstdv8

Guest
the sticky posts on the top of the forum page are also a great place to get information for jsut about anythingt he beginner could ask for.
there are a bunch of them but they are good readinga nd you will likley learn alot.
Lighting in your case is going to determine if you can have corals and if so which ones you lighting will allow.
if you could let us know what kind of lighting the tank has we can help you out a bit there.
 
atoms81

atoms81

New Member
it has the nova t-5 i think he said it had 12k bulbs and 8k bulbs along with 4 blue led moon lights.
 
J

jstdv8

Guest
ok, so its a nova T-5
now just as important, how many bulbs does it have total and does it have a flat reflector accross the entire back behind the bulbs or is the reflector contoured around the back side of each individual bulb?
 
gill again68

gill again68

Active Member
My first thought go to you have a system with critters in it. You need to know the basics of water quality, salinity, ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates and so on. Its not difficult but getting these things tested are and should be where to start. I assume that your friend has been coaching you? Do you have the test equipment? Then I would learn all about the fish you have as well as the things you want later. Slow is the best approach to this hobby. Welcome to the boards and the SW Family.
 
atoms81

atoms81

New Member
the bulbs have reflectors around each individual bulb there is four bulbs total. I have three. switches on the back one for 2 bright bulbs the one for a light color and the third switc is for four blue led moon bulbs, my friend is in bootcamp so I haven't been able to get coached or ask anything lol I also have two nassairues snails 20 hermit crabs.
 
monsinour

monsinour

Active Member
Find out how old those bulbs are and plan on replacing them soon if they are around 8-12 months old. Sounds like you have a decent CuC started there. Might want some other snails like turbos, ceriths, astreas, trouchus, or whatever you desire.
 
J

jstdv8

Guest
4 bulbs will allow you to grow some good stuff in a 55. The individual refelctors are super.
You probably want to look at replacing those bulbs since you don't know how old they are.
T-5's need replaced about once a year.
look inot the ATI brand if you decide to change them out.
 
atoms81

atoms81

New Member
update. Gt some bubble core and some zoo's green dragon eye the rock also had four purple mushrooms also. got mandarin honey all ate doing hood my local store was really helpful. bought 28 lb. live rock and fluvial heater also new 12 k bulbs
 
atoms81

atoms81

New Member
Sorry to bug any suggestions they have 145'gallon at my local shop for 1200 needs protein Skimmer any suggestions. I Rama do a sting ray or Nat ray setup their like pet dogs lol anyone know of sized tank's really duvld that 65 gallonis is tiny7
 
gemmy

gemmy

Active Member
Fluval heaters are glass heaters., and glass heaters are made from a brittle glass thus making them prone to breakage. If it were me, I would replace it.
 
atoms81

atoms81

New Member
Please check my profile page and look a pics need some help identifying stuff i got from fish store thanks!!
 
darwin

darwin

Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monsinour http:///forum/thread/381926/hello-everyone-newbie-with-55-gallon#post_3330108
find a good book to read, search these boards for information. Someone is going to talk to you about the tangs in the tank. But the best thing to do right now is gather up information. Start with gathering up info about what you already have, livestock and equipment.
edit: Oh yea, welcome to the boards and I hope you enjoy your SW adventure!
Oh yeah a must for this hobby, its no fun to lose anything
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top