Help Converting to Saltwater

[sweetjesus]

Hello,
I am converting to salt water. Took the tank down when the lil one was born, and now that she is old enough to leave it alone, putting it back up. This is what I have, 55 gallon, magnum 300 canister filter, and two powerheads all running the Under gravel filter. First, I have a normal flourescent hood. Do I have to change the lighting. Second I want color! That is why I am changing. Can you guys please suggest a list of fish to put into the tank? Like number and make sure they are each compatible. But please remember maximize color! All different colors. I would consider doing a reef tank also as long as there is color! Did I say color yet? My local fish store is rather limited, ok VERY limited. So I will be driving over 90 miles to a major metropolitan city for these fish. Right now I have it running as is, with a few damsels to start the "cycle." Damesels do not have to be the permanent residents! As because like most of you know, with 55 gal goes a 20 gallon quarantine tank, so that can be their future home. So any suggestions on fish? Colorful rock? Any more equipment I would have to get? Lay it on me please!

 

[sweetjesus]

Ok I spent hours reading last night. From what i read they said a tri chromatic light and a actinic light that will fit in the flourescent hood will be fine? and yes after all the reading looks like Live sand is the way to go, but from one website, for the whole live rock package and live sand and cleaner crew, they are talking $580! HOLY SMOKE!

 

[twoods71]

This site will offer you a better deal for the LR, LS, and cleaner crew.
I agree with the above post in getting rid of the UGF.
Research your fish options and choose the ones you like, that is much of the fun part of this hobby.

 

[b_ball12_99]

Originally posted by SweetJesus:
<STRONG>for the whole live rock package and live sand and cleaner crew, they are talking $580! HOLY SMOKE!</STRONG>
I have about $450 or a little more in LR, up to 103 pounds of gulf live rock. My cleaing crew was another $90, got it from this site and am extremely happy with it! Saltwater is exspensive, always keep at least $100 back for your tank in case something bad happens, thats what I do. Another thing is to be slow and calm. Rushing is the perfect ingredient for a crashed tank. The people on this BB are friendly for the most part and are willing to help you out. Have fun!

 

[sweetjesus]

Ok, I might have a change of plan here, I was actually out shopping most of the day here today at one of the better fish stores.
I am thinking of going with a 90 gallon tall, all glass aquarium pre-drilled for a sump (tide pool) with protein skimmer off the tide pool tank below, so there is nothing "unsightly" (*lift tubes, intakes) in the water. So I am going with a tide pool and protein skimmer in the cabinet. So a tabbooo question. Someone please email me at sjesus@earthlink.net with that place that sells live rock for $2.50 a pound. Also this leaves a dilemma for lighting. They told me that high power compacts would be just fine, but i think i should error on the side of caution and get VHO? can anyone give me their opinion. I am going to totally do this tank from online sources so I can be a resource for good and bad places if anyone needs to know. So far looking around I can almost say for definately that I will most likely get all the fish from saltwaterfish.com
well give me your opinions! Thanks

 

[flydan]

Hey,
If you are going to spring for a new tank, don't get a TALL tank. You want as much surface area as you can get. LOOOONG tanks are much better! A pre-drilled tank is great too.
HTH,
Dan'l

 

[sweetjesus]

Sorry Dan, but horizontal length is a space limitation for where i want to put it. Also everyone says reefs are much better if you stack them in a tall, for the height and look much better, unless you stack a LONG full from top to bottom all the way across.
So any ideas on lights? I can get a VHO ballast at my Local lighting store and wire it up for 4 bulbs! the ballast is only $175.00. Compares to a 4 bulb setup which runs about $700 on the web? Gave my specs to the electrician of the family and he said he could wire it no problem! So I am thinking Running two DIFFERENT sets of VHO. One two bulb set initially, 3 hours, then bothr 4 more hours, and then back to one set for 3 hours, to simulate high noon, and mid day time? what do you guys think? or should i just go the cheap way and use compacts! You guys are killing me! I need some advice before I start writing checks! I have decided to build my own stand out of pressboard and two by fours, total cost for materials $25.00, compared to almost $200.00 for one at the store! Also what about the tide pool? should i use one? or just a sump? And how the heck do you prevent a flood with them if the power goes out?