Help! tell me if this is okay

dpeter51

Member
Are you buying this tonight?

I think a lot of folks post and wait a day for a response...

I actually have nothing valuable to add as far as lighting. But if you didn't already get a skimmer, you might be able to pick up a used AquaC Remora through local ads for under $100. I got a new one and it's still breaking in so I can't personally say, but a lot of people here think they're the stuff.
 

jpc763

Active Member
Originally Posted by ClownFiSH11
http:///forum/post/2500018
would that be okay for lighting
Current USA Nova Extreme T5 Fluorescent Retrofit 2X54 watt, 48 inch
2x54w will not work with most Anemones. I would look for a 4x54w or bigger. The new Nova Extreme Pro is a great light fixture.
When you say you are not getting live sand, what kind of sand are you getting. You could buy dead sand (not play sand) and add a small amount of live sand to get it going.
Skimmer, I would say do not skimp. I bought an el cheepo for my 55g and dumped it in favor of an AquaC Urchin in sump model.
 

jpc763

Active Member
Looking some more at your setup...
You will need some powerheads for water movement. I have a 55g and I have 2 maxijet 1200's. They run about $20 each.
The live rock is a good start, I have 70lbs in mine. Adding more after the fact is more difficult as it can cause your tank to go through another cycle.
Your lighting will be insufficient for anything but FOWLR and I commented on it above.
I love my AquaC skimmer and have been very happy with my Nova Extreme T5 fixture, athough if I was buying again today I would go with the Extreme Pro.
I have crushed coral, I would recommend sand.
Good luck. Remember that you need to cycle the tank and be patient. Instant gratification is something you should look for in another hobby, not this one!
 

clownfish11

Active Member
ya okay ima post what ijust bought and tell me if im okay now..
Aquarium Systems Synthetic Sea Salt Instant Ocean 50 gallon mix-2
Aragamax Sand 30 lbs-2 of them
Aquaball Powerhead 172 gph-1
Super Skimmer Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer 65 gallon-1
 

modilla

Member
I started the same set up in a 55 a year ago. this is what i've done since.
1. canister filter, adds many more options you can not get in a HOB power filter. I just added a Rena XP 4 w/ a switching current device (huge but i got a deal on it).
2. I used dry crushed coral 40lb and 10lb super fine sand, wish i used all live sand to this day due to cronic low PH of 8.0.
3. Started with 45lb. base rock and 20lb live, this has taken a year to get some coraline spread (algae in weeks). Recomend more live unless you are super patient and only have a few fish for many months.
4. Do research on skimmers. I have use a fision nano skimmer on smaller tank (10gl) and it is a pain to use IMO. Also a Prism Deluxe on a 29gl FOWL and it's touchy junk and many will back that up. For the 55 a have a Skilter Filter 400 also LOUD junk. So i will probably be getting a Remora Aqua C Pro (pro is only 40-50 dollers more than a standerd one).
5. Purchased 260watt CP system from Aqua Crapers, in the first week half the light died, it cost me almost $80 MORE TO FIX IT. I have a coralife 130watt CP on 10gl. reef and Current 120 watt on 29gl. both are flawless.
Now i'm adding a hang on fuge w/ built in skimmer and live sand to grow pods, also from Aqua Trappers ( i do not expect much from it).
Good luck with your setup.
 

modilla

Member
I have been using Instant ocean or Reef Crystals. If you look around you can mail order a 5gl bucket that makes 150-160gl for $30-$35 and $10 to ship it.
I have no info on your choice of skimmer (sorry).
 

modilla

Member
If its the Coralife model i have read pretty good things on it.
Not related but I grew up in the Kenosha area and have always been a diehard Packers fan.
 
N

nereef

Guest
you are good to go to cycle the tank. all equipment liste is great. you might want to add more powerhead eventually.
 

clownfish11

Active Member
ya ive got 150$ left for all my live rock and base rock...then ill be buying another, and in may ill get the t-5 coral light
 

puffer32

Active Member
I have a 55 gal also. I have 40 lbs of base rock, and 30 lbs of LR that came out of my existing 150 DT. I used new sand, (2 inches) and a scoop from my other tank to make it live. I use a coral life 65 gal HOB skimmer and a small HOB filter, but i don't use carbon in it except once every few months or so. in one side i keep LR for filtration. I have 2 korelia 200 GPH power heads. I have the old nova extreme lighting 4x54 watt bulbs. Use only RO water, and get more salt to do water changes. I keep all corals except sps (and a clam at the very top.) Hope this helps, heres a pic of my tank
 
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