Help with Everything - Please!

[missymoo]

We are setting up a 55 gal FOWLR - maybe adding coral later not sure. I am confused about the pump/powerhead. Are they the same and if so which is more critical? When looking at the Maxi-Jet powerhead should I buy the 1200 or would the 900 be good? What kind of heater should be set up on a 55gal - wattage/style? We were told living in Florida that we wouldn't need a heater but I find that impossible to believe. It's frustrating going to the different LFS; ask three people get three different instructions. We have the tank up with crushed coral on the bottom, live sand and live rock however I the rock is getting white fuzzy growth on it and I wonder if that's not due to insufficient water movement. We have the Fluval canister type filter. We have lighting coming - sorry I cannot remember the exact type but it's specific for reef tanks and was expensive. I'm so happy I found this board and thanks in advance for all the help I know I'll get here.

 

[mr_bill]

You for sure without a doubt need a heater. It will be your temperature regulator so that you don't have large temp changes from night to day. Also, one of the most important pieces of equipment you can buy is a water test kit.
The white fuzz you are talking about is probably from die off on the LR you have in the tank. Now would be a great time to get that test kit if you don't have one. Your tank is most likely cycling right now and you'll want to be ready for your first water change.

 

[sufunk]

Im in florida also and i agree that you definitely need a heater. For the powerheads , id say the 1200 and probably 2 of them

 

[pfitz44]

For a 55, 2 900s will work fine if you have no coral. If you add coral, just add another 900. Theyre cheaper to run

 

[missymoo]

Thank you both for replying. Do we need to add a pump to the tank? Also the heater, what wattage and tube size would you recommend? I'm looking at the Pro-Heat Titanium IC Heater. Would one be enough or would I need two of these as well.

 

[sufunk]

I have that heater in the 150w for my 36. Id recommend it, being in florida i assume your house is kept in the low 70's so you dont need to raise the temp that much. Id say get the 150w.

 

[khaosreign]

I have found that when going to the different LFS in your area to take a long look at the live stock and see if any are in any kind of stress or are they content and seem very happy. Then do a little research on your own about a few questions you have and ask the owneres of each shop and see which one is the come closer to wat the info you read is. then go with your gut. The shop that has the best livestock and has more product knowledge should be the shop you listen to and go back to when you have questions you need answered. It may not be the cheapest shop in town but it may be the best.

 

[mikeyjer]

Originally Posted by Missymoo
We are setting up a 55 gal FOWLR - maybe adding coral later not sure. I am confused about the pump/powerhead. Are they the same and if so which is more critical? When looking at the Maxi-Jet powerhead should I buy the 1200 or would the 900 be good? What kind of heater should be set up on a 55gal - wattage/style? We were told living in Florida that we wouldn't need a heater but I find that impossible to believe. It's frustrating going to the different LFS; ask three people get three different instructions. We have the tank up with crushed coral on the bottom, live sand and live rock however I the rock is getting white fuzzy growth on it and I wonder if that's not due to insufficient water movement. We have the Fluval canister type filter. We have lighting coming - sorry I cannot remember the exact type but it's specific for reef tanks and was expensive. I'm so happy I found this board and thanks in advance for all the help I know I'll get here.
I have both maxi-jet 900 and 1200's. Most people says they run the same, but I have to disagree. By running both, I can see a huge difference. I run 1200's in my 55 gallon reef tank, I only run 2-1200's since I have a canister filter running along with the return from my sump/fuge system, the return is really strong that I have to have it pointed towards the surface on one end. Before the sump/fuge system, I run 3-1200's. One on each end for surface agitation towards the center and one running diagonally from one end to sweep across. For the wattage of the heater I would highly suggest 200watts heater. I've run both, the 150w aren't as sufficient and it doesn't keep the temp as stable as the 200w heater would. I see you use Crushed Coral at the bottom, not good to do. Should really just take everything back out and use just sand. Also, you can run 900's and it would be pretty powerful to run if you look into modification of maxi-jets. I'm getting the modification parts this Saturday for both 900's and 1200's. My friend says it's very powerful to run, we're making these parts in our local reef club. I will have to take out another 1200's off my 55 reef and then just run one of the modification maxi-jet 1200's. :happyfish