how to set up my reef tank???

[nmertz1]

I was wondering how to set up my new 55 gallon reef tank... How do I create that "marine" look with all the corals and anenome's. Also, my biggest question would be, is what do i use for a structure for the corals and such? do I use live rock, or what? and how much do I need?? please help!

 

[earlybird]

Use live rock. Take a look at the photo section or do a search for 55 gallon pictures to get an idea. As for how much rock you can put 55 lbs. or more in there. Take a look at the menu bar on the left and click on "live rock live sand."

 

[nmertz1]

thanks for the reply..
I have setup a few live rocks, and I will put pictures up to show you.
I want to get more live rock, but it becomes expensive. Also what corals do you recommend? I dont have a protein skimmer, just two filters. Any recommendations?

 

[acrylic51]

A big key is patience, and honestly before going further and stuffing the tank with LR and such....I seriously consider getting a protein skimmer.....before I'd worry about getting corals and such.....What are you using for water purity? Lighting? Filtration?

 

[nmertz1]

Well I have 2 aqua clear power filters, one is for a 110 gallon tank, and the other is for a small 20 gallon tank. I think these help alot. I also have a 50/50 light, and my anenome's, and mating pair of clowns really seem to be fine with it.. My clowns lay eggs constantly, and the anenome's are always in full blossom. I just want to give my tank that "reef look". Here are some pictures of my tank right now....

 

[nmertz1]

thank you again for the help.. I have had my satwater tank setup for about 2 months now and everything is going great.. I have a mating pair of percula clowns with respecting anenome's, a couple damsels, 2 chocolate chips, some crabs and a horseshoe crab, and so far nothing has died. I have two AquaClear filters, one a big 110 gallon filter, the other a small 20 gal. filter. They work well. I use a 50/50 lighting and leave it all 24/7. My anenomes seem fine. Am I using to much light, or not enough?

 

[wax32]

Nowhere near enough light...
Welcome to the boards though! You have come to a great place to learn.

 

[nmertz1]

What do you suggest I use for lighting?
My anenome's seem fine though?
What would I need more lighting for?

 

[wax32]

Originally Posted by nmertz1
My anenome's seem fine though?
For a while... they starve slowly.
You didn't say what kind of anemones you have but bare minimum would be four 4' VHO bulbs. And that's if you have lower light anemones.

 

[nmertz1]

well I have a green tip haiten (sp?) my clown love them.
How much would better lighting run me?

 

[wax32]

I've never kept a Condylactis gigantea, but I am pretty sure they do best under metal halide lighting. For a tank your size you'd be looking at a chunk of change to upgrade. Might wanna do some searches about "condy anemone" and "metal halide" lighting.

 

[earlybird]

I thought I read somewhere that chocolate chip stars eat coral and not considered reef safe. I could be wrong though.

 

[calleighpark]

I will be watching closely! I am just starting up a 75 gal reef only.

 

[dejaco]

What was said about chocolate chip starfish has been my finding also. The eat just about everything most reefers want to keep alive.

 

[nmertz1]

I hope not...
they havent touched my anenome's, but thats probably because they are not considered part of a reef. To the person who said they are setting up the tank, that would be some nice communication. And to anyone else who is out there, do know how much it is going to cost for all the live rock? Dont you have to use live rock in order for the corals to live? I would like to put some pictures up of my tank right now, but all of my files are too large... any help???
I also was wondering if you could use commercial or industrial sand (the stuff at home depot) for your tank?... I bought some today (only 7$ for 100 pounds)