looking for the right equipment

[ca_carson31]

I am totally new to sw tanks and I want to be sure that I get the right equipment. I have a 55 gal tank and want a FOWLRLS.
I was wondering if I need to have a filter......if so what type is the best.....I know I need a protein skimmer and lights but I am not sure what I will need...I want to be sure to do this right the first time learn from any mistakes and misfortunes that you all have experienced......ANY help or advice you all have would be greatly appreciated......
Thanks.....Chris

 

[vitamin sea]

go with wet dry filter
do not forget a heater fish will die quickly without
dont no much about anythin else
sorry
im new at this pricey game to

 

[wyldgunz]

you could go with a sump/refugium which is better than wet/dry but a bit more tedious to set up , but on the other hand its less maintience. if you dont have any overflow holes drilled in your tank you can get them drilled or get a hang on overflow like a CPR brand. then you just need a little pvc and a mag pump and your in bussiness. mine is like so....

 

[lesa]

buy the best skimmer you can afford, and I would put a couple of powerheads in there also.
ps. Welcome

 

[jarvis]

I think you can do very well with A good amount of live rock and sand and a good protein skimmer. I would suggest looking into a bio wheel or a wet dry if you are going more for messy eating fish in conjuntion with some live rock, and ofcourse get a heater and some powerheads.

 

[ca_carson31]

Thanks for the info......what type of wet/dry filter and skimmer would any of you recommend?

 

[ca_carson31]

and powerheads.....

 

[tlk]

can you post a side picture of your sump/fuge? I am builind one of my old 20 gal high and would like to see your side view. How high are the baffles that you have in there?

 

[wyldgunz]

Sure tlk ill get one up asap for ya

 

[wyldgunz]

Heres that pic you asked for got to it earlier than i thought.

 

[saltwatervirgin]

Great pictures! I'm looking into doing something very similar. What type of lighting do you have in your refugium? It looks like regular NO lighting.

 

[wyldgunz]

Its a 35 watt NO light i got for $8 at home depot.

 

[tlk]

thanks for the pics. That looks bigger than 20g. is the entire tank 20g or is just the center part 20g?

 

[wyldgunz]

The whole thing is a 20L