Low Maintenance Set Up

[economic]

I am new to the hobby with a 5 gallon tank. I have read in many places that a bigger tank is the way to go. Before you all post replies advising me of this wrong decision I have made, I would like to ask a few questions.
On numerous occassions, people have told me to upgrade as early as possible. I am about to tackle this problem, buying the appropriate set up.
If cost is not an object, I would like a set up that is low maintenance. Some things I would require are posted below.
1) I only require fish only, and if possible have rocks (similar to freshwater) etc without any coral or liverock.
2) If I purchase a 55 Gal tank, what is the maximum amount of small fish I can purchase?
3) Is there electronic equipment that can accurately read Ammonia, nitrites and nitrates and other trace elements?
4) Would lighting be an issue with fish only?
5)Some tanks, particularly one from Aqua one have straight sides with rounded cornered glass. These tanks also include lighting. Would that be sufficient?
6)Does the minireef operate within the tank or beneath the tank in the cabinet? If so which method would be better?
7) I would like colorful fish yet peaceful. At the same time, I do not want the most sensitive to their environment.
I appreciate any input. I understand by me asking for a low maintenance tank, could possibly mean there is a lack of interest in the hobby or I would not be dedicated, but there is a reason why I ask this. My intentions are to have low maintenance tank, to allow me more flexibility when I check water and do water changes. Being the extensive hours at work, I do not want to have a situation where I come home late at night to do a water change.
Any other suggestions are more than welcome.
Regards,
Economic

 

[playtime]

Since I am the only one who is awake right now, I will give it a shot. You said mini reef. If you don't want coral or live rock then mini reef isn't an option. Reefs are what is inside the tank ie.. Live rock, corals, reef safe fish inverts etc.
As far as tank goes, I think you are speaking about the eclipse and for a fish only tank they are fine. you can upgrade the lighting with little expense and it already has filtration. A power head is an inexpensive option as well.
How to test the water. They sell kits that can do that very easily and inexpensively. The tests are done in viles of tank water and chemical additives. Very easy to read.
As far as the amount of fish you can add to a 55 gal, that depends on what kind of fish you are interested in. Tangs are nice but are a medium sized fish. They come in a variety of colors and they are omnivores. These fish need to be kept in odd amounts (1 or 3). You should do some research and decide what you would like to add.
Water changes are a good way to keep your tank healthy. I do one about every 2 weeks and it is simple. you will definately need a hydrometer to measure your salinity and you will also need a heater.
I hope I have answered most of your questions. I would suggest you buy a good saltwater fish book and read. Plus, read the posts on this board and ask lots of questions. Good luck.
Playtime

 

[marine qa]

I have an extremely low maintenance tank. I believe this is because I use a very "natural" filtration method.
I have almost 2lb of LR per/g (much more than pictured below), a 4+ inc DSB, caulerpa, and a very low bioload (1 Tomato Clown, 3 grn. chromis, a blenny and some scarlet crabs) in ~60g of water. Furthermore, I feed once a day during the week, and twice on the weekends.
I change only 5g of water per/mo and rinse my filter elements at that time. I have never had any nitrates after my cycle. The biggest pain in the but chore is replacing the evaporated water each day. I need to get/build an automatic top-off system.
If you dont go with the LR/LS setup my best advice would be to keep very few fish and don't overfead them. That way less waste will be created thus less maintenance.
Good luck.

 

[jacrmill]

if your looking for low maintenance LR is a very good thing. it will promote benificial bacteria growth that will keep your nitrates down, so you wont have to do many water changes. the best tip i can give you is to stock your tank really low. right now, since i am at college and my moms taking care of things, i only have 2 fish and i have a good skimmer. this makes my tank low maintenance.