New 55 gal tank

[kriss k]

Hello Everyone... I am excited about being here. I am starting my first saltwater tank ever... I have had fresh water tanks for over 10 years...
I am getting a 55gal tank kit from ***** next week. The kit includes an Emperor power filter, heater, thermometer, water test kit, 1 bag salt, and a hydrometer. I am going to buy separately 55lbs of live sand, 304 canister filter, and a protein skimmer.
I want to do this right. Please advise me on right equipment to get (I'm married with 3 sons, so I can't afford the most expensive stuff).
Thanks, and wish me luck.
Kriss

 

[paulcoates]

I bought the same lit. If I had to do it over, I probably would not have. The lighting is not adequate for Anemones or Corals. I just recently bought a 48" CoralLife Lunar Light setup with Actinics 4x65Watts
If you only want fish, then I suppose that system is adequate, however keep in mind that you will probably only be able to keep at most 12 inches of fish in there
Not to mention you may also want to look at buying a powerhead.
I guess you are not going to build a reef?

 

[kriss k]

I would love to have a reef tank. I think they are beautiful. Since you and I have the same tank, what did you do?
I will tweak my equipment as my tank progresses. Where did you buy your other equipment?

 

[arkey.d]

With getting the Emporer 400, you won't need the canister filter, just the skimmer and 2 powerheads for water circulation. For a skimmer I recommend the AquaC Remora or a CPR BakPak. Maxi-Jet Powerheads are said to be the best but I use Aquaclear.
Paulcoates is right about the lights, but for Fish Only you'll be fine.
If you want to Email Me I'll send you some links of Online Distributers.....

 

[turningtim]

Just my 2 cents.
Have you looked into any preowned tanks. Newspapers and lfs may have a lead. The reason I say this is I bought a new tank setup similar to the one discribe and I found that it was not really what I wanted and had to replace most of it with better quailty equipment.
I also purchased a pre owned tank setup with everything I needed. Yes there is risk involved and a lot more work to clean and reseal (if it needs it). But the up shot is I got a better filter, simmer, lights and a bigger tank for a lot less money.
IMHO It's a good deal now but in the long run you'll spend more to get were you want to be and lots of extra stuuff just sitting around
Again there is risk and work. Be careful and take your time
Just my thoughts
Good Luck

 

[arkey.d]

Also read This Thread it will explain allot.

 

[kriss k]

Thank you....Thank you.....THank you.... I really appreciate your help.

 

[sarat]

Hi and congradulations on your new set up. I have just set up a tank also. I have been doing a bit of research at the library and one of the books I checked out says that you should start out with about 10 in. of fish but after six months you can gradually add up to about twenty in. depending on how much decor, rock, etc. you have. I also know if you plan to keep coral you will have to buy a special light that has a lunar strip for any thing such as coral to survive. I also think you should add some live rock it is a great water purifier if you dont have the money to sink into buying the more expensive filtration systems. also maybe just start by maintaining some fish and maybe up grade to buying the light needed to keep coral when you can afford it. Also add a little at a time, before you know it you'll have a beautiful tank. Just be careful what fish you purchase some are more difficult then others to maintain and test your water regularly you will do fine. Sarah