New to Salt Water Setup

[bark89]

In the past I have had fresh water fish but have allways admired the variety of colors from the Salt Water fish. I have a 55 gal tank that I want to setup for salt water. I have some basic questions.
1. I have been looking at the wet/dry w/skimmer filters that go under the tank. Are there any particular brands that are better than others.
2. What is best to put at the bottom of the tank. I have seen some thread on live sand? How much do I put down and why live sand.
3. What about Rock? Any layout suggestion? Any suggestions as to how much or what type of Rock to use?
4. I would only want a couple of fish and maybe a few other intersting things. Are there any suggestions as to what would be the easiest to start out with. At least until I can get used to maintaining a salt water tank.
Thanks for any information you can give or point this newbie to.

 

[razoreqx]

Originally posted by bark89
In the past I have had fresh water fish but have allways admired the variety of colors from the Salt Water fish. I have a 55 gal tank that I want to setup for salt water. I have some basic questions.
1. I have been looking at the wet/dry w/skimmer filters that go under the tank. Are there any particular brands that are better than others.
2. What is best to put at the bottom of the tank. I have seen some thread on live sand? How much do I put down and why live sand.
3. What about Rock? Any layout suggestion? Any suggestions as to how much or what type of Rock to use?
4. I would only want a couple of fish and maybe a few other intersting things. Are there any suggestions as to what would be the easiest to start out with. At least until I can get used to maintaining a salt water tank.
Thanks for any information you can give or point this newbie to.
Going to bump a few 101 threads for you in this forum.. look for posts by 007 to pop up.. Good info on startups..
Oh and welcome aboard!!

 

[shine~on]

Originally posted by bark89
In the past I have had fresh water fish but have allways admired the variety of colors from the Salt Water fish. I have a 55 gal tank that I want to setup for salt water. I have some basic questions.
1. I have been looking at the wet/dry w/skimmer filters that go under the tank. Are there any particular brands that are better than others.
2. What is best to put at the bottom of the tank. I have seen some thread on live sand? How much do I put down and why live sand.
3. What about Rock? Any layout suggestion? Any suggestions as to how much or what type of Rock to use?
4. I would only want a couple of fish and maybe a few other intersting things. Are there any suggestions as to what would be the easiest to start out with. At least until I can get used to maintaining a salt water tank.
Thanks for any information you can give or point this newbie to.
I'm no expert, but can give a few pointers.
1. Skimmers - Euroreef are considered the best, Aqua C are good also, not to familiar with all the brands.
2. Live sand about 2-3 inches. you can put play aragonite sand under the live sand.
3. Live rock is the best usually about 1~1.5 lbs per gallon in the tank with sufficient caves, etc. most live rock is uniquely shaped and just putting it in the tank and stacking it has a neat layout.
4. Chromis are easy, 3 or more will school together. good for an active tank. clownfish are also pretty easy to care for. Tangs usually require more space and get pretty big. If you want coral you would need to limit your invertebrate selection and also get special lighting which costs a lot $$.
Hope that helps.

 

[evilss]

welcome to the board. you will find lots of help here. the first thing that you need to figure out is what kind of setup that your going for. aggressive, fish only, or reef. then we can help you alot more.

 

[bark89]

After reading some of the questions and answers on this board. I think I want to start with FOWLR. After I can maintain it without any problems, I would like to make it into a reef system.
For a filter, My thought would be to start out with a wet/dry filter system w/skimmer rated to 150 gal. This would allow me to upgrade my tank at a later date.
I basically live in the sticks and there are no lfs the closest one is 1:30 away. How does ordering fish online compare to buying them at a lfs.
Thanks for all of the information. I have a lot of reading and studying to do on this.

 

[clint_reno]

This hobby rules! I also think you are in the right direction. Start with the LR, and cure it right in your tank. You will save yourself several steps if you do this right-off. Also, I recommend a DSB.
You will need a second, smaller tank. It will be your QT, where fish hang prior to entering your 50g. This prevents the nasty ick from getting into your main system.
Shine-on is right about most corals needing special lights, but there are a few that do not. You can always try these out first, before you invest in expensive lights.
I highly recommend the fish from this site. I also live in the sticks, and have driven for fish. This has not worked as well as the critters I have purchased here, online.
Keep reading, take your time, and you will have a blast!