Not sure where to start

[jonirn]

Hi,
I am new to the forum. I just bought a 55 gallon tank with built in overflow in corner of tank. I have some PVC piping with it but don't know how to set up. I just want to do fish for now and know that I need a good pump, wet/dry filter (does this go below in stand?), 2 200 watt heaters, tester and salt. Is there anything else I am missing and do you have suggestions on what to buy? Thanks for your help. I know I have many questions.

 

[crypt keeper]

Did it come with another smaller tank by any chance that goes inside your stand?
Check out my 75 build in the aggressive section. It could help a lot.

 

[jonirn]

Did not come with a smaller tank. Would that be the sump?

 

[superhero]

If you are gonna go fowlr then i would suggest a wet/dry filter... you will also need a protein skimmer to go along with the filter

 

[superhero]

yes you can use a smaller tank and make your own sump or you could buy a premade sump and use that

 

[crypt keeper]

Hey are you dambpepshrimp on the other board?
Sump is a smaller tank.

 

[jonirn]

Originally Posted by crypt keeper
http:///forum/post/3034926
Hey are you dambpepshrimp on the other board? No
Sump is a smaller tank.
Does the overflow run into the smaller tank?

 

[jonirn]

Originally Posted by Superhero
http:///forum/post/3034919
If you are gonna go fowlr then i would suggest a wet/dry filter... you will also need a protein skimmer to go along with the filter
I was told to wait on the skimmer because there will not be a lot of protein at first??

 

[superhero]

yeah while you are cycling you dont necessarily need it but once you add your fish it is a must... and the overflow will go into the sump
here is a pic to show u

 

[jonirn]

Great! Thanks for your help.
One more question...do I put snails and or clean up crew before the fish and can they stay in the tank or are they more for reef tanks?

 

[crypt keeper]

Originally Posted by JoniRN
http:///forum/post/3034935
Does the overflow run into the smaller tank?

yes. Then you have a return pump. Depending on the size of the overflow hole your overflow probably is a 600 gph. You want your return pump to be at least 700GPH

 

[jonirn]

Thank you! I now have a better understanding of what I need to do! Ur pics helped too!

 

[crypt keeper]

Originally Posted by JoniRN
http:///forum/post/3034988
Great! Thanks for your help.
One more question...do I put snails and or clean up crew before the fish and can they stay in the tank or are they more for reef tanks?
dpends on the fish you get but generally speaking CUC goes in first to help with alage then when you add fish they will help with left over food algae and fish poop.
Set up a qt. This will be a basic tank that is about 30 gallons with no sand. Live rock and pvc piping for fish to hide. As somebody new to the hobby it will save you time money and frustration