Reef newbie w/ lots of ?'s

[khilgers]

I'm going to be setting up a 55 gallon reef tank soon, but I really don't know what I need as far as equipment. I know I will need LR, LS, powerheads, a good skimmer but what else. I have been reading up a little about them, but what would your suggestions be for a newbie that wants to set up his tank right the first time, and not waste $ on things I don't need. As far as filtration goes I was leaning towards a wet/dry system, but I have heard some good things and some bad things about them. Such as them being nitrate factories, but what are my other options. Another option is a sump/fuge setup, but where would I be able to purchase a full setup rather than bulding my own since I don't know how to do it in the first place. This may be too many ?'s for starters, but I would appreciate it if you could get me on the right track.

 

[kpatrick]

Well you have several options to choose from. You will want live rock and a good protein skimmer to help with filtration. If you are going with a sump you could probably get away with not using powerheads in your tank to help reduce clutter and heat. If you dont want to do any plumbing then you can use powerheads for water movement and get a hang on back refugium. It basically depends on which of those general setups you are wanting. You also need to figure out what type of corals you plan on keeping because lighting is another important factor.
Ask all the questions you can think of because it will save you a lot of work and money in the long run if you ask the questions and do your homework before jumping in.

 

[big911dog]

The best suggestion u'll probably get is to read up from a good source such as "The Consciencious Marine Aquarist". Best money u'll spend. How do I start is a topic that volumes have been written about. Take it step by step, be patient, and ask as you go.
IMO, a sump with a GOOD skimmer, LR and LS are the best filtration you could ask for. Some people swear by the bio balls, some refer to them as nitrate factories. Personally, I stick with LR and LS, no bio balls.
Good luck and welcome to the boards!

 

[saltaddict]

I noticed its not on your list or in any ofthe replies but top on th elist would be lights. Depending on what you want to do this can be expensive

 

[khilgers]

I've been leaning away from the wet/dry and more towards the sump/fuge setup. The only problem is I'm still not sure how a sump works and how I could save myself $ by building my own. Some have said you can buld them out of a small galss tanks, but I'm just not sure how to do it. So how exactly does a sump work, I mean every detail of it. Thanks.

 

[kpatrick]

If you go to the top of the page and hit the search icon and type in "sump" or something general like that you will pull up tons of information that will help you out and keep you occupied for hours.

 

[khilgers]

I've already had my fun with the search button Well where would be some good places to look for an already built sump/fuge setup?

 

[kpatrick]

You can search your favorite online auction site. They tend to have several for sale all the time. I have searched the internet and found many other places that have good pictures and info as well. Unfortunately you cant give out other website names out here or more people would probably have some info for you.

 

[mujtba]

i got a 55G reef. i can tell u what i have in mines as i tried to keep it simple...
Two PHs (300GPH)
Skimmer (275 GPH)
HOB Penguin filter (300GPH)
390W PC Lighting
100lbs LR
75lbs LS
I use RODI water. This will get you up and running to make a reef. Other things i feel are additional... up to u...
Tank cycles in 4 weeks. then u can change 25% of the water and just add fish.. after about 2 months, i added some softies..