Saltwater newbie contemplating a 55-gallon setup

[daysleeper15]

Hi, I am new to the hobby and am looking to convert my current 55-gallon freshwater tank to a saltwater setup. Below I have listed what I would like to include in my setup (will this work?). If so, after the tank has been cycled, in what order should I add the inverts, corals and fish to the tank? Thanks in advance for everyone’s help.
Inverts: At least one starfish (not sure what type) a purple lobster and shaving brush plants.
Corals: Various hard and soft corals (maybe 3 or 4 total)
Fish: A must have fish for my setup is at least one yellow tang, after that I would like to have at least two others fish but am not sure what I can put in with the tang (can anyone recommend a compatible species that will also fit in a 55 gallon tank).

 

[daysleeper15]

Thanks for the advice, I didn't realize that the 55 gallon would be too small for a yellow tang, now I'm ticked, they are so beautiful and I had my heart set on one, but maybe I'll hold off on the tang for a while til I can get a bigger tank.
What would go nicely into a 55 gallon tank? remember that I would like at least three colorful fish.

 

[jim672]

Six-line Wrasse, maroon clown, fire fish (purple is more colorful), royal gramma, green chromis.
If you'd like more choices go to the "Live Fish" section of this site and have a look around. You'll get lots of ideas. Happy shopping!!
Jim

 

[daysleeper15]

Is it true that if I put in live sand and lots of live rock, then I won't need a filter in my tank?

 

[ckkihei]

a good chopice for color would be a flame angel.......AFTER your tank is established (4 - 6 months). Also Royal Gramma have lots of color and are fairly easy to raise......BE PATIENT ABOVE ALL ELSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sheni_angel]

Two 'perfect' books are "The Concscientous Marine Aquarist" by Robert Fenner (great on discussing fishes needs) and "Natural Reef Aquariums" by John Tulloch (step by step for complete reefs). Good luck to you! I'm new and been researching myself!

 

[maryc137]

I would get the yellow tang if you want one. I had a hippo tang and a sailfin tang together in a 60 gallon tank for 8 years. They did fine. Never did die until after I had moved them to the new 137 gallon tank.

 

[adivedog]

I'm not expert on this hobby (yet) but would think you could put a yellow tang and one or two small fish in a 55. <img src="graemlins//yeahright.gif" border="0" alt="[yeahright]" />