Starting a 55g

[posie77]

I just started a tank. I eventually want to make it a reef tank however, I know this isn't something I can do right away. I added my water and sand a few days ago and am trying to decide exactly what to do as for rock. I found some fuji rock I really like at *****, I have read that posts about crates, and base rock. Should I do this? I want to make sure I am going this right because I know what I do now will determine what I can do in the future. I have read many diffrent opinions on how to maintain saltwaters so if I could have some I would greatly appreciate it. I live in Tiffin Ohio so if anyone knows any good stores let me know I currently use Pet supplies plus in Findlay ohio, and I found the rock at ***** in Toledo ohio. As for my equipment I have Koralia turbo pumps a 2 and a 3 along with a double bio weel. It can hold 4 filters but the guy at the fish store said 2 will be plenty does everyone agree? I will be buying a protein skimmer and the live rock this week. Any other suggestions on equipment. Any input is appreciated.

 

[tank a holic]

you'll probably end up with approximately 100 lbs of rock so I'd start with at least 60 lbs of base rock then add about 10 lbs of LR at a time till you get the desired look.
just remember base rock is like $2-3 a pound
LR is like $7 a pound soooo...... the more base the better

and the LR will seed the base rock so eventually it will all be live
also in my experience don't go to a name brand store for your rock get it at a local aquarium store they usually have a much much better looking selection
ps stay away from lava rock

how far from columbus???

 

[veni vidi vici]

I agree with tank the more base the cheaper and then you can look for some fancier rock to cover if you like.Save the money for some of the other things you cant skimp on or have many alternatives for.
You might even look around a see if you can get a hold of some Tufa rock that is even cheaper.Usually between $1-2 a lbs.
BTW Welcome to SWF.com

 

[eric b 125]

welcome to the boards! you've come to a great place to get information. you should start by reading the sticky threads at the top of this forum. i can say that personally, they helped avoid many mistakes. i think the more LR, the better. get as much as you can, and then supplement with base rock. adding LR to an aquarium tends to start a mini-cycle (depending on how long it was out of water). as far as getting a skimmer: some people go without them, but i would advise to get one. try to avoid seaclone's. they're affordable, but for a little extra cash you can get something that will please you in the long run.

 

[posie77]

Columbus is about and hour to two hours away but I am willing to drive there, do you know some good stores, we don't have much other than ***** and pet supplies plus

 

[posie77]

Base rock just gets rinsed of and put in the tank correct, how long does it take to seed usually? I don't want to make any mistakes I know I will make some but I don't want to make them setting the tank up.

 

[redsea]

welcome to the boards, glad you started a tank!

 

[michelleolds]

i personally would use as little base rock as possible,as i dont think it helps out much with filtration.

 

[trouble93]

Originally Posted by michelleolds
http:///forum/post/2966016
i personally would use as little base rock as possible,as i dont think it helps out much with filtration.
I agree, base rock may cost a little less but in the long run you may find yourself changing out the base rock for all live rock ,so why not start out with it. And in the long run you will have a heathery tank...Don't start off skimping or taking short cuts you will end up paying more in the end. Welcome aboard and have fun. I have a daughter and grand kids up your way. We are expecting our 3rd grand daughter in the next month or so, so I'll be up your way pretty often here shortly. I will be glad to help you in any way I can.

 

[bizzmoneyb]

try finding a deal somewhere for the rock.. most stores will charge anywhere from $4-$9 a pound, which is alot of money for ROCKS. i found a guy on craigslist selling his whole stocked tank, so i offered him $200 for 100lbs of the live rock in his tank and he took it. try finding a deal like that first.

 

[tank a holic]

im not sure why you all would use all live rock...
in a 10 gallon tank yes its ok but if posie stocks the entire tank with live rock you're looking at 6 to 8 hundred dollars
where you're looking at about 200 to 250 using base rock and topping with live
if you take your time like you're supposed too in this hobby the base rock will have plenty of time to seed bacteria for filtration
do what you want but I think you'd be wasting about $400 you could put towards other things like lights, skimmer, livestock and the like
as for columbus there is Jacks at easton, there's another off polaris parkway i forget the name and reef systems in new albany it doesn't really carry fish but it's a coral / LR superstore

 

[posie77]

Congradulations on the grandaughter, I actully have a friend who lives in nelsonvile. Today I went into my LFS and they are having a sale on live rock 3.98 a pound. I was talking to the manager of the store and was telling him how excited I was about my tank he was so impressed due to the fact that the younger generation is so into video games and rotting their brains and he liked that I was so interested in this hobby. He told my usuall fish guy to give me a great deal on this beautiful piece of rock, it had great purple growth on it and it was so pretty. When my fish guy asked him the price he said that he had to sell for 7.98 a pound but when there wasn't anyone else around he said if the rock was for me he would sell that for the same price as the rock on sale 3.98. I think he was impressed that I stayed in the fish area for a hour just looking at the beautiful corals and fish, I am adicted already, this could end up being an obsession. I also decided I already want another tank Seahorses, I have read about them and won't attempt them for a while. Thanks for the support I may take you up on the offer.

 

[michelleolds]

base rock isnt porous. you'll get benificial bacteria only on the outer surface. i have a 55 too. started it last april. paid 355 for 75 lbs of really nice porous rock. shop around. the only way i would have used base rock was if my tank was alot bigger.

 

[eric b 125]

i coulda sworn that base rock was the same thing as live rock, but without any of the beneficial bacteria on it. it's made of the same thing, so i thought it looked the same. one thing is for sure, base rock becomes live rock over a period of time.