Startup checklist

spaceman spiff

spaceman spiff

New Member
I want to make sure my research is correct before I really start spending my money. I've got a 55G that I would like to initially setup as a FOWLR. I'd love a reef setup, but have decided that for now, with this tank and my experience level, I'm just not there yet. I'll put my list up and you guys can make sure I've got my bases covered:
Aquarium - Check
Water - Plan to get this from my grocery store who sells a 5g container for $1.95 (4 stage filtration with the last two being RO/DI)
Live Sand - I'm thinking a 2 inch bed, which means about 60lbs - Is Carib Sea better than Nature's Ocean? Is the .5-1.5mm size the best size overall?
Live Rock - Total of around 75lbs
Powerheads - I'm thinking about using the Koralia Evolution 750 - Is that enough?
Other misc necessities like test kits, hydrometer or refractometer, heater, power strips, nets, etc.
Protein Skimmer - I'm not sure about the immediate need for this. I've read that some people have them and wouldn't run their tank without them. Others have said that they use a HOB filter like I would use on my freshwater tank. Others have said they don't think they're necessary if you have a good CUC and enough LR/LS. Thoughts?
Anything I'm missing?
 
1guydude

1guydude

Well-Known Member
protien skimming isnt really nessecary until like the 4 month mark. You can have one but i think they are mainly for reefs...
Dont forget a couple 5g buckets and a turkey baster....
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spaceman Spiff http:///forum/thread/385678/startup-checklist#post_3383365
I want to make sure my research is correct before I really start spending my money. I've got a 55G that I would like to initially setup as a FOWLR. I'd love a reef setup, but have decided that for now, with this tank and my experience level, I'm just not there yet. I'll put my list up and you guys can make sure I've got my bases covered: Not that you're at this point yet, but make sure that if your plan is ultimately a reef, to pick reef safe fish if you intend on using this tank.
Aquarium - Check
Water - Plan to get this from my grocery store who sells a 5g container for $1.95 (4 stage filtration with the last two being RO/DI)
Live Sand - I'm thinking a 2 inch bed, which means about 60lbs - Is Carib Sea better than Nature's Ocean? Is the .5-1.5mm size the best size overall? I've used both. Honestly, I notice less cloudiness/quicker clear up with Nature's Ocean. Carib Sea has nicer "white" sand (Figi Pink) and black, but Nature's Ocean has really nice Australian Gold sand. I prefer the smaller sand.
Live Rock - Total of around 75lbs You could use some dry base rock and seed it with live rock. This will save you money.
Powerheads - I'm thinking about using the Koralia Evolution 750 - Is that enough? I would go with at least one 1050. This also depends on what you're using for a filter/return pump. You're going to want the extra flow, especially if you plan on making a reef one day. The more flow you have, the easier maintenance of some nuisance algaes will be come.
Other misc necessities like test kits, hydrometer or refractometer, heater, power strips, nets, etc. Go with a refractometer. What type of test kit are you looking at getting? GFCI your electrical outlet. Grounding probe(s). Salt mix and mixing bucket for salt with extra powerhead for mixing container. Return pump/filter
Protein Skimmer - I'm not sure about the immediate need for this. I've read that some people have them and wouldn't run their tank without them. Others have said that they use a HOB filter like I would use on my freshwater tank. Others have said they don't think they're necessary if you have a good CUC and enough LR/LS. Thoughts? For a FOWLR, it's a really good idea. They take some time to break in and for a user to learn how to use them/dial them in correctly. For this reason, I'd recommend adding one to your tank sooner than later. It also can help with pH and oxygen.
Anything I'm missing? mentioned above: Grounding probes, GFCI outlets, salt mix, bucket to mix saltwater, extra powerhead and heater for mixing bucket and what type of return/filter you'll be using.
 
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