Totally Lost...

[candibug2]

I am trying so hard to learn, but I keep running in circles. I don't even know if I'm headed in the right direction. My tank is 55 gallons. I went to the store tonight to purchase a filter, but was majorly overwhelmed by the plethora of choices. I need some help. I bought a Proquatics Power Filter 200. Does anyone know if this is a decent choice? I saved the receipt if it isn't. If it isn't a good selection, can someone PLEASE tell me what to buy. I also bought a Proquatics Hydromatic Aquarium Heater 300 Watt. The box says it's good for upto a 60 gallon tank. Is this suitable? I also purchased some Instant Ocean, which was recommended on a different post. I also bought some Perfecto Aquarium Sealant, just to reenforce the tank if necessary. The package says that it is safe for saltwater fish. Is this ok?? I'm sorry to ask so many questions, I really have been reading a lot... I just wish someone could make me a list of things and brands to buy because I'm grasping in the dark here. I know I have to begin somewhere, but I'm finding that even the basics are confusing to me. Please help!

 

[michaeltx]

couple things first
1- what are your plans for the tank Fish only or Reef with living corals
2- if this is a new tank do not add any sealant to the tank. on some manufactors will void their warranty if you do anything to the sealent or modify the tank in anyay. most tanks selant willhold well there are only a few times the sealent has failed but they stick in your mind.
after answering number one name off what you have now and we can go from there.
MIke
BTW this is a very good place to get the answers that you seek

 

[bang guy]

Welcome to the board!!
First, there are an infinite number of ways to have a successful saltwater tank. Some ways are more likely to succeed than others but you have to make the choice.
My suggestion is to buy a good book. The Conscientious Marine Aquarist is a good book to start with. I would buy it or a similar modern saltwater book before purchasing any more equipment.
My opinion - I believe that a deep sand bed is the best filter for a tank unless you plan on keeping fish or animals that dig. If you want animals that might destroy a sand bed then Live rock is the second best filter.
This brings up a primary question - what do you want? Plan out what you would like your tank to eventually look like and we can build a plan for you to start with and work on.
Take the filter back. You're not ready to buy equipment. If you rush things then we can't help you. You will be doomed to make the same mistakes we have made.
so... buy the book... and...
are you looking to create a fish tank, a reef tank, or something in between?

 

[candibug2]

All I really want is to keep some clownfish. I really enjoy clownfish, particularly the True Percula. However, I am willing to start with something easier and eventually upgrade. Since I am so inexperienced, I have no intentions of attempting corals anytime soon!
Thanks,
Candi

 

[candibug2]

and.... My tank was given to me, used. I bought the Perfecto Sealant just in case.

 

[bang guy]

You can easily leak test your aquarium. You need to find out if the stand & floor are level anyway. Set up the stand & tank & fill with water. Let it sit overnight & see if there are any leaks. Also, that's a great time to see if it's level...after the floor sinks from the weight.
Clownfish are a joy!! They also happen to be one of the easier fish to keep.

 

[lesleybird]

Hi, I would get the Emperor 400 hang on filter because it has not only has good mechanical filtration, but has a couple of large biowheels that keep the amonia and nitrate levels low and add a lot of dissolved oxygen to the tank. The price is good also...can't mention other sites on here, but I have seen it in the under 50 dollar range on line. At the LFS you would probably pay maybe $70, but don't really know. Good luck, Lesley

 

[lesleybird]

I meant nitrite levels low....Nitrate is a whole different issue as you will learn in time. Lesley

 

[reefer44]

i also have the emperor 400 and it does convert nitrites into nitrates which can be a problem (can make excess nitrates) which can kill fish......therefore i have a refugium with macro algaes to reduce ntrates...but if u do not want to add a refugium i would add some macro algaes to the man tank that the fish and hermit crabs wont eat....but i also recommend this filter
also u need a protien skimmer...i am not sure what kinds are good i believe the Berlin Protien skimmers are though (i have a prism skimmer made by red sea and i hate it all it does is make a ton of bubbles in the tank and produces little foam so i wouldn't get one if i were u)
remember pacients is a main aspect in this hobby ..... i know its hard not to get fish right away
good luck

 

[beaslbob]

candi:
welcome and I agree that all the choices and advice can be very confusing and fustrating.
First of all the filter you bought will probably work just fine. Sure other filters may have this and that feature, but all are sufficient for most tanks.
second to the leak test. Better safe the sorry.
Third determine where you are going to setup the tank in your house. Water weighs about 8 and a half pounds per gallon. that's about 400 pounds you may have to play with later.
To get started try this. Get 2-3 bags of play sand from Home Depot, lowes, or wallmart, or wherever ($3.00 for 50 pound bags). Put about 3 inches of sand in the tank. Fill it with water. add the salt and let the filter run for a couple of days. Then add a whole bunch of macro algaes or marine plants and see if you can get them growing. If nothing else you got a nice undersaltwater garden. Then you can add your decorations, live rock and later your fish.
I was also curious if you have lights with the tank. I am using utility lights from Lowes which almost exactly fit a 55g tank. Cost was ~$8.00 for the fixture and the tubes were on sale at 2 tubes for $.89. They should work nicely for a fish only tank.
Again welcome and hope you enjoy.

 

[candibug2]

More questions...
Is live rock absolutely necessary? I've read in several books that undergravel filters can provide biological filtration. Am I wrong? I don't have hordes of cash and plan on upgrading over time. Can I use sand as a substrate if I use an undergravel filter? Also, do I need a protein skimmer AND a filter? As of yet, I do not have a hood for my tank. (tank was given to me - hood) I have to buy one. Thus, I have no lighting yet either. What exactly are macro algaes? Are they plants or something?? I really want to have an interesting tank with some clownfish, but I need to economize as much as possible. If I absolutely must splurge I will, but it will take me eons longer to get this going. What items should I spend the most money on?? What are the basics to get me started here?
Candi

 

[karajay]

I would stick with the Emp. 400 filtration. Nitrates should not become a problem if you don't overstock/overfeed. Don't start with a UGF. It will cost less, look better and work better in the long run to use a sand bed (you can't use a UGF with sand). LR is very beneficial to your tank as it provides additional bio-filtration and looks very nice compared to artificial decor. You don't need to get all your LR all at once. Also, I wouldn't think that a skimmer is an absolute necessity for a FO or FOWLR. Keep it in mind as a future upgrade.