Upkeep on 55 G

[smak]

I have been thinking of setting up my old 55 Gallon tank as a reef setup. Still new to this so it will be a bit more of research before I start. Was just wondering once everything is setup what would be the up keep for a 55 gallon SWT? This is considering I am not adding plants/fish. TYIA

 

[viper_930]

Weekly or biweekly water changes of 10-30%. You will need to test for and correct ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, alkilinity, calcium, pH, salinity.....and I think I'm forgetting something.

 

[smak]

What would you say the cost of this per month would cost?

 

[smak]

Anybody?

 

[steveoutla]

Well, if you get an RO/DI unit it would cut down in your cost of water changes. Your other expense is the test kit. I wouldn't do it if you think the costs might be a problem........that spells disaster.

 

[nm reef]

Very tough questions to answer directly...but I would suggest your first purchase should be a book titled The Conscientious Marine Aquarists ...it'll provide a solid foundation of information to get you started. Plus I'd urge you to google search for a article titled "Reefkeeping 101"...another great source of information.
Each system will devlop differently and the associated expenses will vary...but ...in this hobby if expense is a concern you may want to reconsider developing a reef. It is a bit expensive and can quickly consume cash. Sometimes its better to start with a fish only system and as experience and success accumulate then expand into other areas.:thinking:

 

[smak]

Thank you all for responding. I am reading the article now. I know it will be awhile before I get the tank, probably 10+ months so I was just wondering how much extra I will need after purchasing everything else, which will be done in the first 10 months. Guess I will research more and try to figure out an estimate. Thanks again.

 

[pterois]

See the post on the fish forum here about "how much do you have in your system". It really opened my eyes.
Angela

 

[alistair]

How often would you do a water change on a 55g Fowlr tank?

 

[snipe]

The first couple months do a 15 to 20% watter change then after that you can go down to around 10%. Then after you have had your tank for a while you can go down to like 5%. Just my 2 cents I have seen ppl do this. But I am sure I am wrong some where lol so correct me if im wrong.

 

[alistair]

I've been doing 10% once a month, is this often enough?

 

[vwbortoni]

Originally posted by alistair
I've been doing 10% once a month, is this often enough?
I have a 55 FOWLR and here is what I do. About 10% every 2 weeks (5 Gals every 2 weeks).
Only do this if you have a good skimmer. Otherwise do 10 Gal every 2 weeks.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[dholmblad]

I dont know what is cost effective for a 55 gal, but the only way i get by is buy using a revers osmosis machine to make my own water instead of buying it.

 

[alistair]

RO water 33cents per gallon from Walmart .....bring your own 5g bottle.