Want to start a reef, what else do I need?

[mikeyjer]

We have a 55 gallon tank that has a eheim canister filter, 2-maxi jet 1200 PH, hang on the tank Aqua C Remora protein skimmer with maxi jet 1200. We're getting our new light kit, 2-175 w MH, 2-110 w VHO actinics. It is not a RR tank. We want to get into reef stuff. Was thinking about a hang on the tank refugium, CPR backpak. What size is actually approprate, I think the inside measures around 19" IF we measured right. Was thinking either a aqua fuge pro or just the regular one. Would all these equipment be sufficient enough for a reef system? Or do we really need something else? Thanks guys! :happyfish

 

[acrylic51]

Maybe another PH or 2...You might want to look at the Seio's comparable to Tunze's but a big difference in them though!!!!!!!!I'd actually opt for a sump/fuge combo under the tank and get rid of te eheim canister filters IMO

 

[oozy]

hey there,
for a 55 you wont NEED a refuge, i belive it is unnessary.
ive heard bad things about canisters, if the power goes off, the bacteria dont get the oxygen they need and cause a cycle... BUT I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WITH THEM, AS I DONT USE THEM.
CPR backpack is good i run one, it is unnessary if you keep a light bioload (fish) in the reef. but its better to be safe than sorry. i run mine about once a week for a day or 2. your requirements will depend on the amount of fish you will have.
lights good
power heads good
you will need live rock, and to cycle (is this your first salt tank?) if so read as much as you can.
good luck!

 

[mikeyjer]

Originally Posted by Oozy
hey there,
for a 55 you wont NEED a refuge, i belive it is unnessary.
ive heard bad things about canisters, if the power goes off, the bacteria dont get the oxygen they need and cause a cycle... BUT I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WITH THEM, AS I DONT USE THEM.
CPR backpack is good i run one, it is unnessary if you keep a light bioload (fish) in the reef. but its better to be safe than sorry. i run mine about once a week for a day or 2. your requirements will depend on the amount of fish you will have.
lights good
power heads good
you will need live rock, and to cycle (is this your first salt tank?) if so read as much as you can.
good luck!
This is not our first salt tank, it will be our first reef tank though. We have live rock and it is a established tank, just want to change it to reef. I want to have fish in with the reef so I would like to have a refugium, just wanting to know which kind is better, so far I heard sump/fuge is better, but with limited space, I really would like the CPR bakpak. IF sump/fuge is my only option I would have to try to make one. Any other suggestion??? :happyfish