Whats the best lighting/skimmer for me??

[reice05]

O.k. i just bought this 55g setup and all i need is light and a skimmer my question is since ima NEWBIE i wanted to start slow and was gonna do fowlr and then later on get into coral and etc.. so what lighting would i need and whats a good quality skimmer for just a fowlr??? i appreciate any advice or info u can give thanks a million

 

[fishyfun2]

Hello,
I am not an expert, I am a newbie also. My tank has only been up since January. But one thing I have learned for sure, do not try to skimp on lights and a skimmer. They are very important, at least if you plan to do coral in the future. I bought PC lights and wish now that I had spent the extra and least got T5's. If you can swing it, go for it! There's a lot of info on lights and skimmers on this site. Have you tried the search feature?
Good luck with your setup! Enjoy it!

 

[mopar9012]

I dont know what your budget is. But you could get a 48 aqua pod dual
150W metal halide. Now if you have a canopy you could also buy 2 retro kits that might, probably, would be a little bit cheaper. IMO two 150W metal halides would be nice over your 55.
also do you have a sump? Im probably going to get an in sump octopus skimmer for my 65. People say they are pretty nice and still affordable. If you dont I think they make HOB skimmers as well, might want to check into the coralifes too.
but if you can, definitly get the metal halides. you may not NEED them right now, but down the road I would put money on it that you wish you had got them.