55gal

[ReeF-ClInGeR]

Hi i am a n00b to this forum/SW.

I have a 55gal tank w/stand and a light stip for a FW tank.

What else do i need? Like i need pretty much a shopping list.
what do you guys recommend?

I would like to plan on keeping Live Rock and Fish.

Help plz! Thanx

o and any thing else i need to know PLZ post it.

[ChilDawg]

A great protein skimmer would be among my first recommendations!!!

Also, you might end up needing a different lighting system for the tank.

[MonoSebaelover]

WELCOME TO AQUARIA CENTRAL!!!!! You will find wealths of knowledge here and we are all firm believers in the only stupid question is the one not asked. Anyway to your post. You will need a filter of some sort (more for water movement than anything else since live rock will be your natural filter as long as you have 1.5-2 lbs of rock per gallon of water). I like wet dry's but I know some people don't like them, I use them on all my tanks. You will need a heater (150 watt should do, go with Ebo Jager they are the best brand). Then you will also need salt (there are many brands out there I use Instant Ocean mainly since that is the most commonly available salt in my area), and a hydrometer to test the salinity level. You will want it about 1.023-1.025. You will also want a Test Kit that tests Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, and pH (I use Aquarium Pharm). You will want either Aragonite or Reef Sand (I use Carib Sea but if you want sand there is Southdown Play Sand at Home Depot). The only other main thing that you will need at some point is some extra powerheads to make sure there is enough water agitation. I think I covered everything. Oh, also a really good book like Fenners Cons. Marine Aquariust and Scott Michaels Pocket Guide to Marine Fish are holy bibles in this trade. Hope this helps and if I forgot something I know someone else will chime in and help ya out too.

[ReeF-ClInGeR]

I knew i was gonna need a better lighting system.

Ok.....i am guessing Cycling a SW tank is the same as FW?

I have head a lot of people keep SW ready so when they do water changes it is easy and already salted and stuff. Is this neccesary? If not is there a process.....you can give me some links if you don't want to explain all of this :D

What kind of powerheads?

[latazyo]

when you do a water change, you need to put your water + salt + powerhead + heater in a mixing container (rubbermaid) overnight to let it FULLY dissolve and reach the same specific gravity as your tank's water at the tank's temp

[kreblak]

I like aquaclear powerheads, myself. They are fully adjustable in both configuration and water flow, and if you have to break them down to replace an impeller or something, they are simply put back together. They're aren't too expensive, either.

If you are looking for a SERIOUS powerhead, may I suggest the Maxi-jet line. I have found them to be monsters of the powerhead world... the Chevy 454 big block V8, if you will. ;)

[BrianH]

I would suggest reading "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" as mentioned by MonoSebaelover. This will give you a good knowledge base along with answering many questions you don't even have yet.

Brian

[ReeF-ClInGeR]

Ok thanx

[liquafaction]

on the water test kit, (you guys correct me if I am wrong), but the ones with the tabs are a pain in the butt. I would recomend using a liquid test kit.