New in wall 55, with some questions?

[bigpoppax2]

I am in the planing stage as our room is still under construction. I have already framed a space for an in wall 55 gallon. I am as new as you can get to saltwater. So now for the questions.

I have a 30 gallon tank empty that I'd like to use as a wet/dry. That way I can put all of my heaters and protien skimmers in the sump. I hate seeing anything that's not supposed to be in the tank.

Anyway what size skimmer do I need for a 55 gallon that I will end up being a mini reef tank. Live rock, anminies (sorry if I butchered the sp), Clowns, blue devil, and a blue damsel. I am still doing a lot of reading but that's what I like so far.

I have heard that if you use a wet/dry you will see high nitrates. Will a good large protien skimmer do the trick to offset this?

Is that the only drawback to the wet/dry? I really didn't want to go the route of HOB filters and I hate canisters.

Any and all advise would be greatly accepted.

[BrianH]

Did you build the stand yet? If not, I would suggest looking into either a 75 or 90 gal tank. The reason being that these are also 4' wide tanks that also give you 18" front to back instead of the 12" 55. That extra 6" makes for a lot more space when it comes to aquascaping with live rock. The current method of biofiltration for reef tanks is to use 1 to 1.5 lbs. per gallon of live rock. Most of us also use a deep sand bed (4" - 6" deep) although there has been some debate as to the long term tank health of this method. Using either of both of these methods negates the use of wet/drys, cannisters and HOT filters. Since your in the planning stages I would suggest using a sump for extra volume, and a place for equipment(heater, skimmer etc.). You could also incorporate a refugium which helps reduce nitrates, adds an extra food source, and helps keep the pH stable when on a reverse light cycle. I would suggest doing a lot more research to set up your tank the way you want it the first time.

Brian

[bigpoppax2]

Thanks for the tip. I know I need to do some more research. That's why I'm here.

Any reccommendations for a protien skimmer? Size, brand? How should I set up my sump if not as a true wet dry?

You guys are great.

[BrianH]

Try doing a search for "sump" on google. I'm sure you'll get many hits with different configurations.

As for protein skimmers, my experience is that you get what you pay for. I'd check out;
Aqua C
Euro-reef
ASM
ETSS
Lifereef
Precision Marine
Tunze
Deltec

Brian

[bigpoppax2]

Ok the 55 has now turned into a 75 with a 30 gallon sump. A Euroreef ES5-3. And live rock. I have done quite a bit of talking to some pet stores in the Pittsburgh area. I was really impressed with all of the info they were able to give me.

One question here, what's the general opinion should you use UV steralizer on a reef tank or no?

[Cearbhaill]

Check out H2O Tropicals (http://www.h2otropicals.com/index.html)- they sell "blemished" Euro-Reef skimmers at vastly reduced prices. You still get the full warranty and service and I can't even find the blemish on my model. I bought a CS6-1 that normally sells for $338 and paid only $245.

The blems they have will not show up on the website- you'll have to call. If you decide to go this route (and I recommend it!) I'd suggest getting on a waiting list for whichever model you choose.

[bigpoppax2]

Thanks man, just the kind of stuff I'm looking for. It's not like I have money comming out of my ears.

I'm getting ready to head to Slowes and drop about a grand on drywall and studs and joint compound. The attic has to be finished first.