This is my second attempt with my 55g for salt water. The first experience went very well until something went wrong and algae destroyed my tank. I will admit that I hurried into it and probably didn't let it cycle much. My questions start at the bottom. I really hate paying the high prices for the bags of "Carib-Sea" or whatever the name of it is. Is there a cheaper solution? I have an excellent source for live-rock so that is not a problem. Close to where I live is a place called "Inland Aquatics", they sell "system water", but to fill my tank would be expensive. Can I use tap water? Lastly, I would like a good hang-on protein skimmer. I didn't have a skimmer the last time and I think that's what killed me in the end. I would like to start working on this as soon as possible but wanted to get some idea's from all of you first. Thanks for reading and any help would be appreciated.
Some help with starting a 55g saltwater tank
- Thread starter btoner43
- Start date
There are a number of makeers of aragonite based play sand--Old Kastle is frequently available at Lowe's, Home Depot, and Walmart (though Walmart probably isn't stocking it right now). This is a white, fine grained sand that is very clean and works well for substrate.
Tap water will import any wastes that are in your water. So, without knowing the quality and parameters, no way to say if you can use it or not. I prefer the safer route, since dealing with blooms and such from poor tapwater is a bigger pain.
Tap water will import any wastes that are in your water. So, without knowing the quality and parameters, no way to say if you can use it or not. I prefer the safer route, since dealing with blooms and such from poor tapwater is a bigger pain.
Thank you Orion Girl. I picked up a decent filter at lunch today. Then I remembered that my brother has an RO filtration system in his house. So if I added my salt to that and used the play sand like you are saying that would get me started minus the protein skimmer.
Now, can you suggest a good skimmer?
Just picking your brain.
Now, can you suggest a good skimmer?
Just picking your brain.