setting up new 55 gallon tank

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CCchaos04

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Jan 20, 2005
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tomorrow i'm getting a new 55 gallon tank. I have two penguin 180s without biowheels (im planning on getting biowheels if i end up using these filters). I'm also considering getting a canister filter. I also plan on getting a couple of powerheads. I'm also getting about 20-30 lbs of liverock from my biology teacher. How much more liverock should i have? what kind of sand should i get? would regular playsand with a layer of argonite sand on top work? Should i just go with a canister filter instead of the penguin 180s? How long will it take the tank to cycle? Whats the best way to cycle it? do i need a protein skimmer if i have good enough filtration and surface movement?
 
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shooby

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Feb 16, 2005
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ok first off dont get the biowheel back on,they are nothing but nitrate factories, second cansiter filters dont work to well. with the 2 penguins you might be ok if you get enough LR(Live Rock) Usually they say to put about 2 -3 lbs of LR per gallon so yeah more than 30lbs. Yes u can use play sand just clean it very well before. A typical cycle can take anywhere from 2 weeks to a month. You could buy a skimmmer I dont use em. Yes definately get some powerheads for water movement. What kind of tank do u want FOWLR(Fish Only With Live Rock) or Reef? I believe the best cycling method is to go buy a damsel or two and let them do teh job. Other people perfer their own things. Hope this helps
 
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CCchaos04

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thanks. I was kind of thinking about doing a reef. I was planning on getting either chromis or damsels first. then letting my tank cycle before adding any more fish.
 
Max

Max

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Jan 26, 2004
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I would go fishless if I were you. There are lots of posts on fishless cycles. Damsels and reefs don't mix well and you'll never catch the little rats.
 
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CCchaos04

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i was thinking about putting a wet-dry filter on my tank. would this work well or could i get something cheaper and still be good?
 
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CCchaos04

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how well do skilters work? are visi-jet skimmers any good? If i decide to spend more money which im thinking im going to do what would work better a wet/dry filter or a refugium?
 
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roadblock

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Jan 1, 2005
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avoid the visi-jet my friend, because they are just that, visible. visi-jets go in the tank and are not very attractive. I have a seaclone 100 on my 55 and for a tank that size it works well, and is very wallet friendly. about $89 online. as far as canister filters are concerned, I have a filstar xp2 which i think does an excellent job on my 55.
 
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