New to saltwater...

If you're not going to be using your Live Rock as your filtration I'd go with the canister filter. Many use the Live Rock because it is natural and less maintenance. I use both, but I'm just chicken.

Undergravel filters are a bit dated in the hobby but some still use them and admit to it openly. =)

Personally I'd not get the Rio pump. For my 55 I have MJ1200s right now but I'm getting ready to upgrade to Koralia #3s or #4s. They are a new midline powerhead and are getting raves.

Yes, you could add live rock to an established tank. I'd do it a little at a time though, not 50#s all in one shot or you'll get a big cycle again. You might consider mixing base rock with live rock to save money. The base rock will eventually become live if you surround it with live rock. A good ratio that is often suggested is 60% live to 40% base although some stretch it even further than that with the knowledge it will take longer for the live rock to seed the base.

You might want to take a look at a post I made after I answered your's last night. It has a few bits of information that might help. Mainly though keep doing what you're doing and that is asking for opinions BEFORE buying.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118995
 
That's what I thought on the filter question but I wasn't sure.

I just looked up the power heads that you currently have and they seem like a good choice.

I'm thinking about picking up the filter, heater, power heads, lighting and some live rock along with my tank this weekend.
 
Before you do it...I REALLY encourage you to check into a local reef club in your area. You'll find the members can give you local advice about your area fish stoers and you might even score some fantastic used equipment. Don't be afraid to by used equipment if you do it wisely. Buying from local club members is one of the wise ways to do it. Shoot, there is a guy on my local club that has to move and is selling his 120+ gallon tank for 600. Complete with very expensive expensive eqipment, corals, etc. I bought my lights for $200, etc. Live rock is often sold for $2 a pound versus $9-20 that it goes for around me. They'll often throw stuff your way for free and you'll get local discounts if the club has sponsors.

Seriously check it out before going this weekend. It is hard to be patient but if you can be a little bit more so you may find this hobby will cost you less than you it might if you just head off to the LFS.
 
just wanted to jump in on the cansiter filter...and to this, like everything else in this hobby is a personal opinion, but when if and when u get a canister filter remove the bio-balls and ne other media from it...after running for a while it will pretty much harbor nitrates and instead of helping will be putting more nitrates into ur display tank....so ur question is what do i put in it? well i have heard many say just put in LR rubble...which is just pieces of rock...then every so often when u do maintence "swish/swosh"(lol) them in the water ur take out of ur tank to get some of the good stuff off of em and then put them back....just a little tip for ya cause i just did this the other day with my canister ....just cause the pump is off dosent mean u can open the side...i have a fluval 305 and i turned it off and opened the lid and water GUSHED everywhere and since the way my room is arranged it was hard to get to the area where 3 gallons of water just poured on my floor...so take the hoses on the top off then open it near a sink or something...just a heads up if u get a canister filter....:) ...oh and take lots of pics if u can...if u dont ahve a camera borrow one..we all love to see pics:dance:
 
Grins said:
Before you do it...I REALLY encourage you to check into a local reef club in your area. You'll find the members can give you local advice about your area fish stoers and you might even score some fantastic used equipment. Don't be afraid to by used equipment if you do it wisely. Buying from local club members is one of the wise ways to do it. Shoot, there is a guy on my local club that has to move and is selling his 120+ gallon tank for 600. Complete with very expensive expensive eqipment, corals, etc. I bought my lights for $200, etc. Live rock is often sold for $2 a pound versus $9-20 that it goes for around me. They'll often throw stuff your way for free and you'll get local discounts if the club has sponsors.

Seriously check it out before going this weekend. It is hard to be patient but if you can be a little bit more so you may find this hobby will cost you less than you it might if you just head off to the LFS.
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lol heck yea...i got a full lighting system with two new bulbs worth 150 for 20 bucks, my fluval 305 for 20, a sump-RO/DI filter, and nice protein skimmer for 200, and im getting a crap load of frags for free..plus u meet many people...n definately hit up craigslist in ur local area i got my rock for 2.50 a lb...and im getting another prolly 150-200# for 150 bucks yup less then a dollar a #:drool:
 
Well I've already looked on craigslist. There is only one seller of live rock around me and they are selling it at $3 a pound. The LFS sells it for $5 a pound so it's a pretty good deal.

EDIT: I will definitely take lots of pictures as I progress. I don't what I'm supposed to call it, but I'm into cars and for that it's called a build thread. This can be my 55g SW build thread.

Another thing, I found 55 pounds of live rock for $100 flat. :)

Double EDIT: I already have my stand if you want pics of that lol
 
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atnixon said:
hmmmm...ok ok ok...who mentioned a photo update?

Niko
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Um, I dunno who you're asking this to. But emonemo told me to take lots of pics because you guys like pics. And I said I already have my stand if you want pictures of that...which I doubt it lol.

Then again, it's not really a "stand." This tank will almost be built in to the top of my bed. :)

EDIT: I'm interested in Butterfly fish as well. I heard they eat inverts so I guess it would be a bad idea to have one considering I want crabs/snail/shrimp for my clean up crew?
 
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