Ok, I'm really liking these SW tanks

Well depending on how dense the rock is you will need about 1-1 1/2 pounds per gallon, I think DSB's (deep sand beds) are the way to go so on a 55 you should have between 70-90 lbs and I would just get dry argonite sand as it is much cheaper and your LR (live rock) will seed the sand and make it live. I think refugiums are the way to go for filtration and a 29 gallon would be good for a 55, here is a link for sumps, refugiums http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html . You are going to need PH's (power heads) and I would recomend 2 Koralia 3's and I suggest a good skimmer, I like the ASM's Euro Reef's and the Octopus skimmers and you ashould get one that is rated twice the total water volume of you system as they are usually over rated some. With lighting if you plan to keep clams or anemones you will need intense lighting as in upper end T-5's or MH's, the T-5's dont produce as much heat and are usually cheaper to run and bulb replacement but you wont get the shimmer lines, the MH's do produce a nice shimmer line and alot of people like that. I would suggest looking at as many tanks with different lighting in person as you can to get an idea what looks good to you. I am not trying to confuse you but this hobby can be confusing and it is better to know the different posabilties before you buy any htimg so it will be cheaper when you are finished with all the purchases. Have fun setting it up and watching it grow and keep asking questions :grinyes:.
 
Look into the 40g breeder for your mixed reef instead of the 55g. The others are right, it is difficult to get the rocks you way you want them in a 55. Take at look at the Advice to Newbie posts in my signature below, especially the shopping list it includes.
 
Lady.. :D Well I'll take the blame if you decide to get into the salty side.. But I won't take the blame for any of your spending practices.. LOL

What I personally suggest is that you start with Robert Fenners book "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist: A Commonsense Handbook for Successful Saltwater" I have even seen this book at PetCo recently in some of their book racks..

Once you decide on some possible stock then you go back and decide what you want to do for your tank size. Just remember the salty hobby is not cheap in any way shape or form. There are ways to get around some of the costs by DIY, good ebayers, a local reef club, craigslist.com to name a few. But realistically if you want to do corals you'll need good lights. The tank will probably be the cheapest thing you buy.

I'm not wanting to scare you off but I'm a realist and do this so if you truly do want to get into the salty side that you can come armed with a list of questions in which people can point you in a direction to make your choice.

Hope that helps.
Mark
 
Lady G said:
I need to know what would be the very first begining thing to look into for a 55g SW tank? I will in no way be ready to even think about starting the tank for at least 2 more months really. Now I know 55 isn't all impressive but that is what I would be able to work with.

Remember I know absolutely NOTHING about SW, and yes I will be reading the stickies about cycling and everything, just want some thoughts on where to begin.

BTW, yeah..Thanks for this CLOWN your darn blog made me want one now more than ever and I'm not going to be happy until I can set one up, I now have a new obsession thanks to you!!!! Just no I hold you personally responsible for this!!
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I knew we'd get you here eventually.... :)
 
archer772 said:
Well depending on how dense the rock is you will need about 1-1 1/2 pounds per gallon, I think DSB's (deep sand beds) are the way to go so on a 55 you should have between 70-90 lbs and I would just get dry argonite sand as it is much cheaper and your LR (live rock) will seed the sand and make it live. I think refugiums are the way to go for filtration and a 29 gallon would be good for a 55, here is a link for sumps, refugiums http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html . You are going to need PH's (power heads) and I would recomend 2 Koralia 3's and I suggest a good skimmer, I like the ASM's Euro Reef's and the Octopus skimmers and you ashould get one that is rated twice the total water volume of you system as they are usually over rated some. With lighting if you plan to keep clams or anemones you will need intense lighting as in upper end T-5's or MH's, the T-5's dont produce as much heat and are usually cheaper to run and bulb replacement but you wont get the shimmer lines, the MH's do produce a nice shimmer line and alot of people like that. I would suggest looking at as many tanks with different lighting in person as you can to get an idea what looks good to you. I am not trying to confuse you but this hobby can be confusing and it is better to know the different posabilties before you buy any htimg so it will be cheaper when you are finished with all the purchases. Have fun setting it up and watching it grow and keep asking questions :grinyes:.
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WOW, thanks!!!!!!!!!!! This is great:grinyes:

Grins said:
Look into the 40g breeder for your mixed reef instead of the 55g. The others are right, it is difficult to get the rocks you way you want them in a 55. Take at look at the Advice to Newbie posts in my signature below, especially the shopping list it includes.
Click to expand...
I have a 55g already, that is why I was going to go w/ the 55. Thank you though for the advice. I will look through your link. I do dislike the footprint of a 55 and agree, if I didn't already have one I would like to go another way most likely. Although in the end I may end up looking into something else and using the 55 for something else (may have to move to a bigger house:) for all this!)

clown-lover said:
Lady.. :D Well I'll take the blame if you decide to get into the salty side.. But I won't take the blame for any of your spending practices.. LOL

What I personally suggest is that you start with Robert Fenners book "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist: A Commonsense Handbook for Successful Saltwater" I have even seen this book at PetCo recently in some of their book racks..

Once you decide on some possible stock then you go back and decide what you want to do for your tank size. Just remember the salty hobby is not cheap in any way shape or form. There are ways to get around some of the costs by DIY, good ebayers, a local reef club, craigslist.com to name a few. But realistically if you want to do corals you'll need good lights. The tank will probably be the cheapest thing you buy.

I'm not wanting to scare you off but I'm a realist and do this so if you truly do want to get into the salty side that you can come armed with a list of questions in which people can point you in a direction to make your choice.

Hope that helps.
Mark
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Well, Mark...I will be expecting monthly "fish support" checks from you once I get going:grinno:!!!!

I will have to start out slowly though, getting the most important things to start, along with a few corals and fish that I want most.

Yes, I LOVE Ebay and aquabid and will be frequenting those sites!
 
So I've been looking at livestock. Here is what I think I'm interested in so far.

Fish
Pair of Clowns (common)
Pair of Banggai Cardinals
Royal Gramma
Lawn Mower Blenny

Shrimp
Scarlet skunk
Banded Coral

Snails
Bumble bee
Jumbo Cerith
mexican turbo

Corals and stuff
Leather corals
Feather duster
Pin cushion
Green Bullseye mushroom
Green Sea Matt
Gold sea matt

Please feel free to add, take away, suggest away!!! I am just looking right now and will end up changing my mind 100 times I'm sure but this is what I have looked at so far that comes up as beginner friendly.
 
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