Just starting

SaltydawgI · 03/21/2010, 03:22 PM

Hello noob here. I am just starting in the saltwater hobby. I have a 55g, coralife aqualight 2x65 10ks and 2x65 actinics w/4 moon leds. I am planning to use an old 10g as a sump w/ seaclone 100 skimmer. 2 power heads and 1" drain w/ a 550gph return. Any helpful info I can get would be greatly appreciated. I have No LR :/

burtonpj48 · 03/21/2010, 03:27 PM

welcome! I recommend 2 heaters for the tank. If you plan to keep it in ur sump, keep the heaters as far away from each other as you can. Using 2 heaters, the temperature will not fluctuate. Also buy a small kitchen scale to mix your salt. Its so much easier than using a cup to measure it.

MrMarth · 03/21/2010, 03:28 PM

You're going to have to start with getting some live rock. You can go as low as a lb per gallon (so 55lbs of rock for you). Then you can start to "cycle" (another word for curing) the tank with the rock, sand, a heater, and your power heads. You will need to run this without adding wildlife until your tank has 0 ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite (you can buy test kits for these at most of your local fish stores). From there it's up to you to decide if you want a reef tank or a fish only tank. Good luck

SaltydawgI · 03/21/2010, 03:47 PM

Well I would like it to be a FOWLR tank. I read not to put the live sand in(which I already have) until the LR is fully cured. ??
55g tank & light 260w.jpg

tank deco.jpg

10g sump.jpg

back shot.jpg

Sisterlimonpot · 03/21/2010, 03:53 PM

To Reef Central
Don't worry about the live sand it'll be fine, have you read the first time on RC look here thread? If not is is highly recommended to read through it first. it has tons of great info. Good luck with your new tank.

SaltydawgI · 03/21/2010, 05:17 PM

Awesome thanks

03/21/2010, 03:22 PM	#1
SaltydawgI Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Rochester Posts: 151	Just starting Hello noob here. I am just starting in the saltwater hobby. I have a 55g, coralife aqualight 2x65 10ks and 2x65 actinics w/4 moon leds. I am planning to use an old 10g as a sump w/ seaclone 100 skimmer. 2 power heads and 1" drain w/ a 550gph return. Any helpful info I can get would be greatly appreciated. I have No LR :/

03/21/2010, 03:53 PM	#5
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	*To Reef Central* Don't worry about the live sand it'll be fine, have you read the first time on RC look here thread? If not is is highly recommended to read through it first. it has tons of great info. Good luck with your new tank. __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

03/21/2010, 03:27 PM	#2
burtonpj48 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 79	welcome! I recommend 2 heaters for the tank. If you plan to keep it in ur sump, keep the heaters as far away from each other as you can. Using 2 heaters, the temperature will not fluctuate. Also buy a small kitchen scale to mix your salt. Its so much easier than using a cup to measure it.

03/21/2010, 03:28 PM	#3
MrMarth Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 139	You're going to have to start with getting some live rock. You can go as low as a lb per gallon (so 55lbs of rock for you). Then you can start to "cycle" (another word for curing) the tank with the rock, sand, a heater, and your power heads. You will need to run this without adding wildlife until your tank has 0 ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite (you can buy test kits for these at most of your local fish stores). From there it's up to you to decide if you want a reef tank or a fish only tank. Good luck

03/21/2010, 03:47 PM	#4
SaltydawgI Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Rochester Posts: 151	Well I would like it to be a FOWLR tank. I read not to put the live sand in(which I already have) until the LR is fully cured. ?? 55g tank & light 260w.jpg tank deco.jpg 10g sump.jpg back shot.jpg

03/21/2010, 05:17 PM	#6
SaltydawgI Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Rochester Posts: 151	Awesome thanks