salt water newbie looking for help and advice

[reaper2702]

Hello all from Bellevue Nebraska,

My name is Ken and I have been keeping freshwater aquariums on and off throughout my life. When I was younger I used to breed Platties and molly’s and I love fish/aquariums overall. I just retired from the Army and have found my son loves the hobby as much as I do. I currently have a 30 gal Freshwater tank in my office with relatively easy fish to care for, 3 gourami’s (Flame, golden, and dwarf iridescent) a few Aussie rainbow fish and 2 Barbs. Suffice to say the tank is full but they are all full grown and get along fine. All is well and my son (Alex, 9) wants to get a saltwater tank for our living room.
I have read this forum now a bit amongst others and I have many, many questions. I want to get a 55 gal tank and currently have about a 1500 dollar budget. I am familiar with the normal freshwater principals of cycling the tank but I want to really try (and succeed at) keeping a few corals with live rock and saltwater fish.
As of right now I know I need the basics Filter, Heater, Sand, Live Rock (How much?) and moreover I know little about power heads and the type of lighting necessary to keep these beautiful masterpieces. My son is really excited and I want to make sure I get it right as he wants to become a marine biologist when he gets older (He already knows the various fish names in Latin). What are a few good starter corals? How do I adequately care for them (Food) I read many are carnivorous do you use feeder fish? I know I will be looking at LMS corals as they are beginner friendly. As far as the fish go I know he wants a flame angle and possibly a dwarf lionfish. What other types of fish can I add? No more then 5-6 in the tank I don’t want to overcrowd them. I think I care more about the fish than the average Joe and a good quality of life is important to me. With salt water do I need a refugium? Or can I mix the water in a 5 gal bucket used specifically for water changes? Is there more to worry about than the PH, NO2, and NO3? Does water hardness factor into the equation? Is sand type a factor? I see so many different brands and labels I’m not sure what’s good and what’s not.

It is important to note I do not have an unlimited budget and I want this to be an experience for me and my son to both learn together. I am almost positive that I have forgotten a great many things any advice and a link possibly to a 55 gal setup walkthrough would be GREATLY appreciated.
Lastly my son is legally blind with functional vision, I believe he really loves the aquariums due to the bright colors. Are there any beginner corals that fit this description?
Thank you all in advance for your help. I am open to any advice and I will take good advice! I just don’t want to mess this up for him.

[gone fishin]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1031074

Try reading this, it may answer a lot of your questions. I might suggest going a little bigger or smaller on the tank. A 55g footprint is a tough one due to its narrowness. just my 2 cents and good luck

[bobpiker]

You'll find all you need in the link above, my friend. My biggest initial recommendation would be for a sump (biggest you can fit) and a good skimmer rated for a tank a little larger than yours.

[Sgt Jonny Cat]

Welcome aboard...I'm pretty new to this hobby myself, (6 months) I have a 55 gallon tank, and I can tell you 2 things:

1. Get a reef ready tank which means its drilled and ready for a sump/refugium. I didn't start that way, and I now use an overflow system which is fine, but I wish I had a drilled tank.

and

2. Patients....patients....patients....nothing good ever comes from this hobby when you rush.

Spend as much time on this forum as you can, many people here are very knowledgeable and ready to help you out.

[criticalencore]

Go 75g at least. The 12" depth of a 55g sucks....12" front to back isn't enough. Or go 3' long 40b. At least 18" depth

[Sgt Jonny Cat]

Good point on the depth...12 inches on a 55 G isn't a lot...

[IanWR]

With a 1500 budget I would urge you to consider a smaller tank. Costs of everything go up as you go up in size: more lights, bigger pumps and powerheads, more rock, etc.. There are some really nice aio tanks (eg the IM nuvo series) that are quiet, easy to maintain, and won't break the bank.

[DSMpunk]

I think 1500 is a reasonable budget for a 55 IF you go used. In fact, I would recommend going with a 120 48x24x24 if you can find a deal.

I managed to pickup a whole 125g setup for 1000$ that included a brand new apex controller, sump, skimmer etc. Check out craigslist or see if your area has a reef club.

[shesacharmer]

+1 on Craigslist. I got a used 75 gal running system with sand, rock, MH light, stand, canopy, 30 gal refugium, a skimmer, an ATO, a few starter corals and 3 fish for $350. I added a heater, extra filter socks and changed the lights.

You'll need 1-1.5 lbs of rock per gal. And please consider your size carefully. Larger tanks tend to be more stable for water quality as you know from FW. I'm an average height female and I can barely reach the bottom of my 21" tank for cleaning and maintenance unless you are tall a deep tank can pose issues.

Welcome to the wonderful world of SW and Reef Central. The people here know their stuff and are very generous with their assistance. You've come to the right place!