Question

Magga Pie · 02/18/2008, 06:35 PM

Ok so I have been reading alot on here and everyone is saying to buy a skimmer and just have LR for the tank. But my question is if im trying to start up a fowlr 55 g tank and later add corals to it. I have heard people that just purchase a biowheel filter I would get purchase the Emperor 400. I would also buy powerheads for more flow in the tank and also add LR little by little due to money issues. I would love to have a SW tank and really want to set one up so can anyone tell me if this could work.

hanas · 02/18/2008, 06:45 PM

You could use an Emperor for a fish only, but I would really suggest just using a LR and a good skimmer instead. Patience is huge in this hobby, and buying good equipment up front will save you lots of money (and headaches) down the road. I would really take your time setting it up and be really patient, it sucks having to wait, but once it's all set you'll be glad you did.

jonbry123 · 02/18/2008, 06:46 PM

Magga, IMO unless you spend a bit of money on a high end skimmer and depending on your bioload-how many animals you have, a less expensive skimmer and an emperor filter probably would not be sufficient except maybe in the beginning. Those tanks with just a skimmer and LR generally are reeftanks and have a low fish population. Some fish really add a lot of waste to the water such as the tangs which are generally great reef fish. I would also maybe recommend a canister filter rather than an emperor filter although I have used them and found them to be ok on the fresh water tanks I've had. Rena makes a relatively good and inexpensive canister filter you may want to consider.

Scott

Magga Pie · 02/18/2008, 06:50 PM

Can anyone tell me what equipment I should save my money for if im a begginer Im kinda lost when it comes to what to buy not to buy. I really dont want to waste my money on items I dont need Thanks

Sk8r · 02/18/2008, 06:50 PM

Look in the Used Equipment section of RC. that can help.
If you are on a strict budget, try a 29g aquapod [google] or the like: all needed equipment included in this all-in-one. No sump, but small enough you can live without it if you don't get many or any large fish. Fish stress a system: corals less so, although their demand for good water conditions may mildly stress the reefer. Best learn the ropes with that, then trade up. Ask people to show you pix of functioning aquapods: they're a good deal.

jonbry123 · 02/18/2008, 06:55 PM

There are many different opionions on what type of equipment is best. As for the skimmers IMO AquaC and Bermuda Aquatics make some of the best skimmers. I've used both for years and they have always outperformed many others. Many also like the Euroreef line and ASM skimmers as well. Never used them but most who have really like them as well. I would stay away from skimmers such as the Seaclone as most will tell you they do not work and I know from personal experience as well. As Sk8r mentioned you can go into the used equipment section and maybe find a used one you decide on and save a ton of money.

Scott

Magga Pie · 02/18/2008, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sk8r
Look in the Used Equipment section of RC. that can help.
If you are on a strict budget, try a 29g aquapod [google] or the like: all needed equipment included in this all-in-one. No sump, but small enough you can live without it if you don't get many or any large fish. Fish stress a system: corals less so, although their demand for good water conditions may mildly stress the reefer. Best learn the ropes with that, then trade up. Ask people to show you pix of functioning aquapods: they're a good deal.

I went to drsfosterandsmith what is the difference between the 24 Gallon, 64W Compact Fluorescent System and 24 Gallon
w/SunPod ?

creep · 02/18/2008, 08:03 PM

I believe the difference is that the sunpod one has a metal halide light, which is much brighter than the compact fluorescent light. The metal halide is great for growing corals and clams. As for what equipment you should get if you decide to do a 55gal tank I would highly recommend a sump and a skimmer. I used a Coralife super skimmer on my 40 gal tank that worked great. Also LR is great for filtration, make sure you have plenty in your tank.

jamest0o0 · 02/18/2008, 08:17 PM

IMO best bet is to save up for a high quality skimmer and all the live rock at once... that way you never have to upgrade those and your tank won't go through mini cycles when you add LR... GL

jonbry123 · 02/18/2008, 08:39 PM

I definitely agree with James. I've been in the hobby a long time and what you'll lose in animals if you buy cheap will more than make up for what you'll spend on quality equipment.

Scott

Magga Pie · 02/18/2008, 09:37 PM

How about this skimmer? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...4&pcatid=13924

Magga Pie · 02/18/2008, 10:20 PM

Anyone?

creep · 02/18/2008, 10:48 PM

That is a decent skimmer, I had that on my 40 gal. I would recommend getting at the 125 for a 55 gal tank.

02/18/2008, 06:35 PM	#1
Magga Pie Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miami Fl Posts: 1,490	Question Ok so I have been reading alot on here and everyone is saying to buy a skimmer and just have LR for the tank. But my question is if im trying to start up a fowlr 55 g tank and later add corals to it. I have heard people that just purchase a biowheel filter I would get purchase the Emperor 400. I would also buy powerheads for more flow in the tank and also add LR little by little due to money issues. I would love to have a SW tank and really want to set one up so can anyone tell me if this could work.

02/18/2008, 06:46 PM	#3
jonbry123 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: allentown, pa Posts: 581	Magga, IMO unless you spend a bit of money on a high end skimmer and depending on your bioload-how many animals you have, a less expensive skimmer and an emperor filter probably would not be sufficient except maybe in the beginning. Those tanks with just a skimmer and LR generally are reeftanks and have a low fish population. Some fish really add a lot of waste to the water such as the tangs which are generally great reef fish. I would also maybe recommend a canister filter rather than an emperor filter although I have used them and found them to be ok on the fresh water tanks I've had. Rena makes a relatively good and inexpensive canister filter you may want to consider. Scott __________________ Bryan "You can swim all day in the Sea of Knowledge and still come out completely dry."-Norman Juster Current Tank Info: 300gl FOWLR/155glRT

02/18/2008, 06:50 PM	#5
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Look in the Used Equipment section of RC. that can help. If you are on a strict budget, try a 29g aquapod [google] or the like: all needed equipment included in this all-in-one. No sump, but small enough you can live without it if you don't get many or any large fish. Fish stress a system: corals less so, although their demand for good water conditions may mildly stress the reefer. Best learn the ropes with that, then trade up. Ask people to show you pix of functioning aquapods: they're a good deal. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

02/18/2008, 06:55 PM	#6
jonbry123 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: allentown, pa Posts: 581	There are many different opionions on what type of equipment is best. As for the skimmers IMO AquaC and Bermuda Aquatics make some of the best skimmers. I've used both for years and they have always outperformed many others. Many also like the Euroreef line and ASM skimmers as well. Never used them but most who have really like them as well. I would stay away from skimmers such as the Seaclone as most will tell you they do not work and I know from personal experience as well. As Sk8r mentioned you can go into the used equipment section and maybe find a used one you decide on and save a ton of money. Scott __________________ Bryan "You can swim all day in the Sea of Knowledge and still come out completely dry."-Norman Juster Current Tank Info: 300gl FOWLR/155glRT

02/18/2008, 08:17 PM	#9
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	IMO best bet is to save up for a high quality skimmer and all the live rock at once... that way you never have to upgrade those and your tank won't go through mini cycles when you add LR... GL __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

02/18/2008, 06:45 PM	#2
hanas Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 795	You could use an Emperor for a fish only, but I would really suggest just using a LR and a good skimmer instead. Patience is huge in this hobby, and buying good equipment up front will save you lots of money (and headaches) down the road. I would really take your time setting it up and be really patient, it sucks having to wait, but once it's all set you'll be glad you did.

02/18/2008, 08:03 PM	#8
creep Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Cypress, Ca Posts: 379	I believe the difference is that the sunpod one has a metal halide light, which is much brighter than the compact fluorescent light. The metal halide is great for growing corals and clams. As for what equipment you should get if you decide to do a 55gal tank I would highly recommend a sump and a skimmer. I used a Coralife super skimmer on my 40 gal tank that worked great. Also LR is great for filtration, make sure you have plenty in your tank.

02/18/2008, 08:39 PM	#10
jonbry123 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: allentown, pa Posts: 581	I definitely agree with James. I've been in the hobby a long time and what you'll lose in animals if you buy cheap will more than make up for what you'll spend on quality equipment. Scott __________________ Bryan "You can swim all day in the Sea of Knowledge and still come out completely dry."-Norman Juster Current Tank Info: 300gl FOWLR/155glRT

02/18/2008, 09:37 PM	#11
Magga Pie Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miami Fl Posts: 1,490	How about this skimmer? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...4&pcatid=13924

02/18/2008, 10:20 PM	#12
Magga Pie Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miami Fl Posts: 1,490	Anyone?

02/18/2008, 10:48 PM	#13
creep Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Cypress, Ca Posts: 379	That is a decent skimmer, I had that on my 40 gal. I would recommend getting at the 125 for a 55 gal tank.