About to start my First Tank

[bo0sted2g]

Hello RC! I am excited to build my First Saltwater Tank. I am going to be running a 55Gal tank with 20gal sump. I am in the process of rounding up all the equipment right now. I am going to start out with FOWLR then adding corals in later on down the line after ive got everything under control and stable.

When running a sump do you also need to run an external canister filter? or do you get enough filtration from the LR and algae in the sump.

Im having a tough time deciding which lighting set up to choose. Like i said I plan on starting with fish and LR at the beginning with the option of adding corals later on. But with all the choices of T5, MH, and LED im not sure which path to take.

Thanks in advance for the help. Im really enjoying the RC community so far there is tons of fascinating information on here and everyone is extremely helpful!

[firebirdude]

Do you NEED a canister filter? Of course not.

As for lighting, I'd recommend just getting something cheap now. A used power compact or florescent setup maybe (probably under 50 bucks). The lighting to sustain corals in general is not cheap. There's no reason to put up the money and burn through expensive halide or T5 bulbs now, to simply give light to a FOWLR setup. Go for cheaper, lower power, lights now. When you're ready to move forward and have some experience under your belt, then you can spend the money and do it right.

[HCruzer]

Agree ^ The canister filter is not needed when you are using a sump. As for the Lighting get the best that is in your budget. LEDs are nice but costly. T5s are nice as well.

Cheers,
Henry

[Gilfish1]

As for the light, buy once buy right. I have the AquaticLife T5 6X39. Very low heat. It has 1 power cord with 3 light functions, including moon lights. I'm very pleased. Easy to use and well built.

[greech]

Canister isn't necessary but could be helpful for added water circulation and running media. Of course you can easily run media in your sump or get media reactors. If you end up using the cansiter just keep it cleaned out good and change media as needed so the filter does not get clogged up with waste, etc.

If you are uncertain on lighting and it will me a while before you want to add corals then just use a standard fluorescent for the time being. The way things are going with lighting these days, today's best light fixtures will be on clearance in 6 months (maybe that is an over exaggeration but you get the idea ). LEDs are really very nice so if you can swing the upfront cost then I would recommend taking a look at those.

[thegrun]

No need for the canister filter. If you think there is a good chance you will eventually have a reef tank, I would not start with a cheap lighting set-up, but a quality fixture right from the start. Why spend money on something you will not be able to use in the near future? LED lighting has a large initial cost, but in the long run they will save you money in both replacement bulbs and electricity costs. I recently changed over on my main tank and love the LED lighting.

[bo0sted2g]

Gilfish what was the approximate cost of your t5 setup? and will that be sufficient for keeping corals later on?
I agree id rather buy right the first time

[firebirdude]

Originally Posted by Gilfish1

As for the light, buy once buy right.

I would normally agree, but it's simply not worth it in this case. Why buy a multi-bulb T5 system to light a FOWLR tank?

Say he has to replace the bulbs twice before starting a full reef system. $30bulb x 6 bulbs x 2 times = $360 + increase electric consumption and added heat/evap to the tank. All money essentially wasted. Now he starts his reef setup with a fixture that has some significant usage on it too.

Or spend 50 bucks on a cheap less-powerful setup. The bulbs can be had at WalMart for a few bucks. Under $100 total wasted. THEN purchase the T5 fixture when you're ready to start the reef. Brand new and ready to rock.

[Gilfish1]

$400 including bulbs. They are only starter bulbs though. You will want to change them to your preference later. My son has the Hamilton 6 X39, Bulky and has 3 cords. I prefer the AquaticLife. LED's might be good down the line, but they are too expensive now.

[Gilfish1]

How many people continue with FOWLR? Bo0sted2g will be putting corals in the tank right away, RIGHT?

[Angel*Fish]

Lol - good point

I wouldn't spend my money on a canister.
As for the lighting question, I'm addicted to MH's because of the glitter effect. Some say that some LED's also do it, but I've not seen them. I love the look of the halides so much that I would have them on any tank. Right now all I have is a 100g packed with rock, zero corals and one tailspot blenny. I still only turn on the halides.

[firebirdude]

Originally Posted by Gilfish1

Bo0sted2g will be putting corals in the tank right away, RIGHT?

Being that he said he's starting FOWLR... I'd say no.

[pentrix2]

no skimmer?

i would go with the LED lighting. just make sure this is the tank size you really want and would be keeping for long term.

i first got a 30, then 57, then 90, and now on my fourth tank at 300gallon.

i say get what you can afford on equipment because the livestock is what's going to cost you, not the gear.

welcome and happy reefing!

Pen

[CLisPRO]

It all depends on what corals you want if you want sps go with leds or metal halides.
If you want lps go with a a high range t-5 4 bulb or 6 bulb and if you want just want mushrooms pretty much just anything

[peppie]

If it were me I would start out with the cheaper light and put a bunch of $ into a skimmer. Down the road when you decide what corals you are going to keep that will help you decide what type lighting will work for your choices. You will be better educated on the lighting systems that are out there. $100 is a spit in the bucket in this hobby. Most of us have wasted that on stupid newbee mistakes

[Angel*Fish]

Originally Posted by peppie

If it were me I would start out with the cheaper light and put a bunch of $ into a skimmer. Down the road when you decide what corals you are going to keep that will help you decide what type lighting will work for your choices. You will be better educated on the lighting systems that are out there. $100 is a spit in the bucket in this hobby. Most of us have wasted that on stupid newbee mistakes

I think that's good advice. If you're new to this you may not even know what the MH glitter effect is. If you haven't checked into it, buying used equipment can be a real money saver. Besides Craiglist, there may be a local reef club with a buying and selling forum. People are always moving or getting out of the hobby and selling nice equipment for good prices.

[bo0sted2g]

Thanks for all the input! lot of good points
I think i will go with the basic light set up for the time being while its fish only then ill upgrade when its coral time.
what size skimmer would you guys recommend for a 55 gal?

[RocketSurgeon]

Here is my argumentative statement: Odyssea 4 bulb T5's for less than $100. Best of both worlds! T5 lighting and only wasting $100 with a brand new fixture.

Many Metal Halide light fixtures are too large for the 55 gallon that is only 12 inches deep front to back. Also, if he is running a center brace, he may prefer two, and heat may become an issue on such a small tank.

As for the canister, if you already have it, save it for later, as you don't need it right now. If you haven't purchased it, don't.

Buy a decent skimmer and use live rock and power heads as your filter.

How do you plan getting DT water to sump? Tank Reef-Ready?

[bo0sted2g]

Unfortunately it is not Reef-Ready so I have use a hang on over flow.
and the Odyssea isnt bad on price, is it a decent light setup? and can it sustain some beginner corals?

[Angel*Fish]

If you haven't filed it with water yet, it's not to late to sell it and go reef ready. Or if it's possible to drill and install an overflow, often your LFS will do that for cheap. Especially if you purchased the tank from them.

All that may sound like a lot of trouble, but if your experience with a hang on overflow is anything like mine was, you'll be wishing you'd gotten a drilled tank.

[bo0sted2g]

It is not filled yet. But i bought it used for cheap. How much would having it drilled run me?
Hang on overflows really that bad?

[kolijahc]

Originally Posted by bo0sted2g

It is not filled yet. But i bought it used for cheap. How much would having it drilled run me?
Hang on overflows really that bad?

They can be problematic when the power goes out. Without return pump the tank will drain to wherever the bottom of the u-tubes are, possibly flooding your sump. Siphon to the u-tube is broken. Power comes back on, return comes back with no drainage, water everywhere.

The LFS near me charges 15 or 20 per hole, 2 always better than 1.

As for skimmers, good entry level skimmers are the coralife super skimmer 65, or the aqua c remora or urchin. You can always get a bigger skimmer than you need, if you get a bigger tank later you can still use it.

[Gilfish1]

Back to the lighting issue. You see bo0sted2g, your already talking about corals and you haven't even filled your tank. I think you should re-think what direction you really want to go. This will guide you to the right equipment.

[Lynnmw1208]

I would just buy a light right now that you can use later for corals because believe me, once you get the bug, you will want corals and more corals. so you might as well splurge on the light now rather than spend twice the amount of money on a cheap fixture then an expensive one. LEDs are supposed to be great because of low overall cost per month, but will cost tons up front. I went with T-5s because they give off less heat and still more energy efficient compared to MH. I also have an aquaticlife fixture and they are great! Their customer service is also top notch if you have an issue.

as for the canister filter, I wouldn't bother. Most people get reactors to hold carbon and granular ferric oxide which only cost around $60 for a dual one on bulk reef supply. much easier to change out than a canister that is for sure!

also about drilling, try glass-holes.com as they have kits to make it easier. If I can do it, you can do it, it's really not that hard. as long as you don't drill the bottom of your tank you'll be fine (because of tempering). you will be glad you did because I know I am!!

and remember, have fun and be patient! go slow and you will be rewarded

[IridescentLily]

You can use the following for lights;
Metal halide
T5
LED for evening viewing

ALL work well, it's just a matter of preference.
The (general) rule of thumb is 3 watts per gallon of tank water.
It's harder to get the color you want.
Also, T5 is a fixed, wide light. So if you get your corals are from somewhere that has them under halides, you will have to acclimate them to your tank, which isn't too hard.

You CAN use a canister with Gfo or gfac and it basically removes stuff via nitrite breakdown. But you have to get ride of the excess nitrates that build up in the bottom of the canister by cleaning it out every water change
Vs. A good skimmer removes stuff PERIOD, completely put of the water and you empty alittle cup on top. That's it.
A decent one for your tank would run around 180.00
A skimmer will work for a fowlr and a reef tank.

If you get coral you'll definitely need
more powerful water pumps and "power heads" than if you have a fowlr.

The expense will be for your live rock and/or base rock.
You'll need an average of 1 - 1 1/2 lbs of rock per gallon. It'll cost from 5-7 dollars a lb.
Some run a fowlr without live rock but very few run a reef without live or base rock. I had only a couple big pieces of rock in my 55 and 75. Ive got 30 lbs of it now in my 29g reef.
I've done it both ways, minimally and with all kinds of equipment. They're have their way of being "easier". Just depends. Things like "howoften am I gonna be home?" That'll tell you how much equipment you might need to make it easier. But the basics are light, rock, skimmer, pumps, testing kits,
etc. And don't worry you CAN use a hang on the back overflow with a u tube. You just have to watch it more. Lots of successful reefers here used one in their first setup. The DIY section has some rest ideas if your handy and this can offset some cost.




They are correct in telling you about a sump setup which is what most have here. Most, not All

I had two fowlrs and successfully kept bith tank, my fish for eight years. That was eight years ago
Just now am