equipment for 55g Fish-only setup

modelrr · 05/22/2006, 08:54 AM

here is a list of equipment, etc. for a FO setup:

-200W heater
-XP2 FilStar Canister Filter
-protein skimmer?
-powerheads (do I need them? if so how many gph should they be?)
-flourescent lighting
-thermometer

-aragamax sand
-25 lbs. "reef bones"
-salt
-testing equipment
-Kent Marine Aquarium pH buffer and Seachem Prime

-misc. supplies (including tubing, nets, algae scrapers, etc.)
-------------------------------------
Is this good? I plan to upgrade to fowlr later on, and finally reef.
thanks

chip721 · 05/22/2006, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by modelrr
here is a list of equipment, etc. for a FO setup:

-XP2 FilStar Canister Filter
-protein skimmer?
-powerheads (do I need them? if so how many gph should they be?)
-------------------------------------
Is this good? I plan to upgrade to fowlr later on, and finally reef.
thanks

I think you'd be off to a good start with this setup. Is the tank sumpless? Knowing that will help determine some of the equipment you may want going forward. A canister isn't bad, but be careful. They can very easily become nitrate traps if maintenance on them is overlooked.

Although it's not an absolute must, I'd seriously consider getting a good skimmer. They're a tremendous help in exporting excess nutrients and maintaining good water qaulity. There are many decent HOB or sump versions. Ask on this forum before you spend money on one. From experience, I suggest to stay away from SeaClone.

For flow, a couple Maxi-Jet 1200 (295 gph) will get you started in a FO setup. But in time as you move up to FOWLR and reef, you'll discover the need for increased flow.

You didn't mention or include RO in your list. Don't get in the habit of mixing SW with tap water. In a FO setup, in most cases using a good salt like Instant Ocean will bring your water into acceptable parameters. You may not even additives like pH buffer and prime. Mix IO with RO water and test the pH before adding stuff. Remember ...the LFS aways wants to make a sale. IMO, an RO unit, skimmer, lights, and test equipment are some of the most important components of your system. HTH. Good luck.

modelrr · 05/22/2006, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Is the tank sumpless?

I haven't gotten the tank yet (its off craigslist), but I'm pretty sure it is sumpless.

I was hoping not to have to spend the money on an RO unit. We use very clean well water, anyways. Would it be possible to fill the tank with tap water and just see how things go? I'll probably end up getting one eventually either way.

Quote:

I suggest to stay away from SeaClone.

Yeah, I've heard lots of negative reports on the SeaClone. How about the Coralife Super Skimmer, the Visi-Jet Protein Skimmer, or maybe the Typhoon Hang-on Skimmer?

About the filter...should I be getting the canister filter or not? What might be better to get?

thanks again

UPDATE: I just received an email saying that the aquarium I was looking at just got sold to somebody else

.

chrisbenavides · 05/22/2006, 11:32 AM

Go for a Remora AquaC. Is it really good, and skims skimmate really dark too. That would be about $200. If you want something that costs $40, try Jebo skimmers. I bought one, and was pretty suprised that it could skim really dark skimmate too. It just takes a few days longer than the Remora, but it works. Many people here will complain about Jebo's or now Odyssea products claiming they are just too cheap. Fine. But I guess I have been one of the lucking ones that have gotten well made, optimal performance. Not the best, but not the worst either. I think this skimmer is better than the Seaclone (which is I think $100ish).

meco65 · 05/22/2006, 04:33 PM

If your water is coming from a (well) you definately want to have a skimmer as well water tends to have a lot of minerals that dont go good in a SW tank.

05/22/2006, 08:54 AM	#1
modelrr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Vienna, Virginia Posts: 105	equipment for 55g Fish-only setup here is a list of equipment, etc. for a FO setup: -200W heater -XP2 FilStar Canister Filter -protein skimmer? -powerheads (do I need them? if so how many gph should they be?) -flourescent lighting -thermometer -aragamax sand -25 lbs. "reef bones" -salt -testing equipment -Kent Marine Aquarium pH buffer and Seachem Prime -misc. supplies (including tubing, nets, algae scrapers, etc.) ------------------------------------- Is this good? I plan to upgrade to fowlr later on, and finally reef. thanks

05/22/2006, 11:32 AM	#4
chrisbenavides Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Laredo, TX Posts: 1,897	Go for a Remora AquaC. Is it really good, and skims skimmate really dark too. That would be about $200. If you want something that costs $40, try Jebo skimmers. I bought one, and was pretty suprised that it could skim really dark skimmate too. It just takes a few days longer than the Remora, but it works. Many people here will complain about Jebo's or now Odyssea products claiming they are just too cheap. Fine. But I guess I have been one of the lucking ones that have gotten well made, optimal performance. Not the best, but not the worst either. I think this skimmer is better than the Seaclone (which is I think $100ish). __________________ ChrisBenavides Current Tank Info: 55g sw tank, Remora skimmer, powerfilter, 260w PC lights, 50 pounds live rock, 100 pounds sand, etc.... \| Seahorse Tank (3 H. Kuda, 2 Pep.) 30g tall, skimmer, 130w PC lights, HOB Penguin filter, 30 pounds Fiji and Tonga branch l.r., 4 inch sand bed.

05/22/2006, 04:33 PM	#5
meco65 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Arkansas Posts: 1,603	If your water is coming from a (well) you definately want to have a skimmer as well water tends to have a lot of minerals that dont go good in a SW tank.