CANT WAIT!!! 55 gal.....

ChunksInClemson

ChunksInClemson

New member
I am wanting to get a 55 gal so I can attempt to breed some false percs. Could someone give me (besides the tank and stand) everything I will need. I don't want a lot of coral, but do want an LTA for my clowns. I also think I want to go the sump route. Can someone explain the sump system to me and the advantages and disadvantages and or other routes of filtration? I just want to understand the system, lights, filtration, and all those other capital letters yall use lol. Thanks for your time!
 
I dont think tankers comment is stupid, its just short. You have asked very broad questions which IMO would take a book or two to answer. Keep reading as much as you can. The answers are here in these forums, just keep researching.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6752900#post6752900 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fragaholic
I dont think tankers comment is stupid, its just short. You have asked very broad questions which IMO would take a book or two to answer. Keep reading as much as you can. The answers are here in these forums, just keep researching.
Click to expand...

Thanks "fragaholic". There is just too much for to answer simply.
I really do want to help. :)
 
Well, to me, if you're not gonna post anything worth helping, then dont waste my time-read it and go on to something else. BTW, got a huge parking ticket today so i'm kinda grumpy. One question at a time then, What type of mechanical filtering system would you recommend for a 55-Just a skimmer with biofilter(LR)? What is the point of a sump simply?
 
Read all the WaterKeeper threads and you will have a good understanding of what Tanker and Fragaholic mean.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6752932#post6752932 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ChunksInClemson
Well, to me, if you're not gonna post anything worth helping, then dont waste my time-read it and go on to something else. BTW, got a huge parking ticket today so i'm kinda grumpy. One question at a time then, What type of mechanical filtering system would you recommend for a 55-Just a skimmer with biofilter(LR)? What is the point of a sump simply?
Click to expand...

OK.

1) A mechanical filter is OK for a FOWLR, but not good for a reef.--Makes to much nitrates. If you have enought LR (2+ lbs per gal) then all you need is a good skimmer. Buy the best you can afford.

2) A sump has many uses (again depends on what you want/need it for). It puts all your equipment out of tank. Easier to do water changes (do them in the sump). Can be set-up as a refugium (more LR, LS, DSB, ect). Also IMO it increases your total water---makes system more stable.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6752984#post6752984 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ChunksInClemson
Great reply! Thanks. How many watts of lighting will i need?MH? Actinic or not? Just some rules of thumb would be good.
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Too me you can never really have "TOO MUCH" light. Anemone all need lots of light. MH always better. A 55gal (assumeing a 48" tank) would need two bulbs. One bulb only covers about 24 inches of surface. I would go 250 watts minimum.

Actinics are needed depending on the "K" value of the MH bulb you buy. PC are either actinic or not--but they do have some "double" bulbs that have both (one blue one white).

PS-- Clowns do not need an anemone to live.
 
LTA's require intense light. I have 1 in my 55 under 2 250watt MH's and is doing very well. I would suggest MH for a LTA, you might be able to get away with t-5's but im not sure. Bubble tips (BTA) are lower light demanding and hardier, might want to start with one of those.
Actinics are not necesarry, really they are just for astetics (sp?).
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6752811#post6752811 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ChunksInClemson
Kinda obvious statement, Im looking for help, not for people who just post stupid comments just to add a post to their count.
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PSS--I could care less about my "POST COUNT".
 
Thanks guys. I thought I knew a good bit about saltwater until I joined the forum. I just want a simple 55 gallon with paired clowns and an anemone. I know they dont need one to live but it fascinates me. Its the reason I got into saltwater. Those LFS's dont tell you that you need all this crap. No wonder my anemones in my 20gal would die within months-my lighting wasn't good enough.

Fragaholic, how much did your lighting cost for your 55? and what are t-5's and PC?

I really appreciate the help guys. ALL THIS INFO IS SOOO OVERWHELMING!!!!


DEEP DOWN YOU CARE! J/K
 
T-5 and PC are different types of bulbs and light systems. If you're keeping coral or using MH bulbs they typically act as support lights although they can keep some coral, mostly soft coral, anything hard typically recommends MH.
 
As far as breeding goes I have seen in LFS where they will put a clear divider between each Clown fish if the sex is unknow. Overtime one will be male and one will be female.
 
Well, I would start by getting the lights. I would get the mh retro kits from hellolights.com Do you already have this 55 gallon tank? I would spend $20 more and just get a 75 gallon tank. Much better for aquascaping and you'll have more room.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6753670#post6753670 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FischGuy
Here is a thread that is years in the making. All sorts of info to get you started...
Waterkeeper's thread for newbies


my post count is on the rise...
Click to expand...
If I wasn't so long winded my post count would be better. :D

Chuck, you need to take a little advise on that anemone. They are not the easiest critters to keep and one dying in a small tank can wipe out almost everything. Sure start with the clowns but hold off on the anemone till you gain some experience. Trust us, the clowns don't need an anemone to survive or breed. Here is a ton of info on clowns and breeding them- Clownfish FAQ's
 
I think someone should mention that its suggested that you wait for a year before adding an anemone to a tank. Anemones require stable water conditions, and will not do well in a newly cycled tank.
 
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