Help! I'm just getting started and have questions about setup!

[jwb0126]

Help! I'm just a rookie and just getting started. My parents had several tanks when I was young (about 20 years ago) so I remember a few things, but not many. I got a 55 long tank yesterday and am in the planning stages of setting it up. I am planning on building a stand and hood for it, but have several questions.

1. I am planning on using the Tropical Playsand that I have seen mentioned in several threads. DO I NEED TO BOIL/STERILIZE IT BEFORE I PUT IT IN THE TANK? and HOW MUCH WILL I NEED TO COVER A 55GAL TANK?

2. I am still in college and am going for a low budget setup to start with and am planning on building a hood with lights, but ARE THERE ANY HIGH POWER FIXTURES THAT I CAN BUY CHEAP AT HOME DEPOT AND JUST GET THE BULBS FROM A PETSHOP? And what type of bulbs are recommended to just start out? I am not planning on adding any live coral or anything fancy at this time (that will come later) just fish and live rock for now.

3. Are there any already laid out designs for stands and hoods for a 55gal tank anywhere on the site or the internet? I can design and build my own, but this would be convenient.

4. I am probably going to build a sump, but HOW BIG OF A SUMP TANK DO I NEED FOR A 55GAL TANK?

5. From what I have been told, the basic steps and equipment that i need to get started are as follows:

Substrate - Playsand as mentioned
Heater
live rock
filter system
Stand and hood with lights

What am I forgetting?

THANKS!!!

 

[drummereef]

jwb0126,


<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>




Many of your questions can be answered here....

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1031074

 

[fatdaddy]

Re: Help! I'm just getting started and have questions about setup!

1. I am planning on using the Tropical Playsand that I have seen mentioned in several threads. DO I NEED TO BOIL/STERILIZE IT BEFORE I PUT IT IN THE TANK? and HOW MUCH WILL I NEED TO COVER A 55GAL TANK?

No, don't bother. Just use a calcium based sand, and you'll be good.

As for how much, there are calculators, but 40# will get you started.

2. I am still in college and am going for a low budget setup to start with and am planning on building a hood with lights, but ARE THERE ANY HIGH POWER FIXTURES THAT I CAN BUY CHEAP AT HOME DEPOT AND JUST GET THE BULBS FROM A PETSHOP? And what type of bulbs are recommended to just start out? I am not planning on adding any live coral or anything fancy at this time (that will come later) just fish and live rock for now.

The bad news is this is not a cheap hobby. You may be able to find other lights, but look for the K rating. Most reef tanks have 10,000K lights to get the blue lights that grow. I've been able to get ahold of 6000K lights for refugium lighting, but I don't know how these will work for a reef tank. diyreef.com might have some things you can use.

3. Are there any already laid out designs for stands and hoods for a 55gal tank anywhere on the site or the internet? I can design and build my own, but this would be convenient.

You may want to ask in the "do it yourself" forum.

4. I am probably going to build a sump, but HOW BIG OF A SUMP TANK DO I NEED FOR A 55GAL TANK?

Bigger the better. however, think in terms of how much equipment you have. I'd keep an eye on craigs list and wait for a used aquarium to float by on the cheap.

5. From what I have been told, the basic steps and equipment that i need to get started are as follows:

Substrate - Playsand as mentioned
Heater
live rock
filter system
Stand and hood with lights

What am I forgetting?


What sort of filter system are you thinking of? I'd recommend a skimmer, but not much else.

I'd add some powerheads to have good water movement. You may want to read a book on reef aquariums.




THANKS!!! [/B][/QUOTE]