im a newbie

[kidkorn]

This is my first tank any help would be appreciated. I have a 55g starter aquarium. So

Photos in my album far I have 30lbs live sand and 35lbs live rock. 2 damsels and 1 clown (the girlfriend had to get a nemo). I have a whisper filter that came with the kit. 1 power head(not a good one). I did upgrade the lighting to a deep blue t5 HO 2 lamp 48" with the the blue led's. Here is a picture of what I have so far. Been running for a month now. Would like to add coral, what should I start with first?

Photos won't upload from my tablet. Will upload later.

Photos in my album.

 

[reyom10]

What are your water parameters first? How long has it been up and running? You probably should have a protien skimmer (HOB) assuming this is not a reef ready tank. I also have Zoes (easy to keep), leather (easy to keep), a few rbta (not recomended for new setup), frogspawn (little tough),hammercoral(little tough) and mushrooms(very easy) ect. also have HOB if others agree you need it. Do you run a sump?

 

[rjmayes34]

I would agree that you will need a skimmer if you adds more fish. For now i think that you wont need one, as long as your not over feeding, and you get a Clean Up Crew(CUC) But how often are you planning on doing water changes? You will have to do them more often without a skimmer. Instead of 10-15 gallon a week,or 15-20 gallons every other you should do two 5-7 gallons a each week.

With only a two bulb fixture you are going to be limited on placement of corals. You will have to carefully choose your spots.
I agree with the corals listed above, if your tank has been set up for a few months then you could pretty much add any coral. A lot of the LPS's are easy. They dont really require feeding but will grow faster with feeding.
If i could go back i would be a lot more carefull with my coral selection. Not that i dont like what i have, just now i want to get rid of this so i can add that cause i like the color of that one better, and so on. I loved everything early on and wanted it! Not i just like different version of what i have better so ill have to sell mine, then buy the one i want cause im out of room...and i have a 120!! Take you time picking what you like, it will grow and be in the way and it will sting something, then you'll have to move something Can you tell ive done it a few times!!

Sorry for the long post Good luck with your tank!!!

 

[rjmayes34]

Forgot to say also,
I say tell us what corals your thinking you like and we can tell you what we think!!!

O and that is just my opinion!! Their are many (most everybody) other people on here that have much more knowledge in reefing than i do. I am relatively new to the hobby and have only been in it for a year and a half! But like i said that just my opinion