New 55g tank

[SaltSolutions1]

First-time saltwater setup.

I will be picking up the tank tonight. As far as filtration, lighting and all hardware, what do I need to get for this tank?

Cannot do a sump due to lack of space. So, with that said, I will be trying a fish only, but would like to add coral at a later time.

Looking to get a pair of percula clowns, damsels, and yellow tangs. The fish selection is not a definate yet.

What would be a perfect set of inhabitants for this size tank?

 

[IFbettas]

When I set up my first saltwater aquarium it was a 55 gallon and I had a pair of ocellaris clowns, a royal gramma, a blue damsel and yellow tail blue damsel, coral beauty angel, and a yellow tang. I overstocked that little tank but it looked great and everyone got along fine. Needless to say though I upgraded soon.

A decent skimmer for the price is a CPR Bak Pak. That is what I started with and it pulled out alot of gunk once I got it going. As for lighting I got the Oddyssea 48 inch 260 watt power compact fixture. You can find it, and alot of other cheap equipment at www.aquatraders.com They also make a cheap remake of the CPR Bak Pak but I'm not sure how it works. Other than that all you need is a heater and a couple powerheads for water movement. I suggest koralias. They are cheap and work really well. I hope this helps.

 

[likemike99]

Just make sure you don't add all the fish at once. Prism makes some good skimmers ( from my experience), emperor filter- I would get like the 400 series (can handle 80gal tank) since you may heavy stock the tank. Lighting is not that important for just fish only. If the tank comes with a hood and light I would just use that for a while. Save you some initial money.

 

[SaltSolutions1]

I talked to the guy selling the tank. It was used for saltwater and comes with metal stand, filter, heater, powerhead, and the hood with lights but one of the lights he said is burnt out. I hope to go see it today. It does hold water and they had a couple clowns and a damsel in there previous to breaking it all down a few months ago due to lack of space.

Is there anything I should be looking for when I go see the tank?

The price for everything is $75

I am pretty sure the price is a good one, but I figured I would throw this up here and see if anyone has any objections to the price with the said equipment.

 

[IFbettas]

That's a good deal, but you should still invest in a good skimmer. Even if it costs more than the rest of your setup.

 

[Robka]

Looking to get a pair of percula clowns, damsels, and yellow tangs. The fish selectio

Looking to get a pair of percula clowns, damsels, and yellow tangs. The fish selectio

Everything on that list looks good except the Yellow Tang. From what I've read and learned on this forum Tangs need a minimum tank of 75 gallons with 100+ being more ideal. Good luck on the new Tank

 

[SaltSolutions1]

for a 55g tank what skimmer should i be in the market for?

 

[SaltSolutions1]

I looked into the cpr bak pak and it looks like i can pick up the cpr pak pak for about $150

But the dual bak pak is a better skimmer for $240 for a 55g tank.

anyone with any info on the different brands and makes of protein skimmers. I don't wanna go cheap but i also dont wanna break the bank either?

 

[SaltSolutions1]

the guy selling me the tank also stated that the filter he has with the tank for sale is an under gravel filter......can these be used in saltwater setups or do i need to just junk his filter and look into something else?

 

[topsoil]

I would scrap the undergravel filter. It's not really used anymore for saltwater tanks. As far as a sand bed depth, you can find arguments for both deep and shallow/barebottom tanks. I suggest reading up a little on that, and then go with your gut. Husbandry practice is more important than sand bed depth IMO. I agree with the previous posts. Get a good skimmer first, then worry about lights and other equipment later. And go slooowww.

 

[SaltSolutions1]

If i get a protein skimmer with the biofiltration like a cpr bak pak do i still need an additional source of filtration for a 55g?

 

[topsoil]

It's not necessary at first, but eventually you'll probably want some sort of mechanical filtration. It depends a lot on bioload also. I've never used the bak pak skimmer, so I can't really comment on it. I started out with a older coralife skimmer and a canister filter (fluval). I've upgraded my skimmer since then, but I still use the fluval from time to time. It's compartments are good for carbon, phosphate removal media, etc. plus it's cheap as far as canister filters go. most canister filters have foam pads or sponges for mechanical filtration. I use it mainly to run carbon. It doesn't impress anyone, but it does what it's supposed to and it's pretty handy to have a canister filter on hand.

 

[topsoil]

Also, check out the Tunze nano reefpack 200. skimmer and filter all-in-one. I've heard good things about the nano skimmer. It's rated to 52 gal, but I think that rating is with a heavily stocked tank. you may want to ask roger on the Tunze forum. I have a Tunze skimmer and it's been worth every penny. One of the easiest skimmers i've owned, as far as setup and maintenance. only downside is the skimmer cup will stick out above the tank, so you may have some lighting challenges down the road.