New tank set up

[nu2reefs]

Hello all. Although I work at a family owned pet store, this is my first endeavor into the saltwater and reef field. I bought a 55 gallon with stand and hood along with (3) 30lb. bags of LS, (3) ZooMed 228 Power Sweep Powerheads, Penguin 330 Bio-Wheel Power Filter and Coralife's Super Skimmer with the needle-wheel system for a tank up to 65 gallons. My water is RO from my work (I love my boss for that) and has been cycling for almost a week. I also have the marine and reef testers and the hydrometer as well as an Aquamarine immersible heater for a tank up to 100 gallons. I started a 29 gallon salt tank at the same time to be the quaratine tank. It too has the smaller power head and skimmer as well as a heater. The numbers are all good except the salt lvl in the 55 is still somewhat high, but I believe a few water changes will hopefully solve that problem. I am wanting to do a reef and fish tank and I'm totally clueless. Right now the skimmer is in the 55 tank. I don't have a sump at this point. Any information would be appreciated. Also what lighting would you suggest. My plans to start with since I'm so new at this is LR along with peaceful, easy care corals and fish. Would it be a good idea to start with uncured LR and let them cure while my tank is cycling or would cured rock be better. I want to do this right even if it takes forever and a day. I don't want to rush into this at the cost of an unsuccessful tank and the loss of innocent fish and coral. I've had fresh water tanks for over 16 years and have moved many times with my fish. I currently have a 65 gallon freshwater river tank with red dragons, catfish (spiked & whiptail), garomies, black tetras, black skirt tetras, rams, barbs, flying fox, corey's and some chinese algae eaters. I have a mix of live and artificial plants and natural driftwood since the algae eaters need the iron and fiber that is in the driftwood. I am excited about this new endeavor but also scared to death of doing something wrong. Once again, I would appreciate any positive or negative feedback that would enlighten me towards a better and successful reef. Thanks in advance!

 

[Randall_James]

First
[welcome]
and let me find the link to newbs tank thread

 

[nu2reefs]

I appreciate the welcome and thanks for looking for the link to the newbs tank thread.

 

[Randall_James]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=239848

also Rule 1
Nothing "Good" happens fast in a reef tank

 

[nu2reefs]

I also have another question for everyone. Was thinking about purchasing my own Ro unit. I'm looking at the Coralife Pure-Flo unit - 24 GPD TFC - 2 CANISTER.