New tank startup

[Rak187Inf]

Hi guys. I'm currently putting together my list of equipment needed to get a 55 gallon reef tank started. I've come to realize I'm better off investing money into better equipment as opposed to buying cheap and getting it all at once. I'm wanting to do a refugium sump eventually as part of my setup. Is that something that would be ok to add to the tank later after its established and I can afford it, or would I be better off waiting until I can get one and start it all up at the same time? Right now my plan is to set up the tank with a stand that'all have enough room to add a sumo later. Add LS and LR, skimmer, lights, powerheads, heater and thermometer. And get everything going with just that. Would that equipment be enough to keep the tank running well, or is there anything else you would reccomend as essential startup gear? I've also got the test kit waiting to go and will be grabbing the salt, and hydrometer as well as RO water from my LFS. Thanks in advance

 

[Ron Reefman]

How do you plan to get water from the DT to the sump if you add it after the DT is set up?

Is the tank already drilled with an overflow? Or are you going to do a siphon overflow? I assume your skimmer is a HOB type? If you don't have one yet, IMHO an in the sump skimmer would be better.

But I started with a 30g tank, no sump and a HOB skimmer, so it can work. Just be aware that in 12 years (how long I've been in the hobby) you will have 4 tanks, 2 sumps with 2 tanks tied to each and 2 skimmers, lots of lights and pumps... even a garage full of spares. Are you sure you want to head down this road to addiction!

LOL! Just kidding. I'm serious about all the stuff I have now, but not everybody gets as addicted as I have. Good luck and keep asking questions.

 

[Rak187Inf]

Thanks Ron, the tank isn't drilled, so I would end up running the tubing from the sump up the back of the tank and hang it over the back lip. I'm sure within the next few years I'll probably end up with a few tanks that are reef ready lol. Thanks for the response!

 

[Denbf58]

do have the tank and stand yet ? if not think about a 75g still 4' foot print just wider front to back gives you a little more room for equipment. the 12" width of the 55 make it a little tight for space. here are a few pics what i did.

 

[Denbf58]

[welcome] fun fun take your time nothing good happens fast

 

[Sinn Sage]

Hi guys. I'm currently putting together my list of equipment needed to get a 55 gallon reef tank started. I've come to realize I'm better off investing money into better equipment as opposed to buying cheap and getting it all at once. I'm wanting to do a refugium sump eventually as

(SNIP)

else you would reccomend as essential startup gear? I've also got the test kit waiting to go and will be grabbing the salt, and hydrometer as well as RO water from my LFS. Thanks in advance

If you can not afford a factory built sump, you can always go DYI. Get you a 20L tank from PetCo during their $1 a gallon sale and then go get the glass at your local glass/hardware store.

There are millions and millions of DYI sump instructions all over the internets.

Plus if you plan on adding a sump now or in the future, you WILL need to figure out how to get water from your tank down to the sump and back again.