Newbie with a 55 gallon tank

B

beedyb220

New member
Hello guys...

My name is Bryan and I live in Colorado Springs. I have just acquired a rectangle glss 55g tank w/stand and would like to start a colorful marine reef. I am just finishing up reading the book "The New Marine Aquarium" and and eager to get started. The tank was previously used for freshwater fishies. So far, I have emptied out the rock surface and taken out the undergravel filter. I am about to clean out the tank with a sponge and clean water. I am developing a list of things that I will need to get up and running. (before adding livestock)

Filter(sump tank?)
Protein Skimmer
Heater
Siphon hose
Salt
Water testing kit
Live rock
Coral sand
Thermometer
Powerhead(s)
Bulbs (currently have a twin bulb lighting fixture)

I would like some info on things I don't need and things that I need to add to my list. Also, I would like any ideas of local places and brands that work the best. What type fish can I add to a tank this size in addition to Clown Fish? I am on a budget and not in the price range to purchase high end equipment. (not adverse to used equipment)


Thanks,
Bryan N.
 
You need to have some idea what kind of corals you want to keep. Once you have done that you will be able to choose your lighting requirements and the types of fish you can keep.

Most everyone recommends a sump/refugium for reef tank. Having your tank drilled for an overflow and return from the sump is ideal, and there are a few here on SCMAS that will probably help you with that. You should buy the best skimmer that you can afford as this is a vital part of removing waste.

Lighting can be one of the more expensive parts in a reef. If you want sps and clams, you will need metal halide or maybe t5 lighting, if you want lps and softies you can get away with power compact and some vho lighting.

You will want to take it slow until your tank is established. The only thing that usually happens fast is bad things so be patient. Good luck with that, it never works for me.lol

I am sure I left out a bunch of stuff, but others will chime in to help.
 
I've got a used EuroReef Skimmer rated for 75 gallons that should do a great job keeping that baby clean if you're interested... $175.00
 
One thing to find out about the tank is whether or not any copper based medications were introduced into the tank. If so, you will be limited as to what will keep in there. The copper is absorbed into the sealant and releases into the water, affecting the corals.

Ohhhhh Welcome to SCMAS!!!!!
 
Welcome to SCMAS.
Be sure to post a pic of yourself in the Mugshot thread at the top of our page so we can recognize you if your in the LFS
 
Welcome!

I had a 55g for about a month (before I decided to go smaller)and I still have the light from it which is almost brand new, still sitting in the box w/ new bulbs.

Here's a link to it:

48" Light Fixture
 
greetings.....

LFS in the area....

Exotic Tropicals (Filmore and Wood) Excellent
Mr Aqua (Filmore 1 block west of nevada) cool display and coral frag tanks
SeaScape Aquatics ( academy and union) Excellent
Fishy Business (Academy and Mazeland) Nice staff
Neptunes Realm ( Old Colorado City, Colorado and 19th street i think) nice staff

Most of the LFS owners are really great to work with. You will want a Sump with a skimmer, under the tank, and probably about 50 or 60lb's of live rock that will be all the filtration you will need. Lighting will depend on what type of corals you want to keep.
 
Welcome!

First, you need to decide what type of tank you want to setup. If you are going to do a fish-only, you can have a setup much cheaper. You wouldn't need a sump or any special lighting. If you decide you're going to want corals down the road, it gets a little more complicated, and you'll have to decide what types of corals you'll want before you get any lights or fuge.
 
Welcome to SCMAS--we're going to get bigger houses ya'll-- clubs growing , tanks growning--houses are getting crowded-LOL-all these new members.
Again WELCOME Bryan
Tracy
 
Welcome to SCMAS--we're going to get bigger houses ya'll-- clubs growing , tanks growning--houses are getting crowded-LOL-all these new members.
Again WELCOME Bryan
Tracy
 
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