1st SW tank need some advice

[Obandit26]

Ive got a 55 gal tank the I just converted to SW. I have an aqua clear filter, a back pac protein skimmer, a 175watt metal halide, with 2 18in bulbs in fixtues that came with the tank kit.

Ive had the tank running now a little over two weeks, the water levels look good, no amonia, no nitrite, nitrates are low, and the ph is between 8.2 8.4
Because the water levels were good and staying good I deided to get some cleaners to put in there. 3 turbo snails, 3 emrald crabs, 2 cleaner shrimp, 1 pyrimid snail, and 5 hermit crabs.

I plan on eventually getting some corals, one anenome maybe two if I can not sure. and then fish. trying to have a friendly tank reef and fish.

I have a few questions.

Water tests, what should I be testing for? I have amonia, PH, nitrate, nitrite, do I need the calcium, hard water, phosphate tests?

My metal halide I bought used, the light has a blue tint to it, should it be white? and the T8 bulbs be blue, what is recommended for lighting?

The pet store sold me PURPLEUP they said it helps with coraline algea, do I need this now or is it too early to add stuff to the water?

last question for now, It looks like one of my emrald crabs died, a friend of mine said he thought the same thing of his emrald crab, but a couple days later is popped back up and he realized the crab had molted. So I dont know if the crab molted, or if it died by chance. So im not sure if I should be worried about the tank, or if it just happens.

I was pretty sure that because the levels for the water were good that I could ad some cleaners, but hopefully I havent jumped the gun, thanks

[reef_guru]

baby steps, your asking alot at once, and there is so much to be discussed

I plan on eventually getting some corals, one anenome maybe two if I can not sure

good luck keeping both in the tank, and where you want them

do I need the calcium, hard water, phosphate tests?

no need for the hard water test, you need Ca, dkH, Mg, NO3, PO4
also the secondaries are Sr, NO4, Si, B just to name a few

My metal halide I bought used, the light has a blue tint to it, should it be white? and the T8 bulbs be blue, what is recommended for lighting?

buy new bulbs, the old ones are unknown as to how good they are. most bulbs only last upto 12 months, the t5's are better
the k-value is the color, some recommend 10k, but it all depends on the corals housed and the par ratings and personal preference

The pet store sold me PURPLEUP they said it helps with coraline algea, do I need this now or is it too early to add stuff to the water?

dont waste your money, good water quality will take care of that

last question for now, It looks like one of my emrald crabs died, a friend of mine said he thought the same thing of his emrald crab, but a couple days later is popped back up and he realized the crab had molted. So I dont know if the crab molted, or if it died by chance. So im not sure if I should be worried about the tank, or if it just happens.

unknown, my guess it molted. nothing in this hobby that happens fast is good

I was pretty sure that because the levels for the water were good that I could ad some cleaners, but hopefully I havent jumped the gun, thanks

no offense, but you probably did

how old is your tank? what is your lighting? what is your filtration system? and pics would help

[Obandit26]

The tank has been running 2 weeks, I have a 175watt halide light, and two flourescent lights, the halide has a blue color to it, and here are some pics,

[reef_guru]

due to the width of the tank two mh's will be better than one, then the dark shaded areas on the outer edges will disappear

[omard]

Originally Posted by Obandit26

The tank has been running 2 weeks, I have a 175watt halide light, and two flourescent lights, the halide has a blue color to it, and here are some pics,

Great looking tank.

Your single MH is adequate for that size tank...place high light requiring animals, i.e. clams directly under MH.

Lower light needing species can go in ends of tank.

I really think a second MH would be way too much for your size tank.

I am quite content to have only one 250wt HQI MH in my 125 gal tank in addition to PC's...but I am partial to softies and have no SPS. (do have some frogspawn that does well whereever it is.)

My softies grow much faster when not directly under MH....


Looks good already whatever you decide.

(Karma to you - )

Good Luck!

[lillys Grandad]

Tank looks great obandit....The architecture is very appealing.
Makes me want to jump in!
Should have some stress free critters for sure.
Good Luck !

[aquaboy]

Omard, i have dual 250's on a 55gallon. Talk about intense

[kimmy]

How much rock is that? If you are going to use your rock as your main filtration, you will need at least 55lb. I have special feelings for my pc lighting, I have 4X110w and due to the fact that my tank is only 20" deep, my watts per gallon is more than enough for my 2 clams and my bta that is ADHD. I actually have a rock that a piece of acro hichiked on, and is growing quite well. Possibly not as fast as it would if it were under MH, but none the less growing.

[Obandit26]

I have a filter on the back of the tank also, But I have about 50lbs of live rock, and 50lbs of live sand in the tank, seems to be doing pretty good,

[rcupak]

I too have a new 55 salt setup that has been running for just as long as you. Be careful what you put in there and listen very carefully to what these guys/girls have to say.