Hello. You know the Drill. Getting started Questions!

[Glipzcom]

Hi,
My names Glen. I am finaly taking the plunge and going for it. I have been circling around trying to figure out everything before i do anything but there is so much info. I just have been overwhelmed. The only things I have right now is stuff my girlfriend "surprised" me with for my birthday:

55 gallon Glass tank.
Hang on water filter. (not even sure what to call it)
This powerhead that has a long canister attached with foam filters in it?
and a water heater 65watts i believe.

Tonight I bought:

Remora Pro Protein skimmer (based on suggestions on these boards)
2 Maxi-Jet 1200 (i believe 295 gph)
and a big old tub of instant ocean.

Now Im shopping for the lighting.
Looking at sunlight supply the TEK light people seem to love.

Then i need to get:
Sand
Rock

Things i am still unsure of:
Do i need a special water filter?
Test kits and chemicals?
Other tools?
Black Background?(its against a wall figure it will make it prettier?)

I know things are expensive, and I really havent taken care of fish since my 20gallon fresh growing up.
From what I have read and deduced. There is no reason to try going cheap on things. Imagining by the time im done buying stuff i will be teetering under 1000. Sound right?

So yeah if you got something to say please shout it out.

Glen.

Oh, do people plug all this stuff into one standard dual outlet at home? Seems like the lights and all the gear are really going to do some powerdraw.

[Pisces23]

Hullo and welcome! You've come to a great place for info and support. I lurked for a couple months before I started posting and putting my tank together. That being said, my tank's only been up and running for about 5 months or so now. But here's some basic suggestions from my experience:
-don't get discouraged by the microbubbles and sound from the Remora. The skimmer gets the job done.
-i bought my live rock from Premium Aquatics. I bought their "nano rock" (1 lb/gallon) and I was very happy with it.
-at the very least get a basic saltwater test kit to help you keep an eye on your levels during cycling. Once you get deeper into the hobby (and you recover from the initial financial shock) you can pick up other test kits and supplements.
-my mag-float glass cleaner is one of the most useful tools i have. That and a turkey baster.
-I would definitely get a black background. It hides the overhanging equipment and cords and makes the tank look much sharper. Be sure to put it on BEFORE you fill the tank. Not much fun to try to squeeze around back, under equipment, etc.
-And as I'm sure you will hear many many times: Go Slow. Take your time and plan things out ahead of time, ask questions and enjoy just staring at your live rock until the tank cycles.
Cheers!

[Tangster]

what are you looking to do with the tank as for what type of animals will it be set up for ? Fish aka F/O only or corals aka Reef ? That will determin what all you will need.