Beginner to saltwater tanks

Hey all,

I'm brand new to the saltwater world i decided to take up this hobby because i have always wanted to own a saltwater tank with all different kinds of fish.

So....

I have purchased my 55 gallon fowlr aquarium with a water testing kit and am waiting on my stand for it to come.

I have down on my list that i need

Mechanical filtration which will be a aquaclear hang on back 70 power filter

Chemical filtration will also be the hob filter as listed above

Biological filtration will be live rock (not sure on how much i need help on this would be great)

a Protein skimmer (have any recommendations on what brand i should get?)

a heater

Reverse Osmosis Unit

Salt

2 Koralia 750 Gph circulation pumps

A thermometer

Cobalt aquatics powerhead for mixing salt

10' vinyl tubing

a refractometer

A sump( i'm not a diy kind of guy have any recommendations on what kind i should buy and how many gallons should it be ?)

Overflow unit( Brand recommendations)

Return Pump (Brand ?)

I hope this covers every thing i need if you see anything i missed give me a shout.

 

Well lets start off with if you're going to plan on having a sump get rid of that aquaclear filter, not neccesary. If it was me i would get a HOB overflow and get as big a sump as you can fit, probably around 20-30 gallons. You may be able to find one used in your area. Id get either a mag drive or ehiem pump for the return. maybe get for a skimmer a SCA-301, they're inexpensive and work well. For flow if you plan on doing a full blown reef you'll need more flow than that

 

What do you plan to have as your mechanical and chemical filtration in your filter?

It sounds like you have an excellent plan from what I can tell. I have no mechanical skills so I'll let others chime in on sump, overflow, and return pump brand and size.

Welcome to the hobby and fulfilling one of your goals! I hope you enjoy it!

 

forgot to add i would get a dual reactor and run carbon and GFO

 

The aqua clear 70 power hang on back filter but according to rarend99 i dont need it

 

Ya with a sump, reactors, and adequate amount of LR you wont need it

 

Welcome to 3reef hawksfan13.

 

What kind of dual reactor would you recommend

 

Thanks

 

I would go with the BRS dual reactor it's relatively cheap and works well, power with a MJ1200 pump