Dave's First Reef tank, 55 gallon

[GuitarMan89]

Ok, after researching, waiting, buying equipment and waiting some more, I have finally started my tank. It is a 55 gallon tank, AquaC Remora skimmer with maxi jet 1200 pump, two maxi jet 1200 power heads, marineland mechanical filter, 200 watt heater and most importantly Current Nova T5 lighting. 216w, two 10,000k and two 260 actinics. Im using IO reef crystals as salt. Also, 40lbs caribbean live sand. Here is my tank with just water, I know boring, but we all started here. I promise better pics to come, just be patient. Also, just thought I'd mention that I built the stand myself.

[GuitarMan89]

Ok, I just came back from my LFS with 55 lbs of cured fiji lr. I'm really excited about this. The rock is great, has so many holes, pores and nooks and crannies. Already some coraline growth, can't wait to see what it looks like in a few months. Sorry for the blurriness, I don't know if my camera has a macro setting. Will try to solve the problem in later pics.

[Stingray]

Looking very nice m8 my tanks only been up for 2 months also a 55, get yourself some fine grade argonite sand, what you got as filtration a cannister filter?

Enjoy the rock watching for a couple of weeks,i was finding something new every couple of days lol...

[wastemanagement]

congrats , I also have a 55 and think its a great size run cant wait to see some more pics of your tank

[cuttingras]

Hey! Ok. Welcome to the 55gal club....naw, just kidding! There is no 55gal club. WELCOME TO 3REEF!! You sound as though you've done your research! Good for you! Seriously, a 55 gal, if you haven't been told is THE hardest tank to keep up. I don't want to scare you and I'm sure you've heard it before. Things go wrong fast, try to be as accurate as possible with your testing and record keeping. You won't regret it, ask me, I regret it every day. But, you can't teach an old dog new tricks. LOL Ask as many questions as you have and listen to one or two people consistantly. Too many "hints/tips" is like that old saying, "Too many cooks in the kitchen." Try to ask questions on 3reef, so other beginners can learn from you. Have fun and save those pennies!!!

[phorn]

Hey to all. I'm new here to 3reef also. Been reading...and reading...and (well you get it) Cuttingras you said a 55 is the hardest to keep up. Whats the best size to get for a first tank with a low budget? >$1000 for EVERYTHING! (the bank, i.e. Wife, has put her foot down)

[cuttingras]

Originally Posted by phorn

Hey to all. I'm new here to 3reef also. Been reading...and reading...and (well you get it) Cuttingras you said a 55 is the hardest to keep up. Whats the best size to get for a first tank with a low budget? >$1000 for EVERYTHING! (the bank, i.e. Wife, has put her foot down)

IMO, I may be wrong... 3-5 Gallon for the money reason, but buy salt cause you'll be doing a lot of water changes and don't expect to fill it with fish. One or two clowns, and a small shrimp. Not too many corals can fit either. I equate it to Bonsai. Everything is in miniature. Nice for beginners and you really don't have to buy expensive stuff. Lights are usually cheaper, cause you're not gonna stick 400watt MH's on it. Lights, skimmer and a few CHOICE pieces of live rock is what you don't want to skimp on. Good luck and when you get it up and running, be sure to show us pics!

Yeah...Welcome to 3reef!

[phorn]

Thanks for the reply. Doesn't "the bigger the tank the easier it is rule" apply? Especially for a newb? I've looked at some of the self contained "nano" tanks, and I just thought that they could go very bad very fast because they're so small.

[cuttingras]

Test, record, adjust(minor), water change............oh and don't overfeed

[phorn]

I'm sorry, I don't mean to ask too many questions...I just want to be smart. I guess I'm the guy that stands on the beach, looking at the water, wondering, "how deep?" "how cold?" "sharks?" and never gets in the water.