Need help Starting 55 Gallon Saltwater Tank

Im just saying that not to discourage you, but to make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. My friend wanted to start one up so I gave him a list of stuff he needed and about how much each thing cost. After that he dropped it and hasn't brought it up again. It also takes time, but I feel the costs and time are completely worth it when you see all of your fish and corals doing great. Plus you have the wow factor.

 

What part of ALABAMA..?? I'm in Mobile..

If you are near, I have enough salt and the right sand to get you going..
You can have..

Larry

 

In the past I have used this for water at home

Aquarium Water Quality: Tap Water Filter

 

converted to brackish

set it up brackish guys check it out

 

I am new here and also setting up a 50 gallon SW aquarium. This thread and this site have been very helpful and I just wanted to thank everyone!

 

Nice Tank louzir, i once had a brackish tank, kept african cichlids, before going into the world of marine, best decision i ever made(tank related), tell me in the first video, what is that rock song called?

 

welcome aboard first off and second off you know how everyone says take your time well if money is your issue like it is mines then your forced to take your time whice is good i would say grand total im probably about 3-4000 bucks in my tank never in my wildest dreams did i think i would be spending that much on a hobby but hey it get in you welcome aboard again

 

I started a spread sheet when i got my first item, my light.
after that i added anything that i needed or wanted.... now when i look at the total cost....its closet to 4000 aaaannnd i still didn't buy any LR. This is for a 90 gal tho!

 

I see ALOT of votes here for the Live sand.
I myself prefer crushed coral and an undergravel filter system.
Its an AWESOME ph buffer when it drops.
And my ph always tests at 8.3

 

i would definatly not keep a clown in a 5 gallon. at the very least i'd do a 15 for a clown....in a 5 u could probably keep some coral if you get the right lighting. I would honestly get a book on marine chemistry so you get an idea of where all your levels should be etc. it sounds like your determined and enthusiastic but i think you should wait and do alot of research before you go out and buy something etc.