NEED HELP WITH MY 55g tank

They might depends on the store. I order them cause I can't get them locally.

 

The rock will be a very important part of the filtration system. It mostly functions by providing a place for beneficial bacteria to live. Good live rock will have many holes to provide surface area for the bacteria. The bacteria works to neutralize ammonia. You can get along with a small amount of live rock providing you stock your tank lightly. To get to the point, you need much more rock in there. Most hang on back skimmers don't work well. If you are going that route, get the best. A sump allows you to get a higher quality skimmer.

 

Ok I guess in a couple days I'll get one how do they work

 

Idk how to make a sump

 

The first thing to look at is how much room do you have for a sump? Is there room under the tank stand? The general idea is to get as big of a sump as you can. How big is your tank?

 

Tanks is 55g this is how much room I have

 

That support in the middle complicates things

 

I've seen a system similar to yours that had a 20 gallon tank for a sump. Three water drained from the tank to one side of the sump. On that side was a skimmer. There were some baffles (bubble trap) then on the other side was the pump that returns water to the tank. That tank had been running for 5 years and worked very well.

 

Yea it's complicated so what should I do Ima just use the overhang skimmer for now

 

I think you'll find it's a complicated business overall.