55g Aquarium Tank with sump need help

Hi guys i have a 55g aquarium and i am thinking of setting up a coral reef saltwater aquarium. What is the size of sump need and whats a good overflow box. i would also like to know how much sand is need and live rock. I also wanted to know does the coral grow out of the live rock or do i buy the coral?

 

CPR makes a good overflow box. combined with the aqualifter pump you are all set for that. i would go with a 20 long if you can fit it. you want about a 1" sand bed, so maybe 50-60 lbs of sand. no need to buy live sand, buy dry and if you want you can seed with one bag of live sand. you buy corals, although sometimes you get a few freebies with your live rock.

 

as for a sump, how much room do you have? the bigger the better.

 

also do i need powerheads

 

yes you will need powerheads. probably 2

 

Welcome to the 3reef forums

1st?=Sump size min 10gal to 20gal

2nd?=I would go with a continues siphon box from 600-800GPH

3rd?=Most have 2in of sand/substrate 70-100lbs

4th?=Live rock i would say 60lbs

5th?=both you buy live rock with stuff in and or on it, and you also buy coral

Go slow man this will take time,
Mike

PS. You need about 4 powerheads all about 250-300GPH

 

also how would i start my tank do i add live rocks first they sand then premixed water with salt and then start up my sump with the protein skimmer and other things needed

 

what kind of lights do i need for the corals?

 

get it all set up dry first. tank, sump, etc. I would get 2 larger PHs instead of 4. less bulk in the tank. koralia 3's maybe?

 

What to do

Read all you can around the forums here.

Next, goto the store and buy 1-2 trash cans "new" 30gal size is what i use.

Then buy/put a power head+heater in the trash can. I'm sure you don't have an RO-IO laying around..buy/get tap water conditioner, fill trash cans with water,,,,treat the water,,,,turn on heater and powerhead,,,add salt "pickling or reef salt is great". Wait at least 24 full hours before adding water to your tank. IMO i would wait 2 days. after adding in the water turn on all pumps and skimmers and sump pumps and overflow,etc...next turn off all power,,,,,,,,,,ALL POWER I SAID!!!!! no water should be on floor, if it is then something is wrong. I say to turn power off so you can see/know what will happen when the power company says "no more power"

AND more ?,
Mike

PS did i miss somthing?