Upgrading to a 55 gal...what now?

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by swagger87, Jun 18, 2009.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. swagger87

    swagger87 Zoanthid

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2008
    Messages:
    1,134
    Location:
    Taylor, Mi
    Hello,
    I am excited to upgrade my 29 gal to a 55 gal. ;D
    I know I need plenty of live rock and live sand. I'm going to cycle this tank and keep the 29 running until its ready. ;)
    I was wondering, is a sump/refugum and overflow necessary to keep it running? :confused:
    Does anyone have any suggestions for hardware I may need?
    What kind of lights should I get? (I have some zoo's)
    Although I'm excited,I feel a little overwhelmed. :-/
    I would appreciate any info/comments/and "what not to do" stories.
    Thanks guys.
     
    swagger87, Jun 18, 2009
    swagger87, Jun 18, 2009
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. Nightstick

    Nightstick Purple Spiny Lobster

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2009
    Messages:
    493
    Location:
    South Elgin,IL
    I just went from a 55g to a 75g in one day! Yikes! Make sure you have plenty of bucket and towels. Some of the thing you need to consider are the following

    Heater - can it handle the larger load?

    Filter - can it handle the larger load

    lights- now is a good time to get halides, actinics and led's

    Live rock- get plenty of rock you will need it!

    substrate- live sand or crushed coral?

    Refugium- get one, you will thank me later

    RO/DI - you will be need alot more top off water more frequently

    -oh and a bigger budget $$$ HA! good luck and keep up posted!
     
    Nightstick, Jun 18, 2009
    Nightstick, Jun 18, 2009
    #2
    1 person likes this.
  3. swagger87

    swagger87 Zoanthid

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2008
    Messages:
    1,134
    Location:
    Taylor, Mi
    Thank you. I know I will need a bigger heater, maybe two small ones (one for each side).
    Will I still need a filter still if I do make a sump/refugium?
     
    swagger87, Jun 18, 2009
    swagger87, Jun 18, 2009
    #3
  4. mikejrice

    mikejrice 3reef Affiliate

    Joined:
    May 24, 2009
    Messages:
    5,926
    Location:
    Colorado
    Your live rock and fuge should be plenty of filtration. Also make sure your skimmer is big enough if you run one and you will need more power heads or closed circuit to get flow for your bigger tank.
     
    mikejrice, Jun 18, 2009
    mikejrice, Jun 18, 2009
    #4
    1 person likes this.
  5. swagger87

    swagger87 Zoanthid

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2008
    Messages:
    1,134
    Location:
    Taylor, Mi
    Ok, thanks. I know that a skimmer is important, but is it essential? I mean will I be able to get one after I set my tank up and transfer my fish (two clowns) hermits, snails, and zoos?
    Or should I get one before I do so?
     
    swagger87, Jun 18, 2009
    swagger87, Jun 18, 2009
    #5
  6. mikejrice

    mikejrice 3reef Affiliate

    Joined:
    May 24, 2009
    Messages:
    5,926
    Location:
    Colorado

    My opinion on skimmers is that you never need one. There are a lot more experienced reefers though that swear by them though.
     
    mikejrice, Jun 18, 2009
    mikejrice, Jun 18, 2009
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. swagger87

    swagger87 Zoanthid

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2008
    Messages:
    1,134
    Location:
    Taylor, Mi
    Hmmmm....*rubs chin and ponders* Thanks.
    Now...(This will sound silly)
    Do you know what the difference is between a 10 gallon Leader tank and a 10 gallon tank
    and where I could possibly find one? (Are they sold in normal pet stores?)
     
    swagger87, Jun 18, 2009
    swagger87, Jun 18, 2009
    #7