55 Gallon Newbie Build

pretzelsz

So I finally got the tank...Since I am too young to have a job everything will be very spaced out. The guy I got the tank from(off of craigslist) game me alot of stuff to boost my salt and fresh water hobby. I am cleaning the tank right now here are some pics from when I first got it...and yes the back of the stand is burnt(needed circuit breaker) without farther adieu the tank

molliefan09

congrats on the new tank!!

aunt kymmie

Yes, congrats on a new tank. :)

Pasfur

Fun!! You also have some useful equipment there. That Emperor won't help you on the main tank, but it would make a nice little filter on a 10 gallon quarantine tank. Also, I can't tell at a glance what type of rock that it is, but it might make for some nice base rock.

Also, be sure you don't use the Stress Coat on a saltwater tank! Have you spent any time thinking about livestock? And have you selected a protein skimmer yet? If not, let us know and we can give you some suggestions without breaking your wallet!

pretzelsz

Well I don't believe that it is rock he said it was coral skeletons. Also I'm using some of it for my freshwater tanks but if I can use the filter for a quarantine tank then I will save it. 200 bucks for everything and If I can't use the dead coral or whatever it is I can sell it for some quick cash. I have put some thought into livestock...I want a jawfish either a yellow head or a blue spot, A percula clown fish if possible whatever kind of clownfish, for the CUC I was thinking some cleaner shrimp and snails if possible. Also what kind of anemone(later down the road) should I get. Any Ideas comments are welcome

pretzelsz

Just finished cleaning off the tank and boy it had alot of stuff on it...onna do another round on it but here are some more pics

pretzelsz

Can People ID stuff for me?

Dead Corals

Supplies

Pasfur

Most of the supplies are only going to be applicable to freshwater. I know Stress Coat and Cycle both say FW and SW, but they are not what you want in SW. They will actually hurt the system, rather than help. Ric Ich I believe is formalin, which is sometimes used for medicating, but more commonly for dips. In any case, this is also something that you will probably never use. If it has not expired you can keep it handy just in case, but NEVER use this on a whim. This is some seriously strong stuff.

One thing I see that is interesting is the hang on Hot Magnum Canister Filter. You won't run this full time, but you can use it for the first few days to get your salt mixed well. It is also an easy to transport unit, which comes in handy if you need a quick aquarium setup or want to filter a separate container to cure live rock in. Realize, however, that canister filters are generally not a good idea on a marine system, due to the trapping of particulate waste which then breaks down into Nitrate. This also reduces carbonates, making it more difficult to regulate alkalinity and calcium properly.

All in all, you have some usable FW equipment and supplies. You will be basically starting from scratch with SW supplies. First things first, you need to set money aside for a protein skimmer.

pretzelsz

do I need a protein skimmer before I put in anything? or could I mix the water then buy the live rock and sand and then save up for protein skimmer? I am planning on selling some stuff I have to buy AquaC Remora Protein Skimmer with Maxijet 1200 Pump and Drain Fitting and I might look on craigslist for a cheaper price(plus it would have a built up slime coat or whatever with it so it is more efficient).

Pasfur

This isn't really the case. A skimmer only takes a couple of days to break in. To be honest, Coral Magazine published a very details study in a late 2009 issue that basically proves the breaking in process to be a total myth. Anyhow, if you can find a good deal on Craigs List or eBay, go for it. I think the Remora will be a good skimmer for you.

You can start with water, rock, and sand. It would be best to not add livestock at this point anyhow, and give the tank a good month to mature. The longer the maturing period, the more established the microfauna will become, such as copepods and amphipods in your sand bed. This will create more long term stability for you.

Have you seen marco rocks? They are a dry rock supplier and will save you a lot of money. I have ordered 4 or 5 times from them over the last year and have been very pleased. You might look at this offer:
40 Pound box Key Largo Rock, <br>40 Pounds Bahamas Aragonite Sand<BR>pay shipping on rock only - KL40-40

Ideally you would use more sand than this, but if money is a real issue then you could use a 1'' or less layer of sand to save some cash. 40 pounds of dry rock will go a long way towards building your reef, and you can slowly add cured live rock, starting with say 5 pounds of live rock and then adding another 10 pounds or so as you go along.

If you do order from marcorocks, I would encourage you to ask your LFS for some help in seeding the sand bed. Ask them for a handful of the crushed rubble at the bottom of the live rock vat. It is useless to them, but it contains life that will seed your rock & sand. Don't tell them you ordered your rock and sand online!!! Just tell them you need to seed a new tank and ask for a handful of live rock rubble. The more crushed and sand like the better. My LFS provides this for free.