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55 Gallon Newbie Build

10K views 74 replies 10 participants last post by  pretzelsz 
#1 ·
So I finally got the tank...Since I am too young to have a job everything will be very spaced out.:cry: 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





 
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#4 ·
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!
 
#5 ·
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
 
#8 ·
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.
 
#9 ·
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).
 
#10 ·
(plus it would have a built up slime coat or whatever with it so it is more efficient).
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.
 
#12 · (Edited)
Agreed.

It just came to me. I have also seen people make small burrows out of PVC, with an opening at the surface of the sand. They release the Jawfish at the opening, and they will typically spend their entire life there. This allows you to place the fish in a viewing area that is convenient for you.
 
#13 ·
I would like to have it build it's own den were it desires. Depending on the personality of it it might change spots every week or so. Also could I get a list of fish I could put in with them so I can choose some? Then make a list one when I would put them in.
 
#14 ·
Wow. There are a lot of options here. I will tell you to stick with fish that stay small, say nothing larger than a Centropyge angelfish, such as the Coral Beauty angel. This is more tank size related, as you have limited swimming space in a 55 gallon tank.

Before I suggest fish, tell me what other livestock you want? Do you plan to keep inverts, corals, etc?
 
#15 ·
Well for my CUC I want maybe 1-2 Peppermint Shrimp, Some snails(what kinds are there?). For Livestock all I know is I have my mind set on a Jawfish, maybe a fire goby, and maybe 1-2 clownfish. I want to have some corals like hammer corals, some sort of sponge. I also want some sort of anemone. I do know I have limited space and I know I can't have large angels and tangs.
 
#16 ·
Keep this attitude going forward and you will be a pleasure to work with. You really have a great head on your shoulders for this hobby.

Fish options:
Centropyge angels, basslets, blennies, clownfish, chromis, gobies, jawfish, sandperch, pseudochromis, carpenter wrasse, and flasher wrasse. Stick with this list and you will be in good shape.

There are some potential issues that make stocking order a consideration. Some Basslets and Pseudochromis will become territorial, as well as some Centropyge angelfish. Also the angels are a risk at nipping corals, although I have personally always taken the chance and not regretted it. I think if you feed the fish then the risk of nipping is low.
 
#17 · (Edited)
So for a livestock list would this work? Yellow head Jawfish, Flame angelfish, speckled sandperch, flame goby, 2 black and white clown fish? I have only done research on Clownfish and jawfish. I feel having done absolute 0 research on this but from suspicion would the Jawfish get territorial with a sand perch? since they are on the same level of the tank? also is there a certain amount of times I have to feed the fish a day? to keep them from nipping coral. Also order they should go in?


Edit:
Here is a mental picture of how they would look together
 
#19 ·
The livestock looks ok to me. As you fill the tank you may find you have room for another fish or two, depending on the individual behaviors of the fish you select. This is especially true if you were to stick with some other rock dwelling species. A Diamond or Watchman Goby comes to mind.

When adding these fish, I would get the Firefish in the tank first, perhaps at the same time as the Jawfish. Then add the Clownfish, then the Perch, then the Flame Angel. The Flame absolutely has to be the last fish in this tank. No exceptions if you want this mix to work. It will dominate any new fish you add at a later time, but will fit in fine if added last. You might want to consider a pair of Flame Angels. The Centropyge genus does very well when kept in pairs. All you do is buy one larger than the other and they generally figure out who is the male and who is the female within a few days. Not all that different than Clownfish. Do not, however, try to keep 2 different species of Centropyge angels in this size tank together.

Nice Catfish by the way. Keeper size.
 
#20 ·
Great thread so far!!!

Just some observations.

If there is another spot I would try and move it there because you probably don't want nature sunlight to get into the tank because this will encourage bad algae to grow.

Another thing you will find when you go to your LFS and try and buy black and white clownfish is 1) they might not even have them and 2) they are often very expen$$ive and I since you expressed concern about a lack of funds these might be the best choice. Mistakes are made and I would hate to see you lose $50-100 on one or two fish that you have for a week or two.

I know Pasfur will help me with this but you will need to start testing for Calcium and Alkalinity and you can add buffers to put those where they should be. I know Pasfur uses the Kent brand name for his dosing, I am using ‘Purple Up’ and that has been working really well.

Great start and I can’t wait to see the tank full!!!
 
#22 ·

Another thing you will find when you go to your LFS and try and buy black and white clownfish is 1) they might not even have them and 2) they are often very expen$$ive and I since you expressed concern about a lack of funds these might be the best choice. Mistakes are made and I would hate to see you lose $50-100 on one or two fish that you have for a week or two.
Great point here. I wasn't thinking about cash at all. In fact, the Flame Angel is a bit pricey of a fish, generally in the $50 to $60 range. You might want to consider a less expensive dwarf angel, such as the Coral Beuty, Eibli, or Vrolicki. Each of these would be about 1/2 the price of the Flame and are also easy fish to keep. The biggest concern with dwarf angels is picking out a good fish. They often arrive with damage to the eyes, so you have to be patient and make sure the fish is healthy. Some tips to help you here: http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/...ssful-saltwater-selecting-healthy-fish-35145/

As for Clownfish, another issue is that they do not always keep their black color. Blacks will fade and orange clowns will darken. I would just suggest buying a pair of TANK RAISED Ocellaris Clowns. Be sure to buy tank raised, as they are much easier to keep. Just trust me on this. They won't look as good when small, but within a couple of months they start to really color up and are just as colorful as the wild caught fish. You will pay $5 or $10 more for captive raised, but they come with almost not risks. You are almost guaranteed a healthy fish.

Calcium and alkalinity testing is something I start to focus on when the diatom bloom hits. Usually around week 2 or 3. Most people here like the API Test Kits, so this is a purchase to make. You will need a buffer to adjust alkalinity and a calcium supplement. I use Kent Marine Super Buffer DKH buffer and Kent Marine Liquid Calcium Chloride. Others here use the BIonic 2 part additives, which are very reliable also.
 
#21 ·
I might move alot of stuff so it can be in the corner but it will have a back to it if that makes a difference. Maybe I'll change the black and white clown fish to a normal O. Clownfish. and yes ok 2 flame angels and maybe would it be possible to put a watchman goby or a diamond goby in and in what order.
 
#27 ·
thanks so I want a 4-6" sand bed so would this be a good amount? 75 Pounds Key Largo Rock, <br>160 Pounds Bahamas Aragonite Sand<BR>pay shipping on rock only - KL75-160 It's alot I know but I could take extra and make another Nano reef in a smaller tank. Live rock is not a problem...LFS has live rock that cures in tanks and I CAN PICK OUT THE PIECES I WANT!!! Also If I sell he stuff I have for sale I will have 170 bucks and only 110 more needed for that(I have shipping covered plus I can get some help) So exited looking for protein skimmer and lights!
 
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