I currently have a 5 gallon freshwater tank and have successfully maintained it for about 2 months, with the small exception of a fiddler crab dying after he molted (i think because we used tap water/now I know to go RO). But anyways I plan on starting a 55 gallon fish only tank then maybe after a year or so add coral. To research on the subject i've listened to many of the podcasts. I think I know what to do but point out any mistakes I say please. I plan on using an argonite(sp?) sand bed, power head(can't remember brand name) of 10 tanks per hour, RO water, venturian protein skimmer, and getting either a perculis or ascillis (sp?) clown. A few questions I have are would you guys think it best to go mechanical filtration or live rock. If live rock then, I have heard on the show of what to check for and what to make sure is absent, but having never seen it except for the one local store that carries it could someone please post a pic of what it should or shouldn't look like. Also do I put in water first or the sand bed? Thats about all the questions I can think of now. Thanks for the help from whoever actually read that whole post and is helping I assume you have answered these questions many times. Greatly appreciated:mrgreen:

Edit:forgot to ask, but what is the best way to start the nitrogen cycle? I have heard many, but what do you guys usually do. I plan on not sacrificing a fish. What is a good heater? Is it usually good to buy the all inclusive packs or a plain tank and what I need?

sounds good, justed skimmed through quickly so i ccant really answer all the questions cuz i dont know what they are, but as per the nitrogen cycle, adding Live rock is the most basic way to give the cycle a kickstart, but if you're not using live rock (base rock,etc..) Throw a piece of shrimp in the tank for a bit.

All i know is, there is a podcast specifically for the nitrogen cycle
Check it out.

Welcome to TR if you're new btw

If I add LR will it die during the cycle and have to be regrown or is it pretty much the superior way?:mrgreen:

the die off from transporting the LR will start the cycle instead of sacrificing a fish to do it. if the LR does not stay completely wet during transport it will always have some type of die off. it is usually the sponges on the rocks that die and start the cycle.

If I add LR will it die during the cycle and have to be regrown or is it pretty much the superior way?:mrgreen:

No, the LR is where the bacteria that you want to grow will start growing and take care of all the other nasties of the cycle.

Hi liquid wind and :welcome: to TR.

I definitely think that LR and a DSB are the way to filter your tank. Just to clarify, there will most likely be some die off on the LR due to stress during transport. However it is still very much alive. The die off will work to kick start your cycle. The bacteria remaining in the rock will work to convert ammonia, which is the product of decomposition, to nitrite and then to nitrate.

Are you planning on a sump? Ten tanks an hour turn over is the minimum to aim for and you want it to come from more than one direction. You are not trying to create a whirlpool but the multi directional ebb and flow of the ocean. So, rather than a single 600 GPH powerhead go with two 300 GPH or three 200 GPH.

I would put the sand in first. Then cover the sand with a big plastic trash bag, put a bowl on the bag and gently pour the saltwater into the bowl and let it flow out filling your tank. This helps keep the sand in place while you are adding water and prevents a sandstorm.

Hope this helps. Please feel free to ask if you have more questions.

Thanks for the help. I didn't plan on a sump mainly because 55 is pushing it with money constraints(taking your guys advice not to slowly upgrade) and I don't quite understand what it does to improve my tank besides cost more and give me more gallonage. Although I do understand that part. wet/dry. And I did plan on using two power heads because as I understand chaotic current it better than one strong one. anyways thanks to everyone helping this is a great for as far as i can see and I love the podcast Rob.:mrgreen:

I have a 55 gallon on a budget hehe. You are going to want LR and a DSB like some others have already mentioned. You are going to need a good HOB Skimmer and if its in your budget a HOB refugium(DIY tubefuge vidcast by Astrivian is awesome!) Depending on what you want to keep depends on what kind of lights you will need. FOWLR won't need halides, heck even PC lighting. If you want to keep some corals you will have to get at least a PC fixture(soft corals). Hard corals need more light so you will want to go with halides(expensive). You will need water movement. I recommend 3 or 4 maxi jet 1200s(if you can afford the mod, there is a guy on ebay that sells them and they work decently well). I can't really think of anything else right now. Hope this helps!

Liquid,


A sump does increase the size of your system and that is a good thing. But, IMO the fact that it gives you a place to hide equipment like heaters and a place to dose where you are not dropping chemicals right on top of your fish are equally as valuable. The drop from the overflow of your tank to the sump provides additional surface agitation, leading to increased O2 exchange and a healthier reef.