thinking about trying marine

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johnmoore55

johnmoore55

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Sep 1, 2010
170
12
33
Nor Cal
i have kept freshwater fish for a while now and i think i may want to try this. i want to get a 55 gallon at first to see how things go. i already have a XP4 soo im thinking im ok on filtration? i know i will need live sand and rock. i will also need a protein skimmer. im going to find a good used light on CL any advice on wattage? any and all advice on what to get and what else i may need is appreciated.
 
Typically most people do not use canisters on saltwater. You would be better off using a hang on back protein skimmer and picking up an AC110 to mod into a fuge. Then pick up a few powerheads for some flow. With a saltwater tank the rock acts as filtration once it has been established. If you want to spend a little more money you could get a hang on back overflow like CPR make and then run a sump.

The light wattage and type depends if you plan on keeping coral or not. If you just want some fish then I would not worry about anything fancy. If you think you might go for some coral later but unsure I would pick up a 4 bulb T5 unit which will provide good lighting for a fish only tank and also be able to support soft corals, some LPS and maybe some easy SPS mounted higher in the tank.

If you have any questions feel free to ask. I got into the hobby roughly 3-4 years ago and have continuously been learning new things.
 
First off, I would pick up at least a 75g if I were you. Not much bigger than a 55g, but something that you will end up enjoying, and making h2o quality issues a little less dangerous.

Sumping is always recommended as far as SW goes. But if you cant sump, good powerheads, and good skimmers should suffice (this is called a berlin system, and I use it on my 75g reef. 3x koralia 4's, and 1x aquaC remora skimmer - which I would highly recommend to you as a beginner.).

The AC110 mod looks cool, but Im not sure exactly how practical it would be on a 55g. I would want at least two, and the amount of macros you could grow in there would be minimal.
 
Trust me, you'll love it! I just started not too long ago with 75g and over the last few days I was so hooked I turned my 29g and 215g salt, Im already planning going bigger!
 
Good advice. Don't skimp on the skimmer.

A 75 is a good choice (it doesn't seem like alot, but makes a big difference as far as in tank space and water volume)

Go with lots of flow, and buy some nice live rock. Welcome aboard.

also, search craigslist for a good deal on some decent lights, you don't need to go gonzo, but having good lights will make your LR really come to life and will help inhibit nuisance algae.
 
thisissimple;4704960; said:
A 75 is a good choice (it doesn't seem like alot, but makes a big difference as far as in tank space and water volume)
Click to expand...

Agreed.

Try making a rock pile in a 75 and a 55, and see which one pisses you off more...:grinno:

The extra depth of the 75 is very nice to have.
 
Heathd;4704989; said:
Try making a rock pile in a 75 and a 55, and see which one pisses you off more...:grinno:
Click to expand...

That pretty much sums it up.
 
thank you very much everyone! i have also read around here that bigger is typically more forgiving in saltwater, with that said i do have a extra 120 gallon ( 72" wide, 24" deep, 16" tall ). i am worried about using that though because filtration on a bigger tank would cost more. i already have a ac 110 and the xp4 like i said. the whole idea of a sump really confuses me for some reason and is pretty expensive. i have about $500 to get my 120 going and i dont think that would be enough if i need a sump. any suggestions? ofcourse i would be using craigslist for as much as i can btw. thanks.
 
Sometimes you can get sump kits on craigslist for pretty cheap, I have buddies that have made them out of old tanks that they picked up at the curb, and just resealed. Doesnt have to be pretty. Most expensive part is going to be the skimmer and the return pump.

It will be worth your while to take your time, and save up for the stuff you exactly want. Trust me, its better than getting in and then realizing that you have to play catch up.
 
yaa if im gona do this it will take months of finding deals and everything i want. and do you recommend coral substrate or sand?
 
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