Setting up 55 Gallon Help me out....

[Cruzan277]

Ok guys, a few years ago you guys helped me set up a 125 Gallon semi reef tank. Now I need your help setting up a 55 gallon. What would you suggest. Its basically going to be FOLR tank. I am considering southdown, what do you guys think. Give me suggestions that you would do if you were setting one up, even a refugium idea would be appreciated. Dont have another tank so can I use something from Homedepot that would do the same job. Let me have it guys, gota start buying my supplies soon.

Thanks for you help.

 

[Mac1]

Depending on the types of fish you plan on keeping, the 55 may not be big enough. Some species really like/need swimming room. I also wouldn't go w/ too much rock in the tank - takes up swimming space. Consequently, I'd recommend a deep sandbed (will take advantage of the 55's height) to provide adequate filtration, FO tanks in general tend to be dirtier.
Lighting... I would use a shoplamp (Or DIY a hood w/ some Waterproof endcaps, and yank the ballast from a shop-lamp. NO bulb's are more than fine, but I would still get aquarium one's, as the spectrum is different.
Get the sandbed in (most people find SouthDown adequate), chuck in your Live Rock, and once the cycle's complete, order a det. kit from Inland to give the sandbed a kick. Give that a couple weeks, and get some fish!

- Mac

 

[Cruzan277]

Well, I dont have much choice with the tank. I am setting this tank up for my uncle, I would love to throw a 150gallon tank in there but I dont think they can handle that. Fish would probably be on the small size, would only be about 4-5 different kinds.