New 55gal Saltwater tank

[KitePilot]

Hey,
I'm new to this forum and really need some advice.
I have used my 55 for freshwater for 6 years now and want to start a saltwater tank, I had a 20 many years ago with some success until I had to move and got rid of it. I don't plan on keeping any fancy inverts maybe just a little LR and a few fish.

My questions are:
1) Sump or Refugium....... I know there are many posts about the same question however I have never seen any "True" answers, what are the benifits (if any) of either system?
2) Filtration...... I have 2 Marineland Bio-Wheels that have done quite a fine job with the freshwater.......what kind of filtration would you recommend to a beginner with a very thin wallet (If ya know whay I mean)
3) Crushed Coral VS. Live Sand.....I hate the look of the CC and think the Sand is more natural looking.....Is it ok to get Southdown and maybe 1 bag of Live Sand to seed it then put in the live rock to cycle the tank

I have done lots of research but it keeps looking that everyone has their own way of doing it.....lol
Any feedback would be appreciated

 

[mountainbiker619]

Lose the Bio-wheels and go sump with a skimmer in the sump and use a filter sock as your mechanical filtration along with live sand.

 

[Anonymous]

1) Sump or Refugium....... I know there are many posts about the same question however I have never seen any "True" answers, what are the benifits (if any) of either system?


It depends on what you want. If it's a fish only tank, a sump or refugium wouldn't be absolutely necessary. A sump simply adds more volume to the system and allows you to use bigger more powerful skimmers. A refugium is an additional food source, and provides some filtration benefits. Neither are absolutely necessary.

2) Filtration...... I have 2 Marineland Bio-Wheels that have done quite a fine job with the freshwater.......what kind of filtration would you recommend to a beginner with a very thin wallet (If ya know whay I mean)

You will defintely want a protein skimmer. This is the one place you shouldn't skimp. Get the best one you can afford. If you go with a sump the precision marine ones are a good choice. If you go sumpless you'll need a hang onm skimmer, in which case a Remora Pro would be your best bet.

3) Crushed Coral VS. Live Sand.....I hate the look of the CC and think the Sand is more natural looking.....Is it ok to get Southdown and maybe 1 bag of Live Sand to seed it then put in the live rock to cycle the tank

That would be fine. Don't use crushed coral.

Feel free to ask any other questions. It's better to know ahead of time than top have to figure it out in the middle.

 

[Pamela]

You will not need the bio wheels provided you have enough live rock for biological filtration, about 1 1/2 lbs. per gal. (more or less depending on bio load)

If you dont have enough live rock to start with, the bio-wheels will be fine in a fish only aquarium.

As mentioned above, get a good protein skimmer, a life saver on any marine system.