SUGGESTIONS FOR A 55 GALLON REEF TANK

[undercovernerd81]

HELLO REEFERS... I AM CURRENTLY WORKING ON SETTING UP A 55 GALLON REEF... I AM REALATIVELY NEW TO THE WHOLE SALTWATER TANK AND AM LOOKING FOR SOME SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT EQUIPMENT TO GET... I CURRENTLY HAVE A 55 GALLON TANK WITH STAND AND CANOPY WITH JBJ RETROFIT LIGHTING WITH TWO ACTINICS AND TWO 10K DAYLIGHTS ITS 260 WATTS TOTAL... IS THAT ENOUGH??? I AM LOOKING FOR A GOOD PROTIEN SKIMMER BUT DO NOT WANT TO USE A SUMP... WHAT HANG ON SKIMMERS DO YOU RECOMEND.. I HAVE HEARD SOME GOOD THINGS ABOUT AQUA C REMORA HANG ONS... WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS??? HOW MUCH AND WHAT TYPE OF SAND IS GOOD... TO START WITH??? HOW MUCH LIVE ROCK IS NEEDED IF NO SUMP IS BEING USED??? THANKS FOR THE INPUT!!!!

 

[Len]

Welcome to the engaging hobby of reefkeeping! It's really one of the most fascinating and involving hobbies I can think of.

4x65 watt power compact lighting should be enough for most corals, including popular soft corals and large polyped stony corals (aka hard corals or LPS). It's on the low side for small polyped stony corals like Staghorn (Acropora species), but those corals are more challenging anyhow and should be reserved for more experienced hobbyists. You should be fine with the four power compacts for quite some time. In the future, when you have gotten your more experience, you can upgrade to metal halides for the more challenging species.

You'll hear many opinions on what the best hang-on skimmers are, but AquaC Remora Pro will usually be one of the candidates. Others to consider are the Precision marine HOT-1 and the hang-on Turboflotor multi. All these will perform well on a 55g in my experience.

As for sand, go with 3-5" of fine aragonite sand. Caribsea sells perfect sands for sandbeds. A mixture of oolitic, sugar sized, and "special grade" sand (all made by Caribsea) will create a nice substrate habitiat. Sprinkle in some live sand after the tank has cycled to seed the sandbed and you're good to go.

Anywhere from 50-100 lbs of live rock will serve you well. It's up to you how you want to arrange it. Take a look at some people's tanks to get inspiration on how to "aquascape."

I hope this helps. You've come to the right place for reefkeeping questions and I'm sure you'll get all the help you're looking for here

 

[Micah00]

I agree with everything Len has stated. If I were you though and didn't have water in my tank I would get it drilled and add a sump. You can use a 30 gal tank or even a Rubbermaid container for a sump. And down the road from now (trust me ) you will wish you did. But if you don't want a sump, I suggest the Aqua-C. I have one on my 55 (not drilled) and it does a great job. Easy to adjust and is easy to maintain.

And most important take baby steps when setting up a reef, it takes time.

 

[Micah00]

I agree with everything Len has stated. If I were you though and didn't have water in my tank I would get it drilled and add a sump. You can use a 30 gal tank or even a Rubbermaid container for a sump. And down the road from now (trust me ) you will wish you did. But if you don't want a sump, I suggest the Aqua-C. I have one on my 55 (not drilled) and it does a great job. Easy to adjust and is easy to maintain.

And most important take baby steps when setting up a reef, it takes time.

 

[Anonymous]

I have the Aqua C Remora Pro

Before you buy it, contact Jason at Aqua C and ask what is the best pump for the skimmer.

Mine came with a Rio 1400, which is definitely NOT the best pump

You will find that he is extremely helpful, when I wanted to change my collection cup so it would drain into a jug, he sent me the part, told me how to do it, all at no charge.

Great Guy

BRyan

 

[Anonymous]

Jayson really recommends the Maxi drive pump. I got my skimmer directly from him at a good price cause it was a blemished model. I didnt get the pro however just the regular remora and I use the maxi jet 1200 it works fine and requires almost no maintanence. I would suggest his protein skimmers to any one whether beginner or expert. You can check out what he recommends on his website too www.proteinskimmer.com

 

[Anonymous]

You don't need a sump. Your lightin will be enough. I would recommed the Aqua-C skimmer but I have never had one. I use the Seaclone150 on my 100 gallon and it works great. Just make sure you use enough live rock. 50 pounds is plenty. I like to use a hangon powerfilter for extra insurance. Aqua Clears work great. You don' need any more than two inches of sand....use sugar sized aragonite.

 

[reefsRcool]

if you havn't got your tank full of critters get it drilled for a sump. You may not "need" one but oh boy they make life alot better. gets the junk out of the tank and allows much better control over tank conditions.

 

[tthomasturkey]

I have had good luck with CPR BAK PAK skimmer for reefs. It is easy to use and maintain.

 

[cdeakle]

I have a 55 gallon reef tank, well established for almost 2 years.

I was using a CPR BakPak 2R and was extremly pleased with it. Recently got a sump and trust me later down the line you will want one. Traded the CPR for a AquaC Urchin(in-sump).

So quick answer: CPR BakPak 2R or a Aquac Remora hang on.

Word of advise, make sure to regularly maintain and clean your skimmer to keep optimal results.

 

[R33f_$hark]

I would go with the AquaC Remora. :wink: And I too agree that a sump would be a wise idea. Good luck with your tank.

 

[JohnD]

I have a 55 and it is a nice-sized tank to start with. I have used both a BakPak and a Remora in my smaller tanks. I believe the Remora pulls out more junk. But with the BakPak, you can put a heater and a grounding probe in it and not the tank. With either the BakPak or the Remora, use a Maxijet 1200 and the preskimmer box. Jason at Premium Aquatics sells the venturii adapter for the Maxijet - around $4.00.

Depending on where you are, there may be a Home Depot near you that sells SouthDown sand. My HD gets $1.89 for a 50 lbs bag.

Welcome aboard.