Tank Setup Help

[danellis06460]

Hi,

I have been researching what Im going to need to set up a 55 gallon tank for about 3 weeks now. I don't feel Im getting great advice from the 3 LFS I have been to. All tell me that I need to get a wet/dry filter in addition to a protein skimmer. Looking at posts here it appears thats not the case and that something like a CPR bacpak 2 is all I will need.

So here is what I have come up with, I would appreciate if you would give me feedback. Im also not sure without the wet/dry filter how I will get enough water flow/O2 around the tank, the skimmer won't be enough on its own will it ? Will I need to add some powerheads ?

55 gal + stand
CPR 2 bacpak protein skimmer (CR1113)
Custom Sealife Smartlite Fixture (CL1117)
350W Pro Heat 2 heater (with thermometer (WB1325)


Am I missing anything ?

I intend to start of with the easier inverts, I have a two year old daughter so I have to get a couple of clownfish and maybe a purple tang when I have everything figured out (thats the reason for getting a 55 gal, something big enough for the tang).

I have not decided to where to get the live rock from yet, Tampa Saltwater looks interesting but the more tradition Fiji rock looks better for growing stuff on.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi there,

Does your tank have a built in overflow? If so, then getting a wet/dry or just a sump, which is what most of our wet/drys become, will be good for housing exuipment.

If you want to keep it very simple, you do not need a wet/dry as long as you put in 50+ pounds of live rock in the tank. The wet/dry only acts as a place to house biomedia, like bio-balls, which will give the beneficial bacteria a place to grow. However, the live rock you will be adding will give more than enough surface area for bacterial growth...so the wet/dry is not needed.

If you do WANT a wet/dry, then get an in-sump skimmer so you don't have to see the thing hanging on the tank.

You will need more circulation than can be provided by the skimmer. A sump or wet/dry will return water to the tank and, with a large enough pump, will provide enough circulation. If all you use for filtration is the live rock and the hang on skimmer, you will need to buy two small powerheads...cheap and effective. You will need to calculate at least 5 times turn over per hour beteween all of your pumps...so if the skimmer pump is 100 gallons per hour and each power head is 100 GPH, then you have a total circulation of 300GPH...divide that by your tank volume and you get a 6 times turnover rate...perfect for a healthy tank.

One more thing about the wet/dry. It is also a place for mechanical filtration media to be housed, like some poly-filter or something else to trap suspended particles. If you are using only hang on devices and don't plumba sump or wet/dry, you will need a small power-filter hanging on also to filter out suspended psrticles and keep the water clean.

GOOD LUCK

 

[danellis06460]

Thanks for the quick response Manny, I dont have anything yet, not even a tank. Im just feeling my way, trying to figure out what I need, what its going to cost and whats going to give me the greatest chance to suceed.

I figured I might need a couple of powerheads, but thats nothing compared to that savings on not having to get a wet/dry filter.

Thanks
Dan

Hi there,

If you want to keep it very simple, you do not need a wet/dry as long as you put in 50+ pounds of live rock in the tank. The wet/dry only acts as a place to house biomedia, like bio-balls, which will give the beneficial bacteria a place to grow. However, the live rock you will be adding will give more than enough surface area for bacterial growth...so the wet/dry is not needed.


GOOD LUCK

 

[Anonymous]

There's only $20 or $30 difference between a 55 and a 75, and a world of difference in what you can keep in it and do with it. I'd go for a 75 right off the bat.

 

[Anonymous]

You are one of the few people who actually does research before doing anything...for that you will enjoy greater success than most first timers.

Get a book, like Bob Fenners "the concientious marine aquarist" or Mike Paletta's "the new marine aquarium." Worth the $20 on the book and they are great references. They will help you to avoid many common mistakes.

 

[danellis06460]

Wow, I only just got here and you guys are trying to get me to spend more money ;-)

Actually you are the third person to mention that to me, I think Im going to bite the bullet and get the 75 gal. I would need a dual bakpaker and more live rock but hey hopefully the pay off will be worth it. More water = more stabiliy right ?

There's only $20 or $30 difference between a 55 and a 75, and a world of difference in what you can keep in it and do with it. I'd go for a 75 right off the bat.

 

[Lostmind]

yup, more water more stability and more room for livestock

I bit the bullet hard and picked up a 124gallon for my first tank!

And, I second/third the book recommendations. I have a half dozen now and 2 more on order...

 

[danellis06460]

75 gal is pushing it for the place I have for it, I couldnt get anything bigger. I got the all important okay from the SO last night so it looks like a go.

With the 75 gal I can only leave about a foot of space around the back, how does that sound ? I'm assuming thats enough to get around there to work and to get enough ventillation for the lights etc.

I started off with a book, its pretty good, a simple guide to reef aquariums, I cant remember the author, its at home. I got another one this weekend too, I have not started that yet. I think my awareness has increased much more since discovering this site, the books are great for explaining the basic principles involved, explaining the cyles and processes but when you actually have to think about what equipement you need there is no better place than here, where you can ask questions.

yup, more water more stability and more room for livestock

I bit the bullet hard and picked up a 124gallon for my first tank!

And, I second/third the book recommendations. I have a half dozen now and 2 more on order...