Decided on 55g sps, clam tank

[Mikeman]

Well, I really wanted a 120g, then a 90, and now a 55g just for pure price reasons, What equitment will I need?

How many metal halides? (I'd like to keep the light loving ones, and some maxima clams)

Anyone recommend a good hang on the back skimmer? Thinking of going with a bak/pak?

Can calcium reactors go on the tank?

How deep should I make the sand bed?

Can I keep a kole tang in it?


I know a lot of questions, sorry, but I'm really excited just decided what I'm going to do an hour ago!

thanks

[naser]

id suggest a 55 with an overflow..

[Reinhold]

I'd highly recommend the Remora Pro HOT skimmer. In my opinion, it's the best skimmer available for your size tank.

4 inches of sand seems to be the standard recommendation.

Two metal halides (175 or 250 W) should be adequate with good ventilation to prevent heat build-up.

The Tang Nazis will tell you that a 55 is too small for any tang, but I've successfully kept tangs for many years in a 60.

[Mikeman]

I really don't want to get an overflow, just confuses everything a little bit more.

I'm thinking right now of going with a 4" sand bed, and about 30 lbs of live rock(I want 2 mountain like areas, and alot of swimming space in between(and room for clams and open brains).

What do you think of this for a fishlist?

5-7 green chromis
2 clownfish that will go in a bta(ptoably clarki)
1 4 line wrasse(for parisitic clam snails)

oh I forgot I'm right now going to go with 2 250w metal halides with 2 NO antincs, that should give me enough light for any coral right?

[naser]

without any type of overflow your then plagued with heaters and pumps and skimmers hanging in side the water takign upi valuble room in a 55 gallon... look at my 55 gallon a couple of posts down. imagine your but with everything listed above in side the tank.. my powerheads take up so much room as it is.

[Mikeman]

Ok maybe I will add one, what kind do you have? I could also make it a refugium/sump which would be awesome

[naser]

my tank is just a glass 55 with built in overflow. alittle more money but totally worth it in the scheme of things.