[L018]

Hi,

I have been managing FW tanks but would like to make the switch to SW.

I have read many posts here as well as info on other sites, but I am getting many different opinions and was hoping I could clear some things up here and hear what you guys think. I know you get a lot of posts such as this one, thank you for your patience.

I'm having a hard time piecing together the results of other posts, as I am changing too many variables at the same time in planning this tank.



Setup Plans....

Tank: I am leaning towards a non-drilled 55G with 75G as the other possibility.
Lights: Considering the Coralife T5 48", 2x28W(10k+Actinic)
Skimmer: Undecided.
Filter: 2x Penguin 350 or Penguin 350 + Canister
Heater: Probably 2x 100-150W or something along those lines.

Livestock: Need some help here.
I would preferably have the tank appear busy and colorful. I am trying to gain SW experience while contrasting my duller catfish/FW tanks. This may be difficult since I can have about 3-5 fish tops in a 55g. I would prefer carnivores as I enjoy feeding frozen meaty foods, but am aware of the extra waste produced as a result so am still unsure.

If I wanted a Snowflake Moray some day, I should opt for the 75G right?

If I go sand, a sandsifting goby be a good idea right?

Maybe a group such as:
diamond watchman goby (6" max)
+bicolor pseudochromis(3" max)
+Kaudern's Cardinal(3" max)
+Longnose Hawkfish(5" max)

Will probably have to choose 3 from that list as they add up to 17" at adult size?


Substrate:
I normally use a thin bed of very fine gravel in my FW tanks. I am looking at doing sand in this tank however.

If I go FO instead of FOWLR do I still want livesand? A post I read mentioned LR seeding the LS but I am not planning on LR right now. I find it much easier to find LS however at stores and have no problem paying a little more to get it, as there are more options available with LS as far as I can tell.


LR: I am shying away from LR atm. Not sure if I want it and how well it will do at just over 1W of light per gallon?


Thanks for all of your help in advance

[leebca]

WELCOME TO REEFLAND!

You've come to a good place to ask your questions. I could go through your well-detailed post and pick out the issues, but to save my time and put the 'monkey on your back' rather than mine, I'll let you do that.

This is what you do to start a SW aquarium:
Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

I would like you to read through the above post and compare that to what you wrote and note the differences.

Since you are unsure about using live rock, you should read this: What is Live Rock, Anyway?

You are doing it right, so far. You are trying to plan it out. That is how everyone should start out. To help you decide on what approach is good, you need to get some books on systems. There are many to choose from and that is, in part, why you may be getting different information. No one can choose your system for you. So to be prepared to choose one for yourself, you need to know your options. Options are outlined in the books that are referenced in the above linked post.

Use the Table of Contents post here: Table/Contents - Link List to get additional details on any particular subject.

The more you learn in the planning stages, the more likely you'll be happy with the outcome. Don't forget that planning includes deciding what marine life forms you wish to maintain.

[L018]

I will continue reading and be back with more questions

Thanks Lee