[Trackaxe]

Ok, I have a 55 gallon freshwater tank I am going to convert to saltwater. I am sort of new to the saltwater hobby - though I do have a nano cube with a clown right now. My plans for this aqaurium are as follows:

Short Term (First 1-1-1/2 years)

Fish only tank, I would like to keep as many fish as possible - if it requires more filtration so be it.

Longer Term

I would like to buy better lights and keep corals

I plan to start with the following equipment:

55 gallon glass tank with stock normal out put florescent lights
Aqua C Remora skimmer
2 or 3 maxi jet 1200 power heads
4" deep live sand bed
possibly a denitrifactor to elininate nitrates

My question is whether I should add a filter - I really do not want live rock unless it has corals on it and that is later. Is the deep sand bed enough of a filter ? What could I add to make the setup better. I really want to stretch things so I can get as many fish as possible while remaining respnsible about things.

Any input would be helpful

Thanks

[Reefland]

Hi Trackaxe,


Well the 2 things you can do to make these plans better:
1. Add liverock. This is your best biological filtration and would strongly be recommended.
2. Add an external overflow and a sump for the extra water volume. Not only does the extra volume help with stability but it also makes the display appearance better since it gives you a place for equipment (skimmer, heater, etc.). If you went this route you could go with an AquaC Urchin instead.

[Steven Pro]

I would also incorporate a refugium into your plans. It could be part of the sump, if you go that route, or a hang-on version.

[Reefland]

I sure wish I would have during our tank planning.

[Trackaxe]

Question, I have often away for 3-5 days - I can easily get someone to feed the fish, but if I bought this product is there any chance of something getting clogged and causing a overflow onto the floor ?