Help! Newbie trying to make sense of it all.

[lps]

Im in the planning process of my first Reef/Fish tank and am doing my best learn as much as I can. I want to have both soft and hard corals. And want to approach the process slowely but I would rather get the right stuff now, than have to buy more later.

This is the setup im looking at but would greatly appreciate some scrutiny on the system, cause I want to do it right.

55Gal All glass tank

(2) 96 watt Lunar Aqualight power compact with 2 Blue Moon Glow LED lights. 192 watts total. Dimensions: 36"L x 2-5/8"H x 7-1/4"W.

20 Gal DIY Refugium

Aqua C Urchin Pro Protein Skimmer

2 Maxi Jet 9's

Visi-therm stealth heater

Not sure which sump pump to use

I had some mixed help and am not sure if I should run a Bio-Ball set up with my refugium. Also if I need a RO system.

Is there anything else I should be using?

Any help will be greatly appreciated
Thanks Dan

[Reefland]

Hi lps,

First of all, consider going with a 75 gallon tank, which is the same length as the 55 but offers 6" more width (front to back) which makes a world of difference when you are adding liverock to the tank. Also, make sure the tank is Reef Ready (drilled with the corner overflow).

If your wanting to have the flexibility on corals to add, you will need more lighting than that. In fact, under a two bulb system, your not going to be able to add many corals at all. You should look into a 4 bulb PC/VHO/T-5 system at least and for the most flexibility, a 2 bulb metal halide unit.

Skimmer looks good, but I would recommend a little more flow. If your set on the Maxi-Jets, go for the 1200's for sure. Otherwise, look into a newer pump like the Tunze Stream.

For a return pump, look into the Mag Drives. A Mag 7 would be good for either the 55 or 75.

Lastly, no bio-media; none....Period.

[lps]

Thats GREAT! Thanks. you answered the questions of the things I was most unsure
about. I feel much more confident about the build mow. Ill post some pics as
soon as i get started. Thanks again!

[lps]

Ok so here is what i got today. What do you think?

Pro Clear Aquatics: Aquaflex 100

• Features:
• All systems include the pre-filter (overflow box)
• 200 micron filter sock(s)
• 5/8"id (3/4"od) vinyl tubing approx 5ft long
• Spiral flex hose 1.25" x 3ft.
• Input and Lights
  • 100 gal: Includes light with 2 65K bulbs; single input with single sock;
    Overall Size: 24" x 10" x 16"
    Sump Area: 7-3/8" x 9-1/2" x 14"

Poseidon PS2 External Pump
600 GPH-"which i luckily had a few new ones in my garage, cause i use the exact same pump for work on hot tubs"

90 Lbs. Caribsea Aragonite
Sugar Size

AquaC Urchin Pro

(2) Maxi Jet 900's

Im still unsure about lighting. I like the idea of pc's and am a sucker for the moon lights but am not sure if I can get one with the output needed for healthy corals. Also im not sure what mixture i should get as far as the "kelvin" rating. Thanks in advance for the help

[Samper]

If you want to keep corals I would recommend forgetting about PC. T5 or Metal Halide would be your best bet but I would strongly urge you to go with T5's. You can get 3 retro kits for a little over $300.00 and you will have 6 bulbs total over the tank with little heat.

[lps]

What does anyone think about these? I would get 2 sets. Whats the ideal bilb choice?
Ready Fit Retro Fit T5 Aquarium Light Kit 2-54W

[Samper]

I haven't used that brand but I have ordered bulbs from sunlight supply before and have no complaints with them. I'm sure you would be happy with two of those fixtures and some timers to run them.

[lps]

Thanks samper! I appreciate the reply, if no one contests within the next day I'll go ahead and oreder them. i just got the tank circulating and the lights are all i need. I cant wait!