Setting up 55 Gallon Saltwater Tank

[xbox360blue]

I'm new to this how do I set up a 55 gallon saltwater tank? What supplies will I need? I mean tell me everything I'll need to set it up. Sea salt, sea sand, bacteria for the water, coral's. Filter recommendations?

[coachfraley]

I would start by reading through the 2 threads below. They both have a ton of info. about setting up medium/large reefs. The setup of a 55 will be very similar to the setup of a 75.


http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=21739

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=21739

Your question is really tough to answer until you make some decisions regarding what you would like to keep in your tank. The most important decision will be whether or not you are going to keep corals, and if you are, what kind. The type of lighting, circulation, and filtering/skimming will depend on what you want in the tank.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

Well, there is one major upside to the size tank you have chosen and that is the fact that there are very very few non-reefsafe fish suitable for a 55gal tank, there are a few but not many. So, if you do decide to keep corals later on down the road, you may very well be able to do so. One thing that I would strongly suggest for you concerning the tank, is that you get one with built-in overflows, it will make your setup a lot easier.

[Halelorf]

I would recommend getting the book The New Marine Aquarium by Michael Paletta. It is very helpful in setting up a saltwater tank and getting live stock for it.

[zackish]

Just read as much as you can.
And if you want a reef tank plan on spending over $1500 for a 55 gallon tank....just to get started....