saltwater 55g questions

**kaianuanu** · 07-13-2008, 04:38 AM

Originally Posted by NickFish

I agree completely with that.

Sure, you can make a tank with .5lbs live rock like you want to, but why would you? Live rock is the most important part of any saltwater tank. Your tank will be twice as hard to maintain with .5lbs live rock than it would with 1lb. That, and it will look very empty, not much room for aquascaping, and your bio-capacity will be severely decreased.

Here's my "recommended" equipment list for your tank-

-50lbs aragonite
-10lbs live sand
-at least 60lbs live rock
-Skimmer
-20-30 gallon sump
-Refugium of some sort
-A team of powerheads
-Heater x2 (one for water changes)
-Salt mix
-Refractometer
-RO/DI machine
-Lighting (depends on whether you are doing FOWLR or reef)
-Saltwater complete master test kits
-Books

Whatever money you save on Live rock now you'll spend later in maintenence costs. Like Cocoa said, you can get dead rock for $1 a pound.

hey are these supplies for a fowlr tank? if not can you post supplies for fowlr instead of reef

**cocoa_pleco** · 07-13-2008, 04:46 AM

nick hit it. the sump and refugium arent 100% needed, but are always a good idea

you need everything on his list for a fowlr, but you can use regular lighting for no corals

**kaianuanu** · 07-14-2008, 01:53 AM

whats a refrigium???

**ILuvMyGoldBarb** · 07-14-2008, 01:59 AM

A refugium is an area of lower flow either in a sump or separate from the sump where generally sand, live rock rubble, and macro algae is kept. The sand and LR rubble are not found in all. The main benefit of a refugium is the production of copepods, amphapods, and isopods for the main tank. Many claim that they are also great for nitrate reduction, however they really are not great at this process, this is the least of their benefits. They do reduce nitrates to an extent however not to any extent that will rival a deep sand bed or sufficient live rock. They basically allow for a isolated area for the pod population to multiply free from predation.

**kaianuanu** · 07-14-2008, 02:22 AM

so what are the benefits of 'pods exept a food source for fish

**spudbuds** · 07-14-2008, 02:23 AM

Also, when the macro algea is lighted on a reverse cycle from the main display, it can help reduce the natural pH swing from day to night.

A great food source is their main benefit, but they are also good detrivores.

- Bill