FO Tank Help

**kaianuanu** · 02-28-2009, 11:48 PM

I am planning on starting a Fish Only setup

not a FOWLR setup(LR=$$$), But I need some things explained to me first. Could a 55 gallon with the following conditions work?:

-HOB power filtration(mainly for circulation)
-crushed coral substrate
-salinity targeting a specific gravity of 1.018
-a rectangular triggerfish and maybe a few suitable tankmates

Could this work? Im working on a DIY protein skimmer, could add the skimmer a week or 2 after i start the tank? Also, What kinds of fish can be kept with the rectangular triggerfish(i was thinking 1 or 2 wrasses)?

**AABatteries** · 03-01-2009, 12:02 AM

First of all; research, research, research! Its more valuable than anything you'll buy for your tank.

HOB current - insuffcient, I would get two Koralia 1's or 2's.
crushed coral substrate - I'm using it in the tank I just set-up a matter of hours ago, be sure to wash it well. Lol. Other than clouding its okay.
SG of 1.018 - That's no where near high enough, it should be between 1.020 and 1.025, more on the high side.
triggerfish - I'm not 100% about this mainly because I've never researched them, I'd say a 55 is too small. EDIT: My hypothesis was correct. Just looked it up and, 55g is too small, 75g minimum. EDIT 2: Just read a little more, you COULD get by with one in a 55g, but it wouldn't be the best.

**Tigerbarb** · 03-01-2009, 12:39 AM

I wouldn't put a Trigger of any kind in a 55g, but you could get a trigger as a growout fish and trade it for a smaller trigger once it gets too big.
Research all the different kinds of equipment you'll need for a marine system. While a good-sized HOB filter will provide your tank with surface agitation, you'll also need a few powerheads for current. Maxi-jet powerheads are great for current, but Koralias, from what I've heard, are alot better.

Also, if you are new to the marine hobby, I wouldn't even try it without live rock. Live rock will be your tank's primary filtration system, and it provides your fish with a natrual aquascape with plenty of hiding places.
Don't worry... there are ways to save money on live rock. One suggestion would be to purchase mainly dead rock for your tank, and put in a small amount of live rock, and wait a while, and the organisms on the live rock will soon grow onto the dead rock. You'll want to have a total of atleast 50 lbs of live rock in your tank, to provide your system with adequate biological filtration, so I'd go with about 40-45 lbs dead rock and 5-10 lbs live rock...although if you are impatient, and want your rock to finish seeding faster, I'd reccomend 50% dead rock and 50% live rock.

For substrate, crushed coral is fine, as long as you don't ever plan on keeping any sand-dwellers.

**kaianuanu** · 03-01-2009, 12:46 AM

i have been doing research on and off for the last year. Still, i don't claim to be very knowledgeable. I love crushed coral, i use it in all my freshwater tanks,i agree that the only downside is clouding. I guess i'll target an SG of 1.023. Also, is it ok if i wash my crushed coral with tap water, and ifit is moist with the tapwater before i add my seawater? Aso, can you confirm with me that distilled water is ok for mixing my seawater?

**Tigerbarb** · 03-01-2009, 12:50 AM

Originally Posted by kaianuanu

i have been doing research on and off for the last year. Still, i don't claim to be very knowledgeable. I love crushed coral, i use it in all my freshwater tanks,i agree that the only downside is clouding. I guess i'll target an SG of 1.023. Also, is it ok if i wash my crushed coral with tap water, and i it is moist with the tapwater before i add my seawater? Aso, can you confirm with me that distilled water is ok for mixing my seawater?

I'm not sure if the chlorine from tap water will soak into your crushed coral or not, but I do know that distilled water is fine for mixing seawater.

Tigerbarb

**kaianuanu** · 03-01-2009, 12:52 AM

hey, do you know about how much it would cost to fill my 55 with distilled water from the supermarket?

**Tigerbarb** · 03-01-2009, 12:54 AM

Originally Posted by kaianuanu

hey, do you know about how much it would cost to fill my 55 with distilled water from the supermarket?

It could cost about $55 to fill up your tank with distilled water, if the prices are the same down there. I'd go with RO water out of one of those machines in the supermarket, as that will save you money.