Want to start new SW

[Tunechi]

Hello, I currently have a 55 gallon chiclid tank that iv had for a while. I have lately really wanted to turn it into a salt water tank for something new. I'm just asking if 55 would be good for a starter, and big enough to a have decent tank. I have researched a little bit but always like feedback from people. Also what kind of fish could I have in a 55? I really like clowns so whatever could go with them. Thanks

 

[cgthebeast]

That would be a decent tank but it matters what fish your into, do you like:an want tangs? They need a 6x3 tank for them so stay away haha. You have lots of options for a tank that size after that though. Do you want corals? The SW side is a real wallet drainer, but worth it iMO

 

[Tunechi]

That would be a decent tank but it matters what fish your into, do you like:an want tangs? They need a 6x3 tank for them so stay away haha. You have lots of options for a tank that size after that though. Do you want corals? The SW side is a real wallet drainer, but worth it iMO

I really like the clowns, probably my favorite. So whatever's best to go with them... And I know salt water is much more expensive. Around how much would money would you estimate it would take to start up my 55, for coral and a few fish to start?

 

[Tategrant]

I really like the clowns, probably my favorite. So whatever's best to go with them... And I know salt water is much more expensive. Around how much would money would you estimate it would take to start up my 55, for coral and a few fish to start?

Firefish are good starters. Also damsels but they can be aggressive. Green chromis are nice fish also. Flame angel

 

[George9]

I really like the clowns, probably my favorite. So whatever's best to go with them... And I know salt water is much more expensive. Around how much would money would you estimate it would take to start up my 55, for coral and a few fish to start?

It varies a lot depending on what kind of equipment you're looking for. The higher end stuff is going to cost a lot. Since you're looking at corals, you're going to need some decent lighting, a protein skimmer, a couple power heads and lots of rock for filtration. I'd estimate maybe $300-$600 depending on what you have already and need to buy.

 

[cgthebeast]

I really like the clowns, probably my favorite. So whatever's best to go with them... And I know salt water is much more expensive. Around how much would money would you estimate it would take to start up my 55, for coral and a few fish to start?

My best guess would be in or over 550. Lights are pretty high, plus rock, ro/di filter, sand, refactor, powerhead, ect. But the cost is worth it. You will be able to do a pair of clowns and a couple of more smaller fish/ inverts in that tank.

Powerhead a
Salt
Ro/ di filter
Sand
Rocks
Refactor
API test kit
Lights
Livestock
Egg crate
Skimmer

 

[Grizz]

If I were to start another SW tank here's how i would do it in this order
Salt
Hydrometer
Heater
2 hydor power heads 1050's
sand
Test kit (Red sea)
Dry rock,(20lbs more later as i added fish) A small piece of live rock will be added later to seed tank with more life.
RO/DI water bought from LFS
Pure ammonia to start cycle
Cheap LEDS from e bay (TaoTronics) lights are not needed to cycle tank so i have 4-6 weeks to get them Same thing with a RO/DI unit
Sump and skimmer as neither are needed on a tank of this size you can keep thing in check with regular water changes

My tank allowance is $ 25 a week

Rule of thumb is $ 25 a gallon when setting up a new tank Talk about sticker shock