need advice soon please

[rngrjt]

Ok, i had posted on the getting started forum but didnt get many responces hoping to get a few more here...
I have a few question about my 55 gal tank. I have a 90-gallon FOWLR that is pre-drilled. With that said, my question are
About my 55 gal in which I want to make a reef tank. The 55 gal isn’t predrilled. I know i am going to need some kind of filtration
Like a sump. I will be adding live rock. I am thinking of using
Tonga Branch Live Rock and Tonga self rock to hold the different type of corals and stuff. I don’t really know what all I want to put in the
Tank as far as corals go, I just know I want a active tank with lots of color. So right now I am trying to map out what I need to buy. I want to purchase all the proper material and items I may not of thought about. My budget is about 1000
I know I need lights, rock, a sump along with a skimmer. and some powerhead to push the water
So what do you guys think of this for my 55 gal.. Remember its going to be a reef tank and I want to be able to support whatever type of
Corals I decide to add its a 36 long 21 deep and 12 wdie. it is a bow front just fyi. here is what i was thinking so far...
https://www.petsolutions.com/Outer+Orbit+HQI+Fixture-I-42901040-I-C-40001736-C-.aspx
this is the sump I was thinking about getting... either the model 2 or 3 http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=13648
with this over flow box
https://www.petsolutions.com/CPR+300+GPH+Continuous+Siphon-I-46304581-I-C-26-C-.aspx
current this tank has very little rock in it so I was thinking about 36 lbs of
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=414 along with
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=401
howmany power heads and what power/brand...
I know i also will need a good skimmer correct or no? not sure about a reef tank at all. can any one recommend anything else i may need or want to think about... I really want to get it all now well I have my wife’s approval and the cash. Thanks a bunch guys..

 

[stuffer]

my input......don't skimp on the skimmer!

 

[jasno999]

Well I hate to break it to you but $1000 might not get you very far. The lights themselves could cost you $150-300. Then the rock and corals will range in price but they are nto goign to be cheap. A Skimmer is goign to be $150 or more. Then you have salt mix and a RO/DI purifier possiably- some of this you might already have.

You have a FOWLR already so you know your stuff. You know what to expect and what you are goign to deal with in terms of the tank. You jsut have to get accustomed to the whole lighitng issue and how corals act and interact. Should not be hard for you cause yo uahve a background in salt water. Jsut be prepared

 

[rngrjt]

Ya the 1000.00 is just for the about items i listed... i have a RO/DI and some other items, anyways... do you guys think these quipment would be ok for a reef tank. or is it over kill or what. all i know it FOWLR so i need help before i order some stuff that isnt worth it.

 

[MT79]

I will be adding live rock. I am thinking of using
Tonga Branch Live Rock and Tonga self rock

Tongan LR is mostly for show. It's very dense and therefore not recommended as a primary means of biological filtration. LR from fiji for example, is much more porous and therefore has more surface area for beneficial bacteria and fauna.

how many power heads and what power/brand

You want to turn the volume of the tank over 10 times an hour minimum. 15 times or better for more demanding corals. Maxi-jet ph's are very quiet and reliable. Also look at Seio's, I've heard good things about their flow patterns.
And as Stuffer said-Don't skimp on the skimmer -HTH

 

[ckmn101]

I like those lights and I really don't think there is such a think as overkill in the reefkeeping hobby!

 

[rngrjt]

ok thanks guys... i just went to florida to visit my uncle who is in the hospital while here i visited my old LFS and decied to go with his live rock at 4 dollars a pound and skip the shipping cost of the other rock. His rock is carribbian live rock.. whatcha think? buying it tomorrow before i head back to nc

 

[ryguy]

how are you getting it home?

 

[rngrjt]

packed in a cooler wrapped with newspaper.... just got home...