Questions about SW set-up and what to buy

[Mrsfuller2572]

We've had several FW aquariums...now we're finally and slowly getting things together for our SW, reef with a few fish. We have a 55 gal. with stand. I am wondering about what is considered 'good, better, and best' when it comes to the protein skimmer, canister system and power heads. Also, what are the price ranges of each? I'm not wanting to be 'taken' by the next sales clerk at Feeder's Supply!

 

[theatrus]

Protein skimmer: AquaC Remora Pro (if you're sumpless), or ASM G2 or G3

Canister: use live rock, forget the canister filter

Powerheads: Maxijet 1200s. They last forever. If you're looking for a bit more flow, use Seio M620s

 

[mattt6511]

I completly agree with theatrus i have a 55 reef tank with a remora c protien skimmer its top notch.. runs about 170 dollars, you don't need a canister filter or anything like that if you get a good amout of liverock i would say anywhere from 50+lbs of it, it acts as a good biological filter keeping ammonia and nitrites very low, you also want a deep sand bed to help... do not get an undergravel filter like freshwater tanks use. Also i have 2 maxijet 1200's on my tank for circulation that cost me 40 dollars, and i have a 240 watt powercompact odyssea light for the corals which cost about $140. A reef setup is very expensive, vs fish only with some liverock.

 

[melosu58]

I definitely agree with live Rock. It will be your best investment.

 

[chineseknife]

I'm not wanting to be 'taken' by the next sales clerk at Feeder's Supply!

If you have been taken once by your local LFS, chances are you will be taken again. Places like this are your best friend when it comes to advice. You'll get much more information here, which you should still sift through, but they are all personal experiences NOT in it for any gain, except to see your set-up sucessful.

As for the set-up- Yes the basics are a tank and stand. Protein skimmers are a great addition, I use an AquaC as well. (actually I run two HOB skimmers). The LR is also a very important factor and can also be one of the most costly of intial expenses, but worth it's weight in gold. Make sure you get good quality LR, if you haven't done so already. As far as the powerheads and flow goes, it really all depends on what it is you want to keep in the tank. Most fish and soft corals will be fine with a moderate flow, but some species of fish/coral require a much higher rate of flow(tangs for instance). I have 2 Sieo M1500's running and that in conjuction w/ the flow from the skimmers I max out at around 3,500 gph.
No canister filter either, as said before the LR will do that job for you. Good luck and c'mon, let's see some pics...