Starting new 55G reef tank. Setup questions?

[marcos77]

Hi, I'm helping my friend setting up a 55G reef tank. He already has the tank and stand. Would this be a good setup? Here is my list:

*Two maxi jets 1200 for circulation and one maxi jet 600 for the surface agitation.
*150W water heater
*5-6 bags of live sand aragonite
*Digital Thermonitor
*Timers for lights
*Mag Float glass cleaner
*Ground Probe (are these recommended?)
*Two 24" coralife 100% actinic bulbs
*36" ORBIT 2x96W Power Compact Aquarium Light w/Moon light

I don't know what type of filter he should get? wet/dry, canister or hang-on? Any recommendations?

thanks

 

[marcos77]

I forgot to mention an AquaC Remora Pro skimmer, but probably doesn't need it yet until he gets LR.

 

[XXFirefighter]

Two maxi jets 1200 for circulation and one maxi jet 600 for the surface agitation. - SOunds good, may want 1 more 1200 for more water movement...

*150W water heater- go 200 watts so the 150 isn't works so hard 24/7

*5-6 bags of live sand aragonite
*Digital Thermonitor Not NEEDED but nice... can use a 3 dollar glass type...

*Timers for lights need at least 3, 2 for lights and 1 for moonlights

*Mag Float glass cleaner- good

*Ground Probe (are these recommended?) Naw...

*Two 24" coralife 100% actinic bulbs

*36" ORBIT 2x96W Power Compact Aquarium Light w/Moon light needs ALOT more light for a reef ! ALOT more !

I don't know what type of filter he should get? wet/dry, canister or hang-on? Any recommendations?

Well how much live rock does he plan on getting? If he has enough LR he doesn't need folters really. I have a 55 with some corals in it and I have the Aqua C Remora HOB and a Emporer 400 with the baskets filled with carbon is all...

 

[Reefaddict]

Sounds pretty close. I would use a combination of metal halides and PC's for lighting on a 55gal, if your going for a reef, and if you can, use a sump tank, probably as big as you can fit, at least 30 gal. You can get a HOB siphon overflow box, so you won't have to drill the tank. I just got one and they work great! DSB and LR in the sump and the skimmer is all you'll need! Then your water quality will be superior. The Aqua C are the best skimmers, IMO! If you do use a sump I recommend the AquaC EV 120 in-sump skimmer with the Mag 5

 

[marcos77]

thanks for the helpful advice. I think he plans on having about 2/3 of tank filled with LR. If he just uses PC's without the metal halides how much more wattage would he need in addition to the 2x96? I thought it was supposed to be around 4 watts to a gallon, well this is what the LFS says.

 

[XXFirefighter]

needs to be more then that.. I am at 4x65=260 divide by 55= 4.7
I would suggest more at least 5.5 to 6 with PC lights... The PC doesn't seem to go through the water like MH does...