[mestupidcat]

I'll consider the refuge/skimmer but want to know if the skimmer inside hang on refuge skims all of the tank's water.

My current concern is lighting. Since there will be a long tentacled anemone in the tank, I will need at least 220w of lighting for the tank (said the DrF&S rep).

There are two lights I'm in between right now:

Nova Extreme T-5 Fixture with Lunar Light - 216w/4x 54w bulbs (Slimpaq 460nm Actinic and 10,000 K T-5 HO)
T-5 Aquarium Lighting: Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights

-OR-

Dual Satellite Compact Fluorescent Fixture with Lunar Light - 260w/ 4x 65w bulbs (Dual Daylight 6,700 K/10,000 K and Dual Actinic 420nm/460nm)
Compact Fluorescent Aquarium Lighting: Dual Satellite Compact Fluorescent Fixtures

So, I'm thinking hard between these two fixtures.. not sure which would be better for the anemone.

Not sure which one gives off more actual light, not sure I should compare wattage between the two since they are different types of lighting. So, guys, which one would be better for the anemone?

That will be my next purchase for this tank (after I save for two weeks).. then I'll move onto the skimmer..

So- any input on lighting welcome.. if there are other options, I'd be glad to know but nothing over $250 for lighting.. I'm really stuck between those two choices.. I posted on my local fish club site too, here's what they had to say:

DFW Marine Aquarium Society :: View topic - Lighting Question for LTA

Thanks!

-Jen

[jvharding]

No doubt I would go with the T5 Nova System better light for less wattage not to mention 4 lunar LEDs instead of 2 on the PC System. On the refugium yes the skimmer filters all the water not the refugium. The skimmer will skim from the tank first then release into the Refugium. This is to not skim the pods in the refugium.

[Sikkob]

I think this Retro Tek Light kit might be something to look into. Its $209 and it looks like it has individual reflectors which = more light. You would just need to build a canopy for it.

[blind1993]

hi i was wondering on what u spent on the whole aquarium. with lights and live things in it only thz. because i will make on in december.

[ladydragon55]

I am really enjoying reading this as you go along. You are very patient and I admire that. I want it all NOW! can't wait to watch it grow!
Good Luck
Kathy

[rangerblp]

I'm in the process of thinking about starting a tank and just got the 55 gallon kit from wal-mart, so I have the same thing that you have. Is there any use for the filter that comes with the aqua tech kit?

[blind1993]

u can use it like a refugim and put macroalage in it and put a lil light on it.

[rangerblp]

Is it big enough for that?

[Kimjo1]

[quote=jvharding;12808]This is nice skimmer:

CPR Bak-Pak 2R+ Reef Ready Protein Skimmer - Marine Depot - Marine and Reef Aquarium Super Store

The more flow the better your nitrogen exchange will be!

[/QUOTE.]
Thats what I run the backpack 2 and I upgraded the PH on it too

[Kimjo1]

I say wait on the skimmer then and invest in the backpak 2... Its not gonna kill ya NOT to have one for a month or so.... Why buy TWICE....to upgrade? Just save for it! Just MO


PIcs when u get em please...

[mestupidcat]

Hey y'all-

Just a quick update.

I've recently added a used ($60) CPR skimmer. I'll add a pic soon. Join your local Marine Aquarium Society. Those guys have helped me out so much. You can get KILLER deals on about everything, because someone is probably selling what you want (they're upgrading). So I got the CPR for $60 and it foams good. I haven't added the preskimmer yet and am still using the Rio. I'll probably added the MJ 1200 to skimmer for more power. I took out the Aquatech powerfilter, not bad just noisy. I am still using the original (former FW) Aquatech powerfilter.

I guess I can do a price list for y'all, huh? Give me a bit on that. I'll write it on paper first and come back with the price list and new pics.

What's really holding me now is the LIGHT. With the anemone, this will be $150-$200; no way out of that. He's currently under a Coralife Aqualight T-5 in the 20-gal.. which I know is not enough, but didn't know when I got him (free, but not free, since his light will cost $200).

Anyone getting a maroon clownfish? If you like watching them swim, don't get the anemone. He'll stay in that thing all the time and you'll never see him out except to eat.. crazy thing.

[DoLceNBeLLa]

I have a skilter on my 55 gallon...barely got anything. Hooked up a SeaClone skimmer and within a couple days is taking out massive amounts of stuff. I have to empty it out every other day, and I haven't touched the skilter in months.

[e_baer]

Aquatraders

i htink you will get good deals on lighting there.

[jvharding]

Hi Jen

Update please how is this coming along?

[mestupidcat]

Hey everyone-

Sorry for not updating in so long. Here's a most recent video clip. The fish and anemone got moved into the 55-gallon some time this summer (2007).

YouTube - Maroon Clownfish and Anemone

Here's the price list- assuming you already have a tank and stand with lids, lights and a filter. I do still have my original Aquatech (previously freshwater) power filter. That was a good idea to turn it into a refuge with a light over. I rarely run the filter and rarely run my skimmer (shame on me; we're supposed to do that at least once a week.) I would recommend getting glass lids (tho' I still have my old plastics), since it may help lesson the evaporation (the reason I rarely run my skimmer).

I did this on the cheap.. JOIN your local marine aquarium society- you'll get much better deals on nearly every piece (living and equipment). Compare an average of $10/lb live rock from a local fish store to $3/lb from your local saltwater aquarium club. Some have monthly get-togethers and yearly/throughout-the-year events. This is how I got 25 lbs of live rock for $50, lots of free xenia/mushroom frags and my anemone was given to me free as well. When these corals multiply and overfill other people's tanks, they'll hand stuff off for cheap or free. (VERY helpful if you think is hobby is expensive.)

50 lbs live sand - $70 (local fish store)
30-35 lbs live rock - $120 (LFS, online dealer, and aquarium club)
5-gallon water jug - $10 (LFS)
replacement tank light bulb - $32 (one bulb for stock fixture and one small lunar light)
sea salt mix - $28 (LFS, enough for 55+ gallons)
24" Coralife T-5 light - $40 (LFS)
used CPR protein skimmer - $75 (marine aquarium society)
2 powerheads - $30 (LFS and aquarium club)
hydrometer - $10 (online store)
saltwater test kit - $25 (LFS)
chemicals - $35 (LFS)
Total startup cost - $465

This does not take into account price of fish/coral/livestock and monthly needs such as filter cartidges and food/vitamins.

Well, thanks for reading, hope this helped and happy fishkeeping!

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I would say you are about 35 pounds lite in the live rock department.What are you going to do with a 24 inch light on a 48 inch tank.

[mestupidcat]

I would say you're right on both counts. My tank leaves lots of space for improvement.

I have the 24" T-5 over the anemone and the other side still has the original FW fixture with a GE Aquarays Fresh & Saltwater bulb.

I wish I did have the $250 for a high wattage PC or T5.

And I would like to have 1 to 1.5 lbs of rock per gallon.. one day..

Oh, and I would also have the glass lids (if I had the $)..

I actually would rather have a 30 gallon for the one fish since he never leaves his 1/3 of the tank, but this tank is from me caring for my husband's pacus (til they outgrew the tank). This is what I have to work with.. it'll get there with time and $$$.

[Jeremy0322]

Look on craigslist. I am sure that the local aquarium club is great and all but nothing beats people that need money right now. I got all of that stuff plus 100 lbs of live rock and a 260watt light for about 400 bucks. Also came with a clown fish, angel, butterfly fish, and a CUC. It was an awesome deal. I am enjoying reading about this though, giving me some good ideas. Looks like it is going good. Good luck

[mestupidcat]

Here's an update. Sorry taking so long with these. I eventually found a 48" 260 watt Orbit power compact from a DFWMAS (Dallas Fort Worth Marine Aquarium Society) member for $75. He even gave me a free button coral (looks good). Here's pictures I took recently after upgrading the light (last month).



(left half)


(right half)




As of now, I'm looking to downsize my tank space. I plan on trading someone for a 30-gallon and converting that one as I did this 55-gallon. Toddlers+fish tank=meyhem

This brings my setup cost to roughly $530 adding the 48" PC light to what I listed earlier.

Thanks for reading!