LFS..true or not?

Im new to this as i have another post in here explaining.

recently went to my LFS and was told these things: (55 gallon tank)

Crushed coral is the worst way to go. Told that i shouldnt even try this if that is what im going to use.

Must have special lighting for tank with just Live rock and fish. (5 watts per gallon) - right now i have 40 watts plain flourescent bulbs. If this is a must, must i have it before i start anything.

I could use about 25 lbs of LR and 30 lbs of LS.

Told that my hang on filter (Emperor 400) isnt enough, I do have a skimmer as well.

Please help. very confused. considering getting out before i even get in. cant seem to get any real strait answers.

 

Other than the light, I think they are fairly correct. If its fish only, you don't need much light but I would suggest you don't skimp too much because you will more than likely end up upgrading later. We all seem to end up doing it.

 

Crushed coral can be used. It's one downfall is the possible nitrate trap.

A FOWLER tank doesn't need special lighting. The rock will be live with the proper bacteria. That's bacteria that doesn't require light. They're talking about if you want coraline algae on it as well.

Your filter is enough, but I would get some powerheads to create water movement throughout your tank.


Remember, they're a business and will try to make a buck however they can.

 

If he already has the filter, I'd keep it and just make sure to get enough live rock and a good sand substrate to help out.

 

True sand is much better.

Not true the bacteria that makes live rock work is non-photosynthetic.

How big is your tank?

It will help, but be sure to keep up with maintenance.

 

I think the only thing you'll need that they said is a skimmer. I have CC its not the best, but it can work. As for a Fish Only you need no special lighting.

 

i'm always skeptical whenever someone tells me "you absolutely can't do "x"
more often than not you can. if you want to test your local l.f.s ask them questions you do know the answers to and see what they tell you, you can learn alot about people by using this little trick-not just your l.f.s

 

I don't like CC and many others don't either. Some people use it with success, but IMO, it's cons out weight any benefit, I would just go with sand.

No special light required for a fish only aquarium.

The HOB can work, but not if you have a heavy bio-load. I would suggest setting up a sump too, but if that's not possible, the HOB filter can work for a time, just keep up on your water changes.

A skimmer is a must IMO, even without any corals. It oxygenates the water and helps maintain stable and clean water.

I would get at least 25lbs of live rock and at least that much sand. With a 55, I would try to go with about 55lbs for a fish only aquarium. About 80lbs for a reef. You're better off getting dry rock rather then the pre-cured "live" rock. It is cheaper and you can more for your money. If you lfs doesn't have any, just get some offline. Bulkreefsupply.com or reefcleaners.org are both good sites.

 

haha, too true


In regards to the OP, I would get more live rock for a 55 gal. At least match the lbs of rock to the the number of gallons in the tank.

 

I was just talking lighting, and he does already have a skimmer, Maybe the HOB filter can be made into a small fuge?