Newbie that needs help!

I'm new to this whole hobby and i have done a lot of extensive research for do's and don'ts. i definitely will need your help guys I want your input on what you think is the best set up for a 50 gallon. I also am on a low budget pls be minded. Btw I'm from Manila. I have a few questions to throw out there and pls feel free to correct me if I am wrong. But these are still all to be purchased and still not done with the whole research before I get my hand wet per say.

1. How strong of a power head do I need for a 50gal?
2.what kind of protein skimmer do I need for a 50gal?
3. What kind of lighting what do I need for a 50gal?
4.how big of a sump tank will I need?

I would like to get started on a 50gal and I already have a check list of what I'm going to need. So far this is what I have

Heater (200w)
Digital thermometer
Protein skimmer
Wave maker
Grounding probe
Refractometer
Testing kit
Activated carbon

 

I'm no expert. I've only had my 55 for 1.5 years. I have 2 koralia 1150 powerheads. One on each end. I suggest you get a good skimmer. I have a SCA-301. If I had the money I would have bought a reef octopus but the one I have does a pretty good job. If your only going to have fish the light doesn't matter. As far as a sump I would put the biggest one you can fit under your stand and still have access for maintenance. I don't know what kind of test kit you are taking about but I like Salifert.

 

Dman has good advice. The thing to keep in mind is the better equipment you get now, the less problems you will have later on. The cost can easily double if you are having to redo things.

 

as for the test kit I was gonna go with the API master test kit.
And as for the skimmer from my understanding that going bigger doesn't necessarily mean better, would not get the maximum 100% output of the skimmer and that you should be investing on a good skimmer but they sure are really expensive, can you guys point me to the right direction as to what i should be looking for in a good skimmer. as for the wave maker i think 1500gph should be enough for good circulation? is this right?
i will be needing lights as i will be having corals so im going to need help on that department too!

you guys would be amazed as to what we have here available in manila with the marine life. we even have black tip shark that only go for $100 usd!


thanks guys for you help!

 

You said above that you have a skimmer. What kind is it? If the skimmer is decent, and you do regular water changes, it may be good enough. The API kit will do in the beginning, but if you want corals, you'll need a better kit. I also recommend salifert. 1500 gph should be enough circulation.

 

I had that test kit. In my opinion it's worth the extra money for Salifert. You have to buy them individually but I find them easier to read. As far as skimmers opinions vary. I went with the SCA-301 from ebay for financial reasons. If I would've had the money I would have bought a reef octopus. There are many good skimmers other than that one though. My 2 1150's give me plenty of flow. I would think that 1500gph would be ok but i'm no expert. If your going to have corals you have to have a good light. Don't skimp on the light. I bought a marineland reef capable led cause it was on sale for like 40% off. Capable my butt. I had a xenia and Kenya tree. They didn't die but were not doing well so I had to take them back. Now I have to spend even more money for a good light. I do have a zoa now that is doing fine but I want more than that so a light upgrade is a must. Thank goodness Christmas is around the corner.

 

sorry guys but its just a check list of what i need to get, have not really purchased anything at all. I will be buying them all in one go next month the reason why im asking for a good skimmer. im actually checking out a few on amazon and on ebay. thanks for the info il will definitely check out salifert.

guy what do i need to look for in a skimmer so atleast i know what im looking at? theres just so mcuh out there and im starting to get confused

 

Its a read but its great help...
http://www.3reef.com/threads/ultimate-newbie-guide.86462/

 

Here is a good book on the basics.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0982026218?pc_redir=1408883984&robot_redir=1

Also, below is the skimmer I'm using on my 40 gallon+ sump. It's been a good skimmer and clearly too big for my tank. Should do fine on yours.
http://products.marinedepot.com/mobi-asm_mini_g_protein_skimmer_w_g300_needle_wheel_pump_1149972.php

 

I think il go with a coralife 05271.

Also if I may ask since It's just everyone has their own opinion of how big of a sump do I need.

I have 2 aquariums here one 50 and the other 30 I was thhinking of using the 30 and turn it Into a sump that should that be big enough for a sump tank?