First Ever Reef Build - 55g

Hello everyone, pretty new to the site, one thread in new to the hobby where I was able to get lots of useful help. Anyways, laid my sand, base rock and started filling my tank last night. Attempted to attach a photo, hopefully it worked.

Picking up some live rock/live sand from an established tank this evening and hopefully get the cycle going tonight. Pretty excited, I'll be sure to keep the updates coming along with plenty of questions and advice along the way.

imgur: the simple image sharer

 

That is some good looking rock. My first, and honestly, best looking reef tank was a 55. How are you planning on lighting this.

 

i currently have 1 120 watt Bridgelux Value LED Fixture from reef breaders, going to purchase another one when I can afford it/need it. Would I be ok hanging this in the middle right now or should I just hang it on the left side until I get the other one?

 

I would hang it in the middle. Otherwise it looks very unnatural with half the tank dark.

 

Alright. Do you know if I would be able to cut the piece of plastic that goes across the middle of my tank? I have a plastic rim all the way around and then in the middle there is a piece spanning the width. Not sure if this is just to hold the lid/lights or if it helps keep the tank together.

 

Don't cut it. It's a center brace.. Eventually the tank will bow and give out

 

I have a fifty gallon with the reef breeders fixture and I have it pretty low to the tank and my center brace doesn't give a shadow at all, maybe yours will too

 

yeah don't cut that brace. It's a pretty important piece.

 

kind of figured it was, but was hoping it wasn't

 

finally was able to get some quality photos. Got a couple pieces of established live rock and cups of live sand from a fellow reefer last tuesday. Was pretty excited to see some life already. Also made a lighting stand for $25 bucks. Going to order my second LED fixture sometime over the next couple weeks.

Full Tank Shot