Need help on how to get started (saltwater)

The tank Im getting is 55 gallon for salt water tank I'm adding coral for the fish I'm putting in the tank which are Picasso clown fish pair also which would be better for the fish live coral or non live. Including the Green Killing Machine Internal UV Sterilizer with Power Head Also should I use the reverse osmosis for the tank water or should I just add the special salt to the sink water without reverse osmosis. Also items I included are API SALTWATER MASTER TEST KIT, Seachem Prime 500ml, ViaAqua 300-Watt Quartz Glass Submersible Heater with Built-In Thermostat,
My question is what else do I need for the tank to run
And which type of light do i need and color

 

Fish could care less if your coral is live or fake. pick your poison, but if you go with live be prepared to spend more money.

Always use RO/DI water when possible over tap. Tap will just lead to frustrations down the road.

Other than what you already have listed I would add dry rock, and sand to that list. AS for lights, if its just fish then it doesnt really matter. Keeping coral on the other hand is where it gets more expensive.

 

If this is your first tank, stay off the corals at this point. Wait until you get comfortable with the general maintenance and feeding routines and become well versed in your equipment. After that, I would say you can begin diving into live corals. Its just a safer approach, and will probably save you a lot of money via avoiding costly mistakes.

 

always RO water it just makes your life alot easyier

I would for the time being do fish only. less work and alot better to get your feet wet.

as far as the test kit goes get the one that tests nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and PH I wouldnt worry about the other tests right now because the tank will have to cycle.

a refractometer (I think is how you speel that ;D ) is a must. a digital one is the better of the two.

as far as lighting goes you can spend as much or as little as you want, leds are nice, t5 are good, halides are good, Power compact are old tech but ystill work and you can get a good deal if you can find them on CL.



here are some good links to help get you started:


http://www.3reef.com/forums/general-reef-topics/sand-bed-bare-bottom-80660.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/fowlr-tank-requirements-137616.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aq...three-steps-reef-aquarium-step-1-a-54477.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aq...three-steps-reef-aquarium-step-2-a-54476.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aq...three-steps-reef-aquarium-step-3-a-54475.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/all-about-sumps-filters-fuges-79852.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/tips-save-91948.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/how-post-pictures-3reef-69264.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/water-changes-54325.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/reef-aquarium-lighting-54344.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/water-changes-54325.html

 

Some more light reading...
For those of you joining us that are new to the hobby - the best piece of advice you'll get around here as a saltwater newbie is 3Reef's slogan
"Go slow, let it grow."
And for those experianced hobbyists joining us - it's still good advice
good luck and post pics soon


read these and then come back and ask about anything you still don't understand. we'll get you squared away and on the right path

http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/how-setup-saltwater-aquarium-89044.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/ultimate-newbie-guide-86462.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/all-about-sumps-filters-fuges-79852.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/protein-skimmers/all-about-skimmers-skimmers-skimmer-85389.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/general-reef-topics/handy-research-links-89299.html

 

Welcome to 3reef.

 

Since some of our members are turning you into a bookworm heres some more.LOL Welcome to 3reef.You can pick up your free 3reef library card at Cheryl's house.;DJK

http://www.3reef.com/forums/general-reef-topics/minimum-tank-sizes-selection-animals-137158.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hob...general-rules-successful-aquarium-126326.html

 

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

When I started this hobby I spent probably hundreds and hundreds of hours reading books, anything I could get my hands on. Now we have forums (which I love and adore) but I miss books. :-/

 

Thank you

Thanks for all who reply
Ok now how should I change the water which way is more easier.
Also do I need filter such as sump pump and a protein skimmer
If so which are the best for the tank
Which type of ground should I add for the tank
I'm not adding coral till later

 

a skimmer while not a must it makes your life alot easier and keep the water in better shape.

a sump again while not needed makes your life alot easier and is not that hrd to build or expensive to buy.

the ground or substrate depends on waht you like, Argonite sand is cheeper and benifical to teh tank but you can go Bare Bottom as long as you keep in mind you cant put fish in ther that use the sand.

as far as the best Odyssea skimmers are cheep and work fairly well for a beginner tank and they hang on the back of teh tank or cab be used in sump.