New to 3reef! And a start-up question...

Hi all! I'm new to the forum and have just 'graduated' to SW (please go easy on me). I've got a LOT to learn (that's why I'm here) but I have been busy doing my homework. Here's my game plan so far...

55g rectangular FOWLR & LS tank
Marineland Biowheel Canopy (rated at 600gph for mech. & chem. filtration, bio-wheels for extra bio. filtration [which shouldn't really be necessary with all the LR & LS] and with T5 lighting)
AquaC Remora protein skimmer

The tank will be flush against a half-wall between a breakfast nook area of the kitchen and the dining room...so it will be "see-through" and viewable from both sides. This is why I made these equipment choices (overflows and lots of boxes/cords hanging off of one side just will not work for me).

How does my preliminary plan sound? Also, I realize that I am nowhere near ready for any live corals...but I'm figuring the T5 lighting and LR/LS could set me up nicely for further down the road if I did want to try some of the easier 'starter' live corals. Also, could any 'cleaner' inverts. (snails/crabs/shrimp) be added to my system once the LR colonies are well-established if I don't have any live corals? If so, any recommendations? Please share your thoughts...I look forward to hearing from you!

Matthew

 

Welcome! How long as the tank been up and running? Do you have test kits? Any pictures?

 

Yeah, once your tank finishes going through it's cycle, you can add some inverts. Sounds like a cool setup, pics would definitely help though. Oh, forgot, welcome to 3reef!

 

Wow, what a quick welcome! Thank you! Actually, nothing has been purchased (yet alone set up). I'm planning and this is my shopping list. I'm really looking forward to your guidance and suggestions because it's all still on the drawing board.

 

welcome!!!!!!!!!

why did u get t5 u dont need them

 

And of course I'm certainly looking forward to posting pictures along the way

 

Pics of anything is better than nothing even if it's just an empty tank.

 

Grats and welcome to the holy grail of the fish world, good start to everything and it looks like your well on your way to being a good reefer.

PICSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS plz

 

Hi Newreef-Have not purchased the canopy system yet. The T5 is an upgrade option (I can get a less expense version without it). My understanding was T5 could be used down the line for some of the starter live corals. Do you think I should just go without it and just look at actinic/MH down the line if I head in that direction?