Taking it very slow

My advice would be to start a FOWLR = Fish Only With Live Rock tank. From there you can move to a Reef tank when you feel ready. I started that way & many others have, it's a nice gradual progression.

FOWLR tanks won't have the light or additive requirements that a Reef tank will. You will basically get your Live Rock, allow it to cycle the tank and then add fish slowly when the tank is ready. You can get away with a cheaper lighting system as the fish/inverts/rock don't demand high intensity lighting. You'll need powerheads for circulation (usually 10x gph of the tank capacity) & I'd advise to get a skimmer. This will allow you to get a feel for SW keeping & you will begin to get knowledgeable about salinity, water testing, water change mixing routine, invert/fish compatibility, etc.

Best of luck, 3reef is an invaluable resource for help, so we've got you covered.

I posted this pic in another thread, but here is my 55g that began as a FOWLR and is now a Reef tank. This is my first SW tank and I had thought it was going to be impossible, but it's really not that hard, just adhere to these 3 things: research, patience, & responsibility

 

Thank you MoJoe, I think I will do that. Actually, I'm sure I will do that.

 

So I finally got my salt level's worked out. My water has cleared out to what I think is as clear as it will get. So, I am picking up my rock today to add it in. Any suggestions as to what things I need to be on the look out for? I have read as much as I can on live rock and can't find one that defines a healthy live rock and what looks like a none healthy live rock. Any ideas?

 

Here is the protein skimmer I was thinking about getting. Found it on eBay. Anyone care to comment on what you think of this one? I found on at Petco for $119.00. Huge price difference so I don't know if Petco is just way overpriced or if the one I found is a pos.

Protein Skimmer Aquarium Reef Filter 250GPH Pump 75 gal - eBay (item 290448940246 end time Jul-26-10 16:03:33 PDT)

Here is the power head I am looking at. It says up to 200g tank. Mine is only a 55g. Is this one over kill?

3200GPH DUAL TWIN POWER HEAD WAVE MAKER PUMP POWERHEAD - eBay (item 190369087336 end time Jul-28-10 01:19:26 PDT)