trying to get set up.

OK. I thinki m going to do live rock. I heard a pound per gallon? If i didnt want to do that would there be a good number to go with for a 55 gal.

Also, Any way to treat Tap water to be ready for anything?

 

1 pound per gal is a good number to start. to make it cheaper, I would buy maybe 20#s of uncured, and the rest just base rock. With the uncured this will defenitly start your cycle and by the time the cycle is finished the rock should be cured.

I would also look into getting an RO/DI. this doesn't have to be done right away as you can buy your water at most LFS. in the long run it will save you $ and your back from carrying water around.

 

What is an RODI system. i know that RO- reverse osmosis but DI?

So i should look for uncured rock in order to give the base rock time to be come live during the cycle.


If i stick with the tap water and just use RO water from my LFS for water changes will it eventually make water safe for anything i want to add. (inverts, Etc.)

 

DI = De-Ionized

If possible, pay a bit more for cured live rock. It will contain the right amount of beneficial bacteria and will help the cycle process as well as seeding coraline.

You can survive by slowly replacing the current tap water with eventual water changes. Just make sure to be on the lookout for algae in the meantime.

 

First of all thank you to all that have helped. this info really is making it a more exciting experience.

Question on lighting. I have a twin top set up with a 18 inch bulb in each side. Can i buy 50/50 bulbs or just bulbs appropriate for live rock? Any ideas where and which bulbs to buy.

 

for FOWLR any bulbs would work. the 50/50s might show better color in the fish.