What length light for 55g?

Since this is my first tank, I believe soft corals will be sufficient. After I get this tank up and running efficiently I would like to one day setup a 100+ gallon tank. I just getting the feel for things basically with this tank, plus it will give my newborn something cool to look at!

The suggested SunDial 48" T5 HO lights fit the budget pretty good!

 

Lighting cost is the reason I've decided to go with non-photosynthetic corals. I may upgrade EVENTUALLY when I go for an anemone (I need a lot more time and experience for that) but for now I'm not stressing it.

 

Do I need lights before I add the live rock? Local stores won't have anything in stock until Wednesday unless I order something next day online!

 

No. You do not need to run your lights at all until after they cycle completes.

 

Looks like I'll wait until Wednesday then...I appreciate all the help, going to aquascape today after work then wait for the sand to settle. Should I worry about the white foam on the top of the tank?

 

Did you mix the salt in the tank?

 

I think that's just salt foam from mixing in the tank... this is the only time you'll ever be able to do that but it's fine... it'll settle... give it a few days and test your SG again.

 

Yeah, I mixed the salt in the tank and got the salt level correct, don't remember to exact number off the top of my head. I didn't get the foam until I poured the live sand in though. When I go home for lunch, I'll take a look and see how things are looking...hopefully the sand will have settled since pouring it in last night around 9pm.