Thinking of a Saltwater tank.

[se7en2686]

So as the title states. Im thinking of setting up a saltwater tank. Im in the process of getting a 55g
tank. Im planning on using live sand and Live rock. Ive been reading and it looks like its actually easier to run a saltwater tank then a freshwater. However i cant believe that lol. Maybe im reading wrong or im thinking to much into it. Anyhow im not planning on putting any fish in it for a few months i want to work mostly on The Live rock and Live sand. I also read that in a 10 gallon nano you can do it without a filter????? if so can i do the same on a 55?
I have been searching on google and other random websites. But they all say to use a filter then a few posts down someone says they dont use one lol. So any ideas on that?
Im planning on mostly corals and live rocks... i Plan on buying one power head for the top of the water and one submerge-able pump for the bottom just to circulate the water. i dont know the size of Powerhead yet as i havent shopped. but the sub pump is a 180GPH pump i have already.
I read that more the current the better? but how can that be good for fish? anyway thanks for helping

 

[ryanm19]

yes the more current the better. this makes sure that no debris is stagnant and breaking down into nitrates and phosphates. having a lot of flow does not hurt the fish. there is a sticky that talks about high flow and its effects on fish, take a look at that. I would recommend a protein skimmer for a 55 instead of no filter. powerheads, live rock, and a skimmer will be your filtration. and since your planning on keeping corals, you'll need some strong lighting.

 

[se7en2686]

Cool thanks. Now with the Strong lighting so i follow the WPG rule 1 watt per gallon or is it different for Salt? i know i
use different types of lights just unsure of the WPG rule.. i was actually planning on useing 48 inch shop lights and having 4 bulbs. any ideas on this?

 

[ryanm19]

I would suggest t5s, its what I use and I love them. They aren't as expensive as LEDs and won't give off heat like metal halides. The corals you wanna keep will determine what light you should get.

 

[KcMopar]

Try this, this is the only filter I use:http://www.myfishtank.net/forum/sal...a-powerful-nitrate-phosphate-remover-diy.html . Its a good read but a little long, you can skim through it. I only use circulation pumps, no filter at all, not even a filter sock. I do this because I have invertebrates and they need this food in the water column.