55 gal reef start up some quick questions

bobbyg220 · Apr 13, 2019

I used to be in the hobby about 10 years ago getting back into it and trying to reteach myself everything I used to know. I was recently given a 55 gallon(30x25x17) tank also a 30inch coralife t5 dual lamp and an aquatop cf330 canister(which I am not familiar with the brand at all) but it was given to me so I’m trying to see what I can do to get it running and eventually upgrade to better filtration, lighting ect. So to start with the lighting I know that’s not enough to grow any coral with and I honestly forgot how much wattage for a 55 I would need to get some good healthy growth. I started researching LED lighting was wondering what I can add with that light or a good replacement for it? Any response in appreciated like I said it’s been a while and some of it’s starting to come back to me some of the hobby has also evolved that I need to learn more about. Any input is greatly appreciated thanks for your time

glb · Apr 13, 2019

I’d get a sump instead of using the canister filter. IMO sumps are so much easier to work with. As far as lighting you’re right that your light isn’t enough. For a tank that size you might get more bang for your buck by using a t-5 fixture. With leds you’d need more than one. You could always get a hybrid led/t-5 fixture. I had a similar two-bulb t-5 on my fowlr tank while I saved up for an ATI t-5 unit. What do you want to keep in the tank?

bobbyg220 · Apr 13, 2019

Yeah it’s not drilled so I will eventually upgrade everything was thinking getting hob overflow. Just want to get it up and running slowly and upgrade as I’m going. I was looking to start with some simple reef friendly fish clowns/tangs etc and then when I can figure out my lighting I can start adding some easier sps and go from there.. I was looking at these

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017GWDF7...olid=18TBQW4JSVGJF&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Maybe mix one with the t5 or I would most likely need both if I don’t keep the t5 light?

Like I said all this tank equipment was handed to me all for free I couldn’t turn it down and I’m definitely going to try and make it work thanks for your feedback

Auquanut · Apr 13, 2019

Welcome aboard! I think you'll like it here. IMO you can absolutely get things started with the equipment you have. And as you intend to use an HOB overflow, the conversion to a sump shouldn't be too difficult when the time comes. CAUTION: The surgeon general has determined that Reef2Reef may become addictive!

bobbyg220 · Apr 13, 2019

Thank you! Yeah I figured I have what I need to get a cycle going and start introducing some easier species when I do upgrade the lights and get heavier into coral I wanted to know what my best options are as well refresh my knowledge because it seems like a lot has changed since I’ve been out of the game

Auquanut · Apr 13, 2019

Can't really help out much with the lights. I use 4 OLD second hand black boxes over my 125. They work well for me. Acros are growing like weeds. I would recommend that when you upgrade to a sump, to consider a refugium.

bobbyg220 · Apr 13, 2019

Yeah I remember it was trial and error with the lighting I will prob try two of those aqua mags after everything is set up thanks the feedback guys it means a lot. They also gave me two brand new hydro koralia power heads with a flow rate of 240gph that should be good as well right?