I need help with my first reef tank

[Amarker3297]

I already have a 55 gallon fish tank. I know it is the worst tank to use for a reef but it what I got and I don’t have a huge budget. I need to know what stuff I need to start my tank with a budget. I need a filter lighting and any other necessary things to start up. An establis

 

[S2G]

Sand, rock, heater, powerheads, & lighting. Your probably at canister status.

Cabrisea argonite is cheap, rock scour for decent used, lighting look at Chinese black box, heater check out petco online price match jager, canister check out sunsun (but if you can find a used xp75 I'd do that), and powerheads check out sunsun jvp750. Look into soft coral

Cheap as I can think of and still reasonably dependable. Really need to look into getting an rodi if at all possible

 

[Amarker3297]

Sand, rock, heater, powerheads, & lighting. Your probably at canister status.

Cabrisea argonite is cheap, rock scour for decent used, lighting look at Chinese black box, heater check out petco online price match jager, canister check out sunsun (but if you can find a used xp75 I'd do that), and powerheads check out sunsun jvp750. Look into soft coral

Cheap as I can think of and still reasonably dependable. Really need to look into getting an rodi if at all possible

Thanks for the advice. It’s very helpful

 

[Magellan]

If possible, try and find someone near you who is selling an entire tank/equipment setup. (Either moving or getting out of the hobby). It happens a lot, just look on Craigslist. It will be MUCH cheaper to get everything you need, and you will probably end up with better equipment than trying to buy the cheapest stuff new.

A long term maintenance plan is also very important. You will need RODI water for topoff purposes and quality saltwater for water changes. 2 options: either make your own, or continuously purchase it from an LFS. Testing equipment is important as well, just remember: buy once and cry once! At a minimum, get a refractometer to test your salinity, a decent thermometer, a DKH test, and don’t be afraid to regularly take water to your LFS to have them check it for you!

(Lots of other things you will need as well, like a glass scrubber to clean the algae off, fish food, etc..but you will discover the need for all those things as you go along!)

 

[S2G]

Thanks for the advice. It’s very helpful

No prob. We all start somewhere and that's not a bad tank to begin with. If you dont like it you could sell and take min loss

 

[Vinman]

Sand, rock, heater, powerheads, & lighting. Your probably at canister status.

Cabrisea argonite is cheap, rock scour for decent used, lighting look at Chinese black box, heater check out petco online price match jager, canister check out sunsun (but if you can find a used xp75 I'd do that), and powerheads check out sunsun jvp750. Look into soft coral

Cheap as I can think of and still reasonably dependable. Really need to look into getting an rodi if at all possible

Rodi is big necessity

 

[Greatdane]

Rodi is big necessity

Yes I prefer liquagen 5 stage pump it works. Wet well

 

[ccombs]

55 isn't a bad size at all! You have gotten some good advice so far.

I recommend buying the best you can, so you don't have to buy again.

 

[Terri Caton]

You don’t need RODI for a 55 gallon. At least not right away. A 10% weekly water change is only 11 gallons. Get saltwater and RO water from a local fish store you trust.

A 55 gallon tank is perfectly fine for a reef. Just remember you don’t need large rocks! Pick your favorite rockscape and think of it sized down to fit your tank.

Agree with getting things used. If you live in a decent sized area check local reef clubs and Craig’s List. For rock too. Most of us have plenty left over and will sell it much cheaper.