My new old 55 gallon tank

ASAG62 · May 26, 2019

Hello everyone,
So I was looking into an AIO system but I got a heck of a deal on this old 55. Want to do a reef tank and I don't want to drill holes in this tank for a sump. Thinking about running just a skimmer and power-heads. (Tell me how wrong I am). Also lighting and lid suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Just want to keep it simple for now until I get the tank going with corals, some fish and maybe a couple clams.

Mastiffsrule · May 26, 2019

Tank is nice. Especially for and old tank. Looks new. Nothing wrong with running a skimmer and powerheads. It’s berlin style. I would say stay away for clams for a long time, and tank may be a bit small once you put rock and other stuff in it.

Lids you can get a screen style or glass. That 55 looks like Marineland glass tops would fit. Lighting there is just too many options. Depends on if you are going to want to keep sps or not.

I would definitely start a build thread, if u want, so we can watch progress. And u get cool build thread badge.

If this is first tank I would read how to start a reef tank in the forums section of meet and greet.

stevewright1 · May 26, 2019

I have run tanks with just HOB skimmers and wavemakers/ powerheads when I 1st started a saltwater aquarium.
ran a cannister filter also for any chemical media I wanted to use (Rowa, Purigen, carbon etc)
and in fact also did same with internal power filters on 1 set up many years ago (everything within the confines of the tank meant only 1 possible source of leaks LOL?)

I was very selective on inhabitants (GSP, Mushrooms, Button Polyps, assorted soft leather corals, etc - the more simple to keep species from the beginners coral lists at that time. )

I went with 4 x T10s or maybe T12s with reflectors (been about 35 years so memory is fuzzy) for lighting back in those days , but if I was doing same again now, I would obviously be using T5s and a 6 lamp fixture would be my choice .

I think its a great way to get started in the hobby and I wish you good luck with your project.

ASAG62 · May 27, 2019

Mastiffsrule said:
Tank is nice. Especially for and old tank. Looks new. Nothing wrong with running a skimmer and powerheads. It’s berlin style. I would say stay away for clams for a long time, and tank may be a bit small once you put rock and other stuff in it.

Lids you can get a screen style or glass. That 55 looks like Marineland glass tops would fit. Lighting there is just too many options. Depends on if you are going to want to keep sps or not.

I would definitely start a build thread, if u want, so we can watch progress. And u get cool build thread badge.

If this is first tank I would read how to start a reef tank in the forums section of meet and greet.

Thanks for the advise, I really appreciate. Looking at the Tunze comline reefpack 250. looks like a good option

ASAG62 · May 27, 2019

stevewright1 said:
I have run tanks with just HOB skimmers and wavemakers/ powerheads when I 1st started a saltwater aquarium.
ran a cannister filter also for any chemical media I wanted to use (Rowa, Purigen, carbon etc)
and in fact also did same with internal power filters on 1 set up many years ago (everything within the confines of the tank meant only 1 possible source of leaks LOL?)

I was very selective on inhabitants (GSP, Mushrooms, Button Polyps, assorted soft leather corals, etc - the more simple to keep species from the beginners coral lists at that time. )

I went with 4 x T10s or maybe T12s with reflectors (been about 35 years so memory is fuzzy) for lighting back in those days , but if I was doing same again now, I would obviously be using T5s and a 6 lamp fixture would be my choice .

I think its a great way to get started in the hobby and I wish you good luck with your project.

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. I will start a build thread (if I can figure it out) to show my progress.

Mastiffsrule · Jun 9, 2019

Just checking, water yet?

ASAG62 · Jun 11, 2019

Mastiffsrule said:
Just checking, water yet?

So I've spent a lot of $$$$ these last two weeks. Here's my list

* 2 - Tunze Nanostream 6045 pumps
* 2 - AI Hydra Twenty Six HD LED fixtures with mounting brackets
* OCTO Classic 1000 HOB Skimmer
* Eheim Jager 200w Heater
* Sand and Salt.

so I'm ready to get the water and salt mixing in the tank. I'll keep you posted, I probably should start a new tank thread.

THANKS for asking.

Bryson.bobby · Jul 18, 2019

Did you get it up and running yet?

ASAG62 · Jul 19, 2019

it's been delayed for a while. So now I have the water in and doing the "mollie" test. Thinking about adding a powerfilter (thoughts?) If all's well going to add my rock. Pictures to come. Thanks for asking.

Cell · Jul 19, 2019

I'd just buy some clear mesh screening on Amazon and a screen frame kit from Menards/Home Depot for your lid. Probably the cheapest option that still looks good.

Cell · Jul 19, 2019

2 Tunze 6045 might be a bit much, especially if you add on a power filter like an AC110.

ASAG62 · Jul 19, 2019

Cell said:
2 Tunze 6045 might be a bit much, especially if you add on a power filter like an AC110.

I was thinking about the Fluval C4

Cell · Jul 19, 2019

ASAG62 said:
I was thinking about the Fluval C4

I should rephrase. 2 Tunze 6045's alone might be too much in a skinny 55, depending on your scape.

Bryson.bobby · Jul 20, 2019

Is this your build thread? I’m asking because you mentioned something about making another thread.

Bryson.bobby · Aug 4, 2019

How’s everything going?

ASAG62 · Aug 5, 2019

Going to start my build thread, Just have to figure out how to do it. I think it's in the new members forum correct?

Bryson.bobby · Aug 5, 2019

Members aquarium discussion —> Member tanks

ASAG62 · Aug 5, 2019

OK got it thanks

05FLSTCI · Aug 5, 2019

@ASAG62 This is exactly how I did my 55G about 15 or so years ago, basic and simple, nothing more then what you're about to do now. I can't remember the skimmer but the heads were hang on type with clamps and suction cups, then probably AquaClear or Fluval. I made a mistake in another post claiming I had LED's, I did not,, I had T5's and metal halide bulbs, not LEDs. (The ex remembered that).
I had hosting clowns, an anemone, a nice small maxima clam and plenty of corals, fish and cleaning crew. I did not have SPS corals, most were hardy simple stuff with plenty of color. Nice tank, family fun and budget minded. After a long break, I'm finialy setting up a Biocube 32. The same way. Good Luck, going o keep an eye on this one.