Starting a 55g build

[BubblesUp]

I used to have a 20 gallon with canister which did very well. I had to move so now I have a 55 gallon that I'm about to cycle. I've written up a few tables in word and done my research so I'm ready to start. Instead of having my tank run warm, I've decided to run it at 71/72F as it seems all references to all fish, etc have a minimum of 72. I'm attempting to get Catalina Goby which need to run cool so if I run at their max and the rest at their minimum, I'm thinking it'll all work out. I've often thought running a tank at 80 is too high anyways and many fish come from cooler water. I'm referring to my tank as a sub-tropical setup. I'm about to purchase some real reef live rock and some live sand to get the cycle started. I'm so excited to get back into having a marine aquarium as I find it therapeutic/relaxing.
(pic is previous 20 gallon)

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R!!

#WelcometoR2R

 

[dbl]

Welcome to R2R and your new reefing family.

 

[Reefer Deez]

Welcome to R2R! Beautiful tank!

 

[NY_Caveman]

Welcome to R2R! All that macroalgae, it almost looks like a freshwater planted tank. But the best planted tank.

 

[BubblesUp]

Thanks. You're talking about my nitrate export. I'd grow it and remove it on a regular basis. I don't have a sump so this was my solution and it worked well.

 

[mike werner]

I used to have a 20 gallon with canister which did very well. I had to move so now I have a 55 gallon that I'm about to cycle. I've written up a few tables in word and done my research so I'm ready to start. Instead of having my tank run warm, I've decided to run it at 71/72F as it seems all references to all fish, etc have a minimum of 72. I'm attempting to get Catalina Goby which need to run cool so if I run at their max and the rest at their minimum, I'm thinking it'll all work out. I've often thought running a tank at 80 is too high anyways and many fish come from cooler water. I'm referring to my tank as a sub-tropical setup. I'm about to purchase some real reef live rock and some live sand to get the cycle started. I'm so excited to get back into having a marine aquarium as I find it therapeutic/relaxing.
(pic is previous 20 gallon)

cool!get it?can't wait to see how that works out 4 you.do ya have little poodle jackets for them if it gets to cold?

 

[BubblesUp]

Vests - we're not going retro. Semi-formal fall atire. I know, Catalina Gobies are cold water and the rest are warm water. I'm all about compromise.

 

[kschweer]

Welcome!!

 

[reef lover]

Welcome to r2r!!

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[vic5hands]

Welcome

 

[Chrisfish]

Welcome to R2R, beautiful tank, can’t wait to see the next one

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[MaddyP]

Welcome to the family!

 

[BubblesUp]

I've learned that my 4' tank is a 50 gallon long tank. Slowly stocking the tank with softies and Montipora, Ocellaris pair, Royal Gramma, Lawnmower Blenny, Catalina Goby and a CUC crew.

 

[BubblesUp]

It's starting to look ok.

 

[mike werner]

loving it.have you thought about adding another light to the tank to get a wider spread.i don't think heat will be an issue with those led's

 

[BubblesUp]

I had thought of that. Another hole in the ceiling. The central rockwork can have corals and the dimmer areas are free-swim open areas. I was debating this for some time and felt that the length of the tank and having the light in the centre gave it a focal area with surrounding dim which kind of makes it seem larger than it is. I decided on just keeping the one light because of finances although I likely will upgrade in the future.

ps. What I also like is the shimmer affect as my powerhead is pointed upwards and the affect is quite nice.

 

[mike werner]

it does make the tank look bigger for sure.at some point and time hopefully you will run out of room in the middle of the tank due to growth.then you most likely will opt for an additional light.until then the tank looks great imo.