Newb incoming...

[Rainer]

Hey all, first off I just wanted to say awesome forums and website! Ive been late in posting I know but couldnt take a break from absorbing all the great knowledge to be had here.

A little about me... I had a saltwater tank a few years ago for a breif time until I had to make a sudden move and sell all my stuff except the tank. It is a 55 gal, 48" long, 12 1/2" deep and about 20" tall.

My fiance and I are putting the tank together and so far our plans are to make a decent FOWLR, but eventually make a reef tank out of it. However were not sure how to pull off the whole sump/refugium thing with the space i have available. Anywho we have our first pic up for anyone who wants to see my empty tank

So far we've ordered a Nove extreme t-5 top from Dr Fosters by recommendation of a few people here and a Koralia 3 powerhead. We plan on ordering some live rock from reeftopia on tuesday and have some live sand already coming from ebay.

Anyway thats where we stand at the moment, more to come We dont know a whole lot about reefing so any comments/suggestions are always welcome!

[yote]

Welcome to the reef and the addiction.
I'll bet that by the time your tank cycles,you'll be adding corals.
Post and questions you come up with.Somebody will have the answer.

[yote]

From the pic,it looks like you've got a canister filter hooked up.If so,you'll want to give it a good cleaning at least once a week to control nitrates.
If you can get some pics of the inside of the stand with some measurments,Somebody will probably be able to help you get a sump going.
You DONT have to have a fuge to keep a successful reef.

[bobby]

Yote gave you good advice. Here is the pic up for you.[IMG][/IMG]

[Rainer]

thanks for that pic

yea ive got a fluval 305 hooked up atm, however I plan on using it only on a as needed basis once I get my live rock in. Ive been wondering, is there any chance that my stand/aquarium wouldnt take the weight of all that rock? I mean water and up to 110 lbs of rock ? Not to say my stand is weak, it seems pretty well built.

[yote]

Your rock will displace some of the water.But it'll still be good and heavy.But your stand should hold up.

[reeffreak]

Beautiful stand and good luck.

Although not necessary,a sump/fuge with a GOOD skimmer is the way to go.If you can't get something to fit under the stand,they do make refugium that hang on the back.

[putter]

Welcome to the site, I'm sure your going to find the advice great and the people friendly.

[Rainer]

My next purchase is gonna be a skimmer, anyone have a particular one to suggest for my setup ?

also i put up pics of the space under my aquarium, the approx dimensions of the left bottom space :

26" wide, 10 1/2" deep and 12" tall (to be able to reach inside, although i guess i could get rid of the drawer and fix the drawer door on a hinge or something)

edit: also I didnt plan on anything hanging on the back, If need be i may be able to scoot it away from the wall a tad before i get rocks and stuff in it

[yote]

This is the skimmer I use.
Aquarium Protein Skimmers: Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer
It'll get the job done,but wont break the back.