graycharlotte49
Reefing newb
I just purchased a barely used 55 gallon that came with 2, 24" lids bulbs, an aqua clear 300 pump, thermometer, heater, magna float glass cleaner and an iron stand. I have been doing tons of research for about two weeks now and have talked to a couple of people in the SW industry as well as other hobbyists. (Just for the record, one person was just down-right stupid, but we wont go there.) Anyway, I have gotten conflicting opinions and essentially no help from everyone so far. So I figure this is where I turn to you. I need help.
I have the 55 gallon tank. First off, the fish I have decided on are aggressive. I only plan on keeping no more than about 4 fish in this tank. Now, I have heard conflicting opinions on whether it should be a FO or a FOWLR. Need more opinions and a general consensus. Obviously LR has many advantages. No coral or inverts will be kept in the tank. Now for filters. One person told me Eheim Ecco 2235 External Canister Filter was hands down the best. Another said Marineland Magnum 350 was the best. And then I was told a sump (but then they wouldnt really explain how that works). :shock: So, what is it? If someone could explain to me exactly what the sump consists of, what it does and if its cost effective/beneficial I would really appreciate it. (I do know, however, that it has the protein skimmer in it.) Now comes LS. I have heard go with fine grain LS and I have heard go with SS like crushed coral. Again, not a clue, so I need some help with this.
Basically what this boils down to is that I have read so much information and talked to so many people that have given me conflicting advice that I have no idea what is right!
I have the 55 gallon tank. First off, the fish I have decided on are aggressive. I only plan on keeping no more than about 4 fish in this tank. Now, I have heard conflicting opinions on whether it should be a FO or a FOWLR. Need more opinions and a general consensus. Obviously LR has many advantages. No coral or inverts will be kept in the tank. Now for filters. One person told me Eheim Ecco 2235 External Canister Filter was hands down the best. Another said Marineland Magnum 350 was the best. And then I was told a sump (but then they wouldnt really explain how that works). :shock: So, what is it? If someone could explain to me exactly what the sump consists of, what it does and if its cost effective/beneficial I would really appreciate it. (I do know, however, that it has the protein skimmer in it.) Now comes LS. I have heard go with fine grain LS and I have heard go with SS like crushed coral. Again, not a clue, so I need some help with this.
Basically what this boils down to is that I have read so much information and talked to so many people that have given me conflicting advice that I have no idea what is right!