First Timer

[motorslave]

In a couple of days I am getting a complete 55 gallon set up from my neighbor. Its got sand and a few pieces of rock and thats about it. My goal is of course to grow a healthy reef. I will be talking to some of the shops around my home, but I would also like the advice of the people who are into this as an obsesion. Any and all advice is welcome and needed. This is going to be a slow process do to time and funding. Please help!!

[Beal09]

I have a 55 gallon reef tank, has been set up for about a year and a half. I've had pretty good luck so far. When I cycled it I threw in a frozen shrimp to start your biological process and start your amonia spike. Just leave it in there till your levels go back down to zero. That way you will have your "good" bacteria at a good high level to start off with. Move slowly!!! Do not try and rush the set up or adding fish as it will just lead to disaster!!

[tankgirl2]

Hi Robert,
Congratulations!! Once it's cycled, don't add more than one fish at a time. Personally, I wouldn't keep more than 3 fish in a 55G. Some fish need a mature tank to survive, so let us know what fish you're interested in (when you get to that point), and we'll give you the info on them.

Was it an up & running tank before you got it? Is the sandbed new? What kinds of lighting does it have? What pumps came with it?