Starting new 50 gal. tank - complete newbie - NEED HELP!

[gills]

I have been doing some research but with everything that I have found it looks like you all have about the most knowledge on this! I have been trying to work with local fish store but unfortunately I haven't had much response. =(

Would anyone out there be willing to help me?

At one time I thought I saw a posting from someone that explained a startup plan. Does anyone recall this?

I really would like to have the 50 gal. tank (hope to purchase this at the Marine Aquarium Conference), the CO2 setup, correct lighting, etc.! But I need advice from all of you!

Here is a thought...If you all let me know what I need to purchase, would it be of interest to the group to have someone demo how to set everything up for one of the group meetings? I haven't made it to a monthly meeting yet, but plan too! This past months looked exciting and very informational! Sorry I missed it...time got away (I have an infant).

Not sure if this is the correct place to post this, but hopefully it will reach someone willing to help! =)

Susan Gill

[Cristy Keister]

Check out this article (which ought to be posted on the "articles" page):
http://www.gwapa.org/documents/The_Bull ... uarium.pdf
Then I'm sure you'll have more questions, so please ask!

[gills]

Great start! Thanks Cristy.

[dmartin72]

Hi Susan,

I had my brand new 50 gallon tank set-up for sale. See the thread below:

http://www.gwapa.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=686

I am setting it this weekend!

[Aaron]

I recommend a 2x96 watt power compact lighting fixture or a 4x39 watt T5 HO lighting fixture for that tank. Personally I don't like canopies so I would get a fixture that can sit on top via legs or one that can be hung from the ceiling or an overhanging shelf as a pendant.

I would recommend Seachem Flourite or CaribSea Eco-Complete as a substrate. Either one is fine, it really just depends on color preference. The Flourite does tend to hold plants a little better because it is denser and the granules are a little smaller in size.

A canister filter with a flow rate of about 250 gph should suffice for filtration.

Either the JBJ or the Milwaukee all-in-one regulators are a great deal for the price. Expect to pay anywhere from $80-$100 for one of these.

We have the September and October meetings setup already. However, if there is a Saturday that you would like us to come out when you get everything together it's a definite possibility that we could have a nonmeeting event. I'm sure most of us could bring all the plants you'll need too.

[Ben Belton]

Not sure how newbie you are, but you can try this. Doesn't have specific hardware or dosing recommendations, but tells you what you should be thinking about when you look at all those things.

http://www.aquatic-plants.org/articles/basics/pages/

There is a .pdf download available too.

http://www.aquatic-plants.org/articles/ ... basics.pdf

[gills]

Thanks everyone for your responses! I will definitely use them. Aaron, I may take you up on the offer once I get the tank, flourite, and hardware together! I will keep you all posted on progress. As I mentioned earlier, I plan on attending the Marine Aquarium Conference to get a tank so if anyone is going, maybe we could meet up! Or, if anyone knows of a 50 gal. tank for sale let me know! thanks again!

[gnatster]

I don't think you are going to find tanks for sale at the conf. There are usually lots of other marine oriented dry goods and live stock but very few tanks for sale. Your best bet is probably the local fish store.

[dmartin72]

I have a brand new 40# bag of Flora-Max by CaribSea, 4 x 15# bags of ONYX and 4 x 15# bags of Flourite that I'm willing to sell for a GWAPA member discount! I paid $33 not including tax for the 40# bag of Flora-Max by CaribSea, which would be great as a base because of the slightly larger size...I'll sell it for $20. The Onyx and the Flourite go for about $15 a bag and I'll sell it for $10 each!

[gills]

David - I responded under Flea Market to your offer.