55g to start saltwater tank

[SheriE]

Hi I’m new here, have had freshwater tanks and koi pond over the years but am ready to start with saltwater. Have a pretty much new 55g and stand and hang on filter already and so am thinking to start with a fish only tank for now to learn the saltwater aquarium side, but eventually would love to do a reef tank, maybe a 75 or 100g. Is 55g a good place to start if focusing on fish and basics of saltwater? How many and which fish would you consider ok for the basic 55g tank (48 in length)? Thanks very much.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family! :D

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef and to the salty side!

 

[CoastieCorals]

Hey! Welcome to R2R! It seems most people start with nano tanks, but since you already have a 55 gallon, I would do that!

For stocking I would get a pair of clownfish to start. When you start your tank you should create a build thread here on R2R. Good luck and welcome to R2R!

 

[JumboShrimp]

 

[Fish Fan]

A 55 gallon is a popular tank, and absolutely fine, though if you're someday interested in corals, most would value a tank that's deep in the front to back. But absolutely no reason you can't get started with 55, many do.

Good luck!

 

[Fish Fan]

I'm sorry, I love that waving fish!

 

[fishface NJ]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[zheka757]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[winzig]

Welcome

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi I’m new here, have had freshwater tanks and koi pond over the years but am ready to start with saltwater. Have a pretty much new 55g and stand and hang on filter already and so am thinking to start with a fish only tank for now to learn the saltwater aquarium side, but eventually would love to do a reef tank, maybe a 75 or 100g. Is 55g a good place to start if focusing on fish and basics of saltwater? How many and which fish would you consider ok for the basic 55g tank (48 in length)? Thanks very much.

It will depend on type of fish you want, if coral is a consideration moving forward and how tank is filtered as this may not be a reef ready tank

 

[Brisk]

Welcome!

 

[Gman83]

Welcome!

 

[UncommonSense]

Welcome to R2R!

55g is a great place to start, especially for FOWLR! Hang on filters will get the job done if you have enough rock in there, but a hang on or external skimmer is also an excellent addition!

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Here's a good article to help you get started. Saltwater is very different than freshwater, a hang on filter doesn't do much on a saltwater tank. Rocks, flow and water changes are much more important. Should be able to add 7-8-9 fish to the tank, depending what kind of fish you add. Research before purchase is my best advice.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[edsbeaker]

Hello and welcome!

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome, glad you are here! Since you are going fish only it opens you up to a wider range of fish, reef safe and non reef safe. I would recommend researching each fish you are interested in and pay close attention to minimum tank requirements but your options will be almost limitless.