Help with a 55 Gallon...

[sam2216]

Hey guys, I finally got the affirmation to a 55-gallon! I know this isn't a big tank, but it's way better than before. I had a 29 for about a year and absolutely love this hobby. I have two clowns, a dottyback, and many corals, just LPS and Softies. I need a few things to do before we set it up... one question is could we just water from the 29 to 55 without having to cycle and then later add more and more water until it is complete? It's a dumb question, but it's just that we don't have enough space to put both things beside each other for a few weeks to months; it'll look super awkward. What do you guys think is a good option to do? I'm kinda confused, so could you guys provide me with ideas on what to do? Thanks! I'm super happy for the upgrade! I'll post my stocking ideas later too.

 

[Fish Fan]

Not so much the water from your 29, but if you move over your rocks, you should experience a minimal cycle if at all. Good luck with your new 55!

 

[sam2216]

Not so much the water from your 29, but if you move over your rocks, you should experience a minimal cycle if at all. Good luck with your new 55!

Thank you!

 

[Fish Fan]

No problem, happy to try and help!

I think most wouldn't try to re-use old sand, so I'd suggest just getting new sand, but definitely use your old rocks, that's a great way to start your 55 off.

 

[fishywishy]

Just transfer everything over same day (except sand) and you’re good to go. No cycle needed

 

[Uncle99]

Hey guys, I finally got the affirmation to a 55-gallon! I know this isn't a big tank, but it's way better than before. I had a 29 for about a year and absolutely love this hobby. I have two clowns, a dottyback, and many corals, just LPS and Softies. I need a few things to do before we set it up... one question is could we just water from the 29 to 55 without having to cycle and then later add more and more water until it is complete? It's a dumb question, but it's just that we don't have enough space to put both things beside each other for a few weeks to months; it'll look super awkward. What do you guys think is a good option to do? I'm kinda confused, so could you guys provide me with ideas on what to do? Thanks! I'm super happy for the upgrade! I'll post my stocking ideas later too.

Yes all at once, however there is always a small amount of degradation to the bio-sphere no matter what.

The sand provides a large surface area for micro processors and even if you rinse sand, some are lost, new sand, all lost.

Is that bad, nope, just things might look a bit sad for a bit.

The good thing is in rebounds fast assuming good water chemistry.

Good luck.

 

[sam2216]

Thank you all! One more question: What hob filter should I use? I don't think my old filter alone would work for it.

 

[fishywishy]

Thank you all! One more question: What hob filter should I use? I don't think my old filter alone would work for it.

I used the 350 marine land filter on my 55g. It does the job and is very quiet

 

[Uncle99]

Thank you all! One more question: What hob filter should I use? I don't think my old filter alone would work for it.

So on a 65g, I used an Aqua-Clear 110 with two sponges I would swap back and for twice weekly.

You need a skimmer as well.

Maybe that helps?

 

[sam2216]

So on a 65g, I used an Aqua-Clear 110 with two sponges I would swap back and for twice weekly.

You need a skimmer as well.

Maybe that helps?

Beautiful setup. Do I have to use a skimmer? *gulp* I kinda don't understand how to set these up and we're kind of minimalists but will do whatever is necessary. I'll look into the aqua clear 110.

 

[sam2216]

Beautiful setup. Do I have to use a skimmer? *gulp* I kinda don't understand how to set these up and we're kind of minimalists but will do whatever is necessary. I'll look into the aqua clear 110.

Also, what is the best sand bed to use? I used African chichlid sand in the 29 and the flow blows it around a ton. I need something that is a bit heavy and engineer gobies can dig tunnels, etc.

 

[fishywishy]

Also, what is the best sand bed to use? I used African chichlid sand in the 29 and the flow blows it around a ton. I need something that is a bit heavy and engineer gobies can dig tunnels, etc.

Carib sea Fiji pink or special grade.

 

[Uncle99]

Beautiful setup. Do I have to use a skimmer? *gulp* I kinda don't understand how to set these up and we're kind of minimalists but will do whatever is necessary. I'll look into the aqua clear 110.

You don’t have to.

But they provide three things which make things better for fish.

1. Great exporter of wastes! You do need to export wastes through method, there are a few, but skimmer by far, most widely employed.

2.keeps water oxygenated with lowers stress on your fish.

3.Saves on water changes and salt.

On my 65g I used a Coralife HOB Skimmer, was about $130, but worth every penny IMM.

It keeps nutrients in check and provided great results.

Setup, it’s nothing, hang it on the back, plug it in, turn the flow knob to get bubbles in the chamber, it will do the rest your you.

Sorry, I doubt that’s what you want to hear.

 

[sam2216]

You don’t have to.

But they provide two things which make things better for fish.

1. Great exporter of wastes! You do need to export wastes through method, there are a few, but skimmer by far, most widely employed.

2.keeps water oxygenated with lowers stress on your fish.

On my 65g I used a Coralife HOB Skimmer, was about $130, but worth every penny IMM.

It keeps nutrients in check and provided great results.

Sorry, I doubt that’s what you want to hear.

I love it when people explain things, so there's no need to be sorry. I just didn't quite understand the reason behind them and how to connect them to the tank, etc. But that might be out of my expertise (which is nothing) lol. I'll research more about them. Thanks for explaining.

 

[sam2216]

Now, could someone help me decide on great options for fish? Here are a few I'm interested in:

Engineer gobies
valentini puffer
one spot foxface (tie: number 2 fav)
midas blenny
flame tomini tang (tie: number 2 fav)
melanurus wrasse
anthias
flame angel (number 1 fav)
longnose Atlantic butterfly (number 3 fav)

I need to know some of the options that could work or not.

 

[ScottJ]

Consider adding a sump instead of the HOB filters. (that 29 gal would do nicely) Depending on the tank you get, you could drill, or get one predrilled. If you cant (or don't want to) drill, you could use a HOB overflow. You can put the sump under your display, you just need the correct stand.

This is my Aqueon 55 gallon. It used to be fresh water, and I built the stand not thinking I would want space for a sump in it. So I opted to go with the siphon type overflow.

I have it set up as a peninsula with a 20 gallon sump next to the stand. Not everyone would like the look, but it works for us :p Take a look at the Lifereef overflows; https://www.lifereef.com/siphon.html
Having dealt with using HOB equipment on a reef tank, then having a sump, it's a world of difference.

 

[ScottJ]

Now, could someone help me decide on great options for fish? Here are a few I'm interested in:

Engineer gobies
valentini puffer
one spot foxface (tie: number 2 fav)
midas blenny
flame tomini tang (tie: number 2 fav)
melanurus wrasse
anthias
flame angel (number 1 fav)
longnose Atlantic butterfly (number 3 fav)

I need to know some of the options that could work or not.

IMHO a 55 is pretty small for any foxface or tang, maybe a dwarf angle, no idea on a butterfly.

I have;
YWG
Fang blenny
Flasher wrasse
Firefish
Springer damsel
Springer dottyback
And I think I'm fully stocked.

 

[sam2216]

Ok. I've read that tomini tang could be fine and a lot of people having OS foxface peacefully in their 55 gallons in some VERY old forums, so idk. Your tank looks superrr nice. Also is the rocks touching the glass in the back or is there space? I'm still deciding on aquascape. Thanks for the overview!

 

[Fish Fan]

Thank you all! One more question: What hob filter should I use? I don't think my old filter alone would work for it.

I too really like the AquaClear HOB filters, I've had a lot of them over the years. I like them here because the 110 in particular is large, and there's a lot of hacks and mods to explore that may make them even more efficient. There's even after market media racks and 'fuge inserts for these filters.

I love it when people explain things, so there's no need to be sorry. I just didn't quite understand the reason behind them and how to connect them to the tank, etc. But that might be out of my expertise (which is nothing) lol. I'll research more about them. Thanks for explaining.

Don't be intimidated about the skimmers, if you can run a HOB filter, you can run a HOB skimmer. If you have questions, I'm sure someone here would help you out.

 

[fishywishy]

Now, could someone help me decide on great options for fish? Here are a few I'm interested in:

Engineer gobies
valentini puffer
one spot foxface (tie: number 2 fav)
midas blenny
flame tomini tang (tie: number 2 fav)
melanurus wrasse
anthias
flame angel (number 1 fav)
longnose Atlantic butterfly (number 3 fav)

I need to know some of the options that could work or not.

Depends on the type of anthias

I would pass on the fox face.

Everything else is fine.