You might see a duplicate of this post. I'm trying
out TeraNews.com. So far I'm not impressed. The
other post has not shown yet, so I'm sending this
one through Earthlink.
**

Yes, set up the protein skimmer from the beginning.
The wet dry filter will be helpful in curing the
live rock, but after you have established live rock,
and live sand, start taking the bioballs out a
little at a time so that the live rock and live sand
will do a better job of denitrifying.

You will need to hold off on the anemones, and you
will eventualy need to get hight intensity lighing
for the anemones. So right now you can window-shop
for lighting.

Wayne Sallee
Wayne's Pets


Aroon wrote on 5/23/2007 12:52 AM:
Hi,

I am in the process of setting up my first sal****er tank (55g), and
have a few questions. I have included my basic plans as well, in-case
anyone has any comments that could improve my first tank setup.

I have read many posts on various boards that discuss new tank setups
and include protein skimmers. Some say not to start the skimmer till
cycling of the tank is complete, but some say go with it.

I have purchased a coralife protein skimmer (needle-wheel), and a
proclear 75 wet/dry filter (sump-style).
I am planning on hanging the skimmer on the side of the wet/dry filter
that will placed under the tank stand.

The current state of the tank is that I have added sal****er to the
top which I mixed in the tank itself over a period of 3 days.. The
temp is set to 80degC. Wet/dry filter is running. I am planning on
purchasing 45lbs of fiji premium LR online any day now.

Is this too much rock to start with considering I have no experience?

Once I place the semi-cured live rock in the tank, should I start the
skimmer?

How many powerheads do I need in a 55G tank?
My guess is that the return pump from the wet/dry will produce decent
water motion for the kind of animals I would like (below). But, just
in-case I have also ordered a powersweep 228 powerhead. But, its not
in the tank yet.

My goal is a fish and invert tank. I am planning a hardy damsel to
start, then an ocellis clownfish, and then a six-line wrasse. other
than a snail or two to control algae, i was going to wait 6 months
before any inverts.

Are any anemones ok to add to this sort of tank b4 6 months?

Thanks for any comments on these plans, and answers my questions.

Cheers.