55 Gallon Bowfront Fowlr

[Zafirah]

Im starting up a 55 gallon Bowfront FOWLR.

Filled it with fresh water, dechlorinated it, and added the crushed coral gravel. I also added some plastic plants.

Because we live out in the country, we have a reverse osmosis water system in our garage. So, all of our water is reverse osmosis.

Day: 04/03/09

Current stats:

Nitrite:0ppm
Nitrate:20ppm
PH:6.5
Alk: 80ppm
Hardness:0ppm

We were planning on doing freshwater, but then decided to make it saltwater. If i get some live rock this weekend along with the salt mix and a protein skimmer. When do you think ill be ready to add fish?
This tank has been set-up as freshwater for about 6-8months. We just havnt done anything with it, as we were going to Hawaii and wanted to wait. Yesterday we went to get fish, and decided to do saltwater.

Questions

• Should i remove the plastic plants from the aquarium?
• Can I do a Fish-Only aquarium and not purchase live rock
• If I do purchase live rock, Do I have to get 55 lbs, or can I get like 10?
• What is a the best brand of Protein Skimmer under $75
• Should I get Instant Ocean salt mix?

Current Equipment:

MarineLand Penguin 330 Bio-Wheel
TopFin Powerhead 50
All Glass Aquarium 36" Flourescent Twin Tube Aquarium Reflector
Stealth 200w Heater
Whisper 100 Airator

 

[bagu]

i would

take out plastic plants

you can do without LR but i think you should put some in, and its up to you how much, but your other filtration must be VERY good

not sure bout the last two =/

I'm not a marine expert so sorry if I'm wrong, but some of the big fishes will come and help ya out

 

[Trod]

Questions

• Should i remove the plastic plants from the aquarium?
  Yes
• Can I do a Fish-Only aquarium and not purchase live rock
  You can but you must have another filter and be prepared to do regular maintentance
• If I do purchase live rock, Do I have to get 55 lbs, or can I get like 10?
  10lbs is nowhere near enough for a 55 gallon you need at least 50lbs. this is the best method
• What is a the best brand of Protein Skimmer under $75
  Sorry someone else will be able to help you with this one
• Should I get Instant Ocean salt mix?
  I use Instant Ocean, but any good salt which your LFS stock is ok, its just comes down to personal preference