Complete Noob Getting 55g Saltwater Tank With Fish?

55g tank available in our local area (well 2 hours away) for $250, that includes live rock and a good stock of fish. How in the world do you break down and immediately reset up the tank to keep the cycle, salinity levels, and whatever I have no clue about so the fish can go right back into it?

Would we want to take as much of the current tank water as we can possibly transport? Or can we simply mix up new with the same salinity? If new, do we have to mix and store for a day to age?

Here is the background of why we are considering this purchase:
So, some of you know that I have been lurking some on the salty side of the forum, but have stuck with freshwater. Well, my daughter caught the saltwater bug when she rescued a fish that had washed up on the beach at Panama City and brought it home with some clams and a snail.

Since I had been lurking, I knew she needed live rock and salt water so I sent a PM to Lchi87 who advised me to also get a refractometer. I had a 10g, heater, wavemaker, and HOB filter to use. She also brought home a bunch of sand.

Fast forward to now where she has kept the inhabitants alive (other than the fish that perished pretty quickly - it was in bad shape when she found it). The rock also had some little creatures that look like starfish that she is enjoying. She really wants to snag this 55 gallon tank deal (does not have sump, but hang on baskets).

 

Sounds awesome! Can't wait to see what you do with this!!!

 

Any other advice of things I may not be considering are welcome!!

Nart , stella1979, Culprit (I already tagged Lchi87 above), I would love to know your thoughts!!

 

Sounds awesome! Can't wait to see what you do with this!!!

My daughter will have to take this one. I will help her as much as my limited knowledge and ability to research can, but I am at capacity with freshwater tanks as far as time, energy and space are concerned, lol.

 

Are there corals involved?

I’d say keep the water you can. When transporting the live rock, keep it wet. Ask what kind of salt they used so you can get the same kind. You can switch eventually but you don’t want to do it all at once, think of it the same way you’d introduce a dog or cat to new food.

Mixing new water doesn’t have to age, once the salt dissolves and salinity and temp matches, you’re good to go!

 

Are there corals involved?

I’d say keep the water you can. When transporting the live rock, keep it wet. Ask what kind of salt they used so you can get the same kind. You can switch eventually but you don’t want to do it all at once, think of it the same way you’d introduce a dog or cat to new food.

Mixing new water doesn’t have to age, once the salt dissolves and salinity and temp matches, you’re good to go!

Thanks! I am thinking getting some tubs or garbage cans with wheels to put the water in??

No corals and the pictures look like there is really not enough live rock. I could be misjudging what ~80 lbs of live rock looks though.

We would need to go buy some RO/DI water too right??

 

He just said instant ocean for the type of salt he uses. Petco carries it.

 

Yay!!! I'm so glad your daughter is still enjoying the beach tank, and that another tank might soon be on the way.

Okay, here goes...

I wouldn't worry too much about carrying home more than, say 60% of the water. You will want large containers because the best way to hang onto the cycle is to keep those live rocks submerged. By the time there's enough water to cover the rocks, as well as transport the fish, you may be pretty close to 60%. From there, if you can carry more water, 80% will be more than enough. So, estimate how much water you think you'll be able to transport. Let's stick with 60% for an example. If you make 50% new water, you should have enough wiggle room to fill the system to capacity.

Bring your refractometer with you, so you'll know what if any adjustment needs to be made to your new water before you return home all loaded down.

Yes, you'll want RODI for mixing new water.

Instant Ocean salt is perfect too! You'll see folks talking about their fancy salts, but you know what? Some of the top aquarium centers and most successful marine aquaculturists have been using IO for years and years, and probably wouldn't switch if you paid them. If you'd like to see an example of the excellent systems run on IO, check out Jason Fox sometime.

Your biggest initial concern will be matching salinity and maintaining the cycle. I'm not worried though because I think you got this! Just like in Freshwater filters, bb in live rock depends on oxygenated water... So, I would normally also mention flow here, but I'm sure the rock will be fine without water movement for the short term. Our reef tank had no power to it for 36 hours last storm season. It was still, dark, hot, and smelled like death, but there was never even the slightest blip in the cycle and nothing died. Yes, it was super stressful, and I'm sure moving this tank won't be an easy day, but you are not a newb by any means. I am soooooo excited!!!

Gotta run, but I'll be watching this one closely. Please congratulate your daughter for me and tell her we're here to help.

 

Thanks! I am thinking getting some tubs or garbage cans with wheels to put the water in??

No corals and the pictures look like there is really not enough live rock. I could be misjudging what ~80 lbs of live rock looks though.

We would need to go buy some RO/DI water too right??

Garbage cans with wheels might work best, I swear saltwater is so much heavier than regular water lol.

You can always add more LR later but I’d wait to see what everything looks like when you get setup at home. Yes, you’ll need RodI water and another powerhead (and spare water containers) to mix your own sw but it might be worth looking into an rodI unit long term since you will need a larger volume of water. Buying water gets expensive quick in a larger tank!

 

Are there corals involved?

I’d say keep the water you can. When transporting the live rock, keep it wet. Ask what kind of salt they used so you can get the same kind. You can switch eventually but you don’t want to do it all at once, think of it the same way you’d introduce a dog or cat to new food.

Mixing new water doesn’t have to age, once the salt dissolves and salinity and temp matches, you’re good to go!

Agreed completely, it definitely helps to have some form of familiarity and consistency. Keeping the live rock wet for a 2 hour ride IS A MUST IMHO if you want to maintain the cycle. Temperature fluctuation can be another issue. Generally the rule for the amount of live rock is at least 1lb per gallon of tank. So if it's got around 55lbs or more you should be fine. A 55 gallon is doable with good HOB Filters, but it's right around the max I would personally go for a tank without a sump. The biggest question will be the sand in that tank as removing the rock and then replacing it can stir up a bunch of nasty stuff in the substrate. It might be worth it to go with a new sand base. Out of curiosity, how long has the tank been running?

 

Yay!!! I'm so glad your daughter is still enjoying the beach tank, and that another tank might soon be on the way.

Okay, here goes...

I wouldn't worry too much about carrying home more than, say 60% of the water. You will want large containers because the best way to hang onto the cycle is to keep those live rocks submerged. By the time there's enough water to cover the rocks, as well as transport the fish, you may be pretty close to 60%. From there, if you can carry more water, 80% will be more than enough. So, estimate how much water you think you'll be able to transport. Let's stick with 60% for an example. If you make 50% new water, you should have enough wiggle room to fill the system to capacity.

Bring your refractometer with you, so you'll know what if any adjustment needs to be made to your new water before you return home all loaded down.

Yes, you'll want RODI for mixing new water.

Instant Ocean salt is perfect too! You'll see folks talking about their fancy salts, but you know what? Some of the top aquarium centers and most successful marine aquaculturists have been using IO for years and years, and probably wouldn't switch if you paid them. If you'd like to see an example of the excellent systems run on IO, check out Jason Fox sometime.

Your biggest initial concern will be matching salinity and maintaining the cycle. I'm not worried though because I think you got this! Just like in Freshwater filters, bb in live rock depends on oxygenated water... So, I would normally also mention flow here, but I'm sure the rock will be fine without water movement for the short term. Our reef tank had no power to it for 36 hours last storm season. It was still, dark, hot, and smelled like death, but there was never even the slightest blip in the cycle and nothing died. Yes, it was super stressful, and I'm sure moving this tank won't be an easy day, but you are not a newb by any means. I am soooooo excited!!!

Gotta run, but I'll be watching this one closely. Please congratulate your daughter for me and tell her we're here to help.

Thanks Stella! We will see how much current water we can get transported. Especially since the difference will need to be mixed up with RODI that will also need to be transported from somewhere. Our local fish stores do not carry it so it will be a trip to go get that as well.

Garbage cans with wheels might work best, I swear saltwater is so much heavier than regular water lol.

You can always add more LR later but I’d wait to see what everything looks like when you get setup at home. Yes, you’ll need RodI water and another powerhead (and spare water containers) to mix your own sw but it might be worth looking into an rodI unit long term since you will need a larger volume of water. Buying water gets expensive quick in a larger tank!

I have a spare powerhead as well, luckily (and there may be one with it already). As far as RODI, I agree that her Christmas present from me this year may be one of those units, lol. The main concern I have initially is transporting enough RODI water to finish filling up the tank. It makes it much more stressful that fish are already involved. It would be easier/less stressful to set up, cycle, play around with levels, and slowly get it ready for fish.

And I agree, more live rock can come later. She is already talking about getting corals once everything is going smoothly with the tank. Whew! I guess this is a way for me to learn and experience without being the one doing all the work, lol. She and I can share the joy though, so that is appealing.

Agreed completely, it definitely helps to have some form of familiarity and consistency. Keeping the live rock wet for a 2 hour ride IS A MUST IMHO if you want to maintain the cycle. Temperature fluctuation can be another issue. Generally the rule for the amount of live rock is at least 1lb per gallon of tank. So if it's got around 55lbs or more you should be fine. A 55 gallon is doable with good HOB Filters, but it's right around the max I would personally go for a tank without a sump. The biggest question will be the sand in that tank as removing the rock and then replacing it can stir up a bunch of nasty stuff in the substrate. It might be worth it to go with a new sand base. Out of curiosity, how long has the tank been running?

Ah, Jesterrace, now I have another member to tag so you may be in trouble now with all my questions, lol!!

Ok, so keep rock under water, check! I did wonder about the temperature of the water for the fish, had not considered it for the rock. I am not sure how to handle that once it is all set back up. I am considering using a smaller container to put in a heater with the fish and some of the current salt water to hold them while their home is getting reassembled. Probably need to use the powerhead somehow and put the rock in there too. Looks like the containers we will need is turning into an added expense, but hey, if we pick up this tank for $250, it will still be a steal.

Wouldn't the sand hold some of the cycle though? Wouldn't it be beneficial to have it with enough water to cover it while transporting the tank? I though saltwater sand was also kinda live with beneficial bacteria and organisms. What sand would you use to replace it?

I sent out a message asking how long he has had it set up. He did mention that he is pretty much a newbie himself so I am assuming not too long. EDIT: He answered, 8 months.

Wow! Thank you all for your advice and encouragement!!

 

Sand does hold all kinds of stuff, some of it beneficial, (think critters, biodiversity) but it can also hold all that other crud (waste, uneaten food, excess organics.) It's the crud we worry about since stirring it all up could cause a spike. Honestly, I'm unsure what I'd do in this situation, but I'll keep thinking on it.

 

I guess they can see what it looks like when they get there, but adding new sand to be washed and added with whatever freshwater is remaining from the rinse will be a chore. Now if fish were not involved, we could take our time and work through that, but it is going to be a LONG day for my daughter and her husband just going to pick it up as it is. It is 4 hours round trip.

I suppose I could be rinsing sand while they are gone, but will also be watching their 20 month old so that may not be too productive, lol.

 

You don't have to wash sand. Yes, new sand will cloud like crazy, but since we're often buying live sand on the salty side, rinsing it is considered a waste. Some rinse anyway, but plenty don't, so I would say that's entirely up to you. I did not rinse my sand and the cloudiness cleared up quick enough with floss in the filter. I can even say that fish and inverts have survived the introduction of unrinsed sand because I'm a loon who insisted on a bare bottomed qt, then put sand dwellers in it and felt bad for them.

Speaking of qt, if your daughter wants to add fish without a qt period, it should be done before introducing inverts or corals. These are the critters we don't want to use meds with. You could say Culprit and I have been through the wringer with disease, and pests too for me, so we are hardcore about quarantine if any advice is needed there.

Indeed, it will be a long day for your daughter and hubs. Hmmm, I'd say to find a pick me up to treat themselves with, after the first leg of the trip and before the real work begins. For me, that would probably be a 20 minute stop at a bookstore/coffee shop. Perhaps get a book on fish, or really anything from my wishlist, (because I want everything at the bookstore, so I can be pretty quick about finding something, lol), but the important factor there would be the sweet energizing cup of joe. This is just me though, and my own hubs would probably balk and just want to get a job done, but would be just as quick to hit a drive-thru for the joe.

 

Ok, so I was thinking just get pool filter sand. Should I be looking at getting some bags of live sand to add? I know I have seen that at fish stores in the past, but not sure who carries it.

Oh my. This guy is wanting them to come tomorrow or early Sunday which is church time. I don’t think we can get it all planned out before then.

We don’t want him to empty it until they get there unless I tell him we will pay the added cost for him to go buy two trash cans with wheels to drain water into and get the fish bagged up ahead of time.

Then we gotta figure out what to do with his sand. Do y’all think we really need to replace it? That just complicates an already complicated it process even more.........

 

I have a spare as well, luckily (and there may be one with it already). As far as RODI, I agree that her Christmas present from me this year may be one of those units, lol. The main concern I have initially is transporting enough RODI water to finish filling up the tank. It makes it much more stressful that fish are already involved. It would be easier/less stressful to set up, cycle, play around with levels, and slowly get it ready for fish.

And I agree, more live rock can come later. She is already talking about getting corals once everything is going smoothly with the tank. Whew! I guess this is a way for me to learn and experience without being the one doing all the work, lol. She and I can share the joy though, so that is appealing.

It may be easier if you asked one of your fish stores if you could swap the fish in for store credit. Only problem is it'll take longer to restock, as you'll have to QT, but, you won't have to worry about all this. Also, if you do, when you restock you know everything is disease free. If the guy didn't QT, I'd be really scared that after this move is done with all the stressors there's going to be an outbreak of something. And disease in saltwater is a whole nother game.

Wouldn't the hold some of the cycle though? Wouldn't it be beneficial to have it with enough water to cover it while transporting the tank? I though saltwater sand was also kinda live with and organisms. What sand would you use to replace it?

Problem is with even only 8 months of use the sand is going to be full of . Even with strict maintnence stuff will build up under the rocks, and you'll want to completely wash the sand to use it again. Yes it holds part of the cycle, and lots of good stuff, but if you don't wash it it will most likely cause a spike.

It'd be easier to get good new live sand (when we say live, we just mean the bags you get at the fish store) and don't have to bother rinsing or any of that. If you could go through and wash the old sand it'd probably save you around $40. Of course, you could always leave the sand out in a few buckets with saltwater, when you set the tank up, leave it out. Then you could rinse and add at your lesiure.

Oh my. This guy is wanting them to come tomorrow or early Sunday which is church time. I don’t think we can get it all planned out before then.

Don't worry, we'll get it figured out Even if you cannot set the tank up, get a 30 gallon brute trashcan, put the live rock in, the heater, and the powerheads and put the fish in. They should be able to survive for a few days at least.

We don’t want him to empty it until they get there unless I tell him we will pay the added cost for him to go buy two trash cans with wheels to drain water into and get the fish bagged up ahead of time.

Good idea. You'll be using the trash cans later on for sure.

Can you share a picture?

Ask him if he has any leftover salt you can use. When I picked up my JBJ the guy was getting out of the hobby and gave me EVERYTHING he had.

 

Great ideas Culprit

I just wanted to get back to using pool filter sand... I've never tried it in any tank actually, so I'm not sure, but isn't it quite fine grained? I'd worry about fine sand blowing around and landing on future corals.

Gah! It's the day the guy wanted them to pick up the tank!!! I'm full of nervous excitement! Whatever happens, y'all have got this, and we're here to have your backs.

 

Thanks guys. I am a little concerned that the original post pictures look different than what he just sent me.

Here is what was posted originally.







And here is what he sent last night. It is a metal Brooklyn stand under the cover.



Here is the stock listed:
The aquarium has fox face, bar gobies, a black blenny, Starry blenny, a yellow eel goby, a pair of clownfish, a cleaner shrimp which is pretty big at this point. The bar gobies has a breeding pair but I didn't have the setup to save the babies this time.
A puffer and a couple mollies.

Plus she is having difficulty getting her husband on board for a 4 hour drive on top of everything else that would need to be done.

I had already told her we could set the fish and live rock up in one of the cans or one or both of my 30 gallon tubs to hold until she gets the tank up.

I just feel like two total newbies trying to pull this off can turn into a recipe for disaster. It makes me really nervous.

I think she would definitely need to build a sump with at least a 20L, preferably a 30L, to replace the HOBs later on. That would give her more volume and stability.

 

This is definitely an undertaking but not beyond your capabilities! Just don’t rush and keep a level head and you will be totally fine.

 

Gah... I understand your trepidation but gotta say, I looovvee a Fox Face. The stocking sounds totally fun.

I've been a bit unplugged today but have been thinking of you!

Completely agreed with Lchi. I understand your nervousness but I also feel confident that these are just normal newb feelings, and you are a fish pro! Don't forget that. It's not so different in the end... just 'special' (pure) water and a few more parameters to keep an eye on. This is in no way beyond your capabilities!

Eeek! I'm dying for an update! Hope all is going well.

 

I know next to nothing about sw tanks. Even so I’d jump in with both feet. You’ve got this! You’re amazing with all of these amazing salties here to help? Honey hush. You’re going to have a blast. I love the idea of the bookstore stop. Course, I have a super deep love of books too.
I’m so excited for you! Post lots and lots of updates!

 

This is my daughter’s deal. I just don’t have it in me to add another tank, especially a saltwater that I gotta figure out. I was game to help guide her and do what I could to get her set up. It helps for someone else to have the responsibility.

Well, they were not able to go today and the guy will be out of town for the next two weeks. Noon tomorrow is the latest he will be available.

I don’t think it is going to work out. Plus her husband is just not on board for a 4 hour trip.

Plus side is that I learned a few more things about salt water so I am getting closer. I will continue reducing my freshwater stock to get there without sacrificing my sanity, lol.

 

This is my daughter’s deal. I just don’t have it in me to add another tank, especially a saltwater that I gotta figure out. I was game to help guide her and do what I could to get her set up. It helps for someone else to have the responsibility.

Well, they were not able to go today and the guy will be out of town for the next two weeks. Noon tomorrow is the latest he will be available.

I don’t think it is going to work out. Plus her husband is just not on board for a 4 hour trip.

Plus side is that I learned a few more things about salt water so I am getting closer. I will continue reducing my freshwater stock to get there without sacrificing my sanity, lol.

I’m sorry. This would’ve been perfect. You could enjoy the whole process and learn as you went. But the biggest responsibility would’ve been hers. Just perfect.

 

I'm sorry it didn't work out, particularly since this would've been a way to get your feet wet, and I'm sure your daughter is disappointed. I would've driven four hours if it meant I could keep a Fox Face! But, I also understand the trepidation and her husband's reluctance, particularly if they're feeling as yet unprepared for this.

I just want to tell you that I understand the nerves and the need to move slowly towards this goal. I would like to ease your mind. Keeping a saltwater tank is NOT as hard or scary as the internet makes it sound, though the move did sound a little scary. Perhaps this result is actually the best one, as it will be so much less stressful for both of you to take things slow and steady, without fishy lives at stake.

I'll tell you what though... before we bought anything else for our reef build, we purchased and installed a RO/DI system and made sure it was in good working order. So, I think the Christmas gift idea is still a good one.

 

Thanks! I really appreciate all the encouragement and advice! We will get there. I am looking forward to sharing the hobby with my daughter so probably sooner rather than later.

 

1) I wouldn't go with pool sand. It tends to be very fine and you want a mixed substrate for a sand bed. Fine sand gets blown all over the place by the powerheads and will make a colossal mess in the tank. I went with live sand, less for the bacteria and more for the fact that IMHO it is the perfect mix of substrate for a wide variety of marine life.

2) As cool as that Foxface is it is going to outgrow that tank. The Foxface Lo (which that appears to be) maxes out between 9-10 inches in length and will get 5-6 inches tall. I have the slightly Smaller One Spot/Blotched Foxface in my 90 gallon and that is going to be pushing it as is (it maxes out between 7-8 inches). Given the fact that the tank is a FOWLR you may look into something like a Coral Beauty Dwarf Angel as it would do well in a 4 foot long tank and they max out between 4-5 inches in length. I did a species review on mine here:

*EDIT* sorry it didn't work out. One of the things I would suggest is may she starts a bit more modest. There is a guide for setting up a brand new 20 gallon long FOWLR for a few hundred dollars and it would be a lot less daunting than spending hours transferring a tank:

 

Thanks Jesterrace! I think taking our time to plan and do it right is the best way to go. We are missing out on a great deal, but really, it is not a great deal if it ends in disaster, lol.

I have linked her to this thread and Nart's stickied thread that is packed with information. Who knows, she may join and become a Fishlorian too.

 

Ok guys. Should I get this for a future salt water setup? Is $100 for both fair?

40g sump



Overflow system

 

Lol, itching for sw much?

I’m just teasing you !

Before you jump on that, I would give your future salty build some hard thought. Like how large are you going, FOWLR or reef, preferred stocking, and budget.

A 40 gallon sump will allow for a nice larger volume tank but a larger tank is also going to be more expensive in terms of equipment too and if you want corals in the future, a larger tank will be $$$ to light, etc.

I wish I had a little more foresight when planning my own build but I let my excitement take over and now am thinking of all the things I would have changed...

 

Lol, itching for sw much?

I’m just teasing you !

Before you jump on that, I would give your future salty build some hard thought. Like how large are you going, FOWLR or reef, preferred stocking, and budget.

A 40 gallon sump will allow for a nice larger volume tank but a larger tank is also going to be more expensive in terms of equipment too and if you want corals in the future, a larger tank will be $$$ to light, etc.

I wish I had a little more foresight when planning my own build but I let my excitement take over and now am thinking of all the things I would have changed...

My thoughts are to go with a larger tank. Maybe about 75g. Not sure I would do a reef with that size, but definitely will be doing corals. Add 40 gallon sump and that’s some great volume.

If I wind up going larger, like ~100g, I would definitely like to do a reef. I considered that with my 120 gallon when I set it up years ago. It is a taller 24” so would be a great size.

 

My thoughts are to go with a larger tank. Maybe about 75g. Not sure I would do a reef with that size, but definitely will be doing corals. Add 40 gallon sump and that’s some great volume.

If I wind up going larger, like ~100g, I would definitely like to do a reef. I considered that with my 120 gallon when I set it up years ago. It is a taller 24” so would be a great size.

A reef means corals. That’s great that you want to do a nice large tank! I’m excited for you!! I’d get the sump and overflow then haha.

 

A reef means corals. That’s great that you want to do a nice large tank! I’m excited for you!! I’d get the sump and overflow then haha.

Do you think $100 is a fair price?

 

I would not purchase a sump without a clear plan of what you have in mind.

 

Do you think $100 is a fair price?

Sure, I think its fair as long as everything works but make sure you’re sure first lol. Its still $100 going to waste if you end up changing your mind down the line.

 

My thoughts are to go with a larger tank. Maybe about 75g. Not sure I would do a reef with that size, but definitely will be doing corals. Add 40 gallon sump and that’s some great volume.

If I wind up going larger, like ~100g, I would definitely like to do a reef. I considered that with my 120 gallon when I set it up years ago. It is a taller 24” so would be a great size.

Save yourself the trouble and go with a pre-drilled tank those overflow boxes can be a pain. The pre-drilled tank is designed for a sump from the factory that makes it. Personally I would check craigslist or your LFS for a complete mechanical setup as that can save you big $. The sump and overflow box for $100 isn't bad but consider that there are people out there getting 90 gallon tanks with the sump, skimmer, stand, predrilled tank, return pump and virtually all the plumbing for $300-$400 then it kind of puts that in perspective. Trying to piece things together usually just ends up costing one more money.

 

Thanks guys!

 

Check Facebook for local buy and sell groups, a lot of people all the time getting out of fish keeping. Also check for any local reefing groups or clubs. Check with your LFSs. One of mine is always getting used setups in for cheap. Check craigslist. Plan out what you want, and slowly accumulate.

 

I agree with what others have said. Take your time planning, and do try to avoid overflows. Having never had an overflow, I only know what I've read, and they are said to be a real pain in the rear. Also, failures can be rather catastrophic, (think flooding.) I would not do a sump without a drilled tank. Just my 2¢.

 

The problem with HOB overflows are that their siphon systems can become clogged and it either won't flow or won't stop flowing, hence the issues with them. When the tank is drilled gravity and the return pump do all the work for you and and it's much easier to get the flow going and keeping it unclogged.