55g setup - advise please

[c_scherer123]

It is more a list of what I like (really narrowed down to boot!)
If I had to rule out a fish... I would have to go with either the neon goby or the anthias... which is more visible, easygoing, easy to keep (I hear some anthias tend to eat shrimp...)? What kind of stocking is advised?

I would really like to do a mainly softie with a couple LPS (or other hard branching coral - preferably really bushy ones). I really like the looks of torch coal and frogspawn though.
Is there a coral which resembles birdsnest but isn't sps? I kind of want to avoid sps.

But I really want help with the lighting and skimmer. I am kind of clueless there, especially with which are recommended brands, and which people tend to stay away from.

[tgoeujon]

from what i hear you should avoid coralife skimmers, i use one but people are constantly complaining about them

[Trigger Man]

I would eliminate the anthias as it is a tougher fish to keep. You should have no problem going softies with lps. For flow I would agree you will probably need some more flow or you will get detrius buildups occuring. If you go with atleast a 4 bulb 48 inch t5 unit you should be able to keep a birdsnest in your tank, it will just be a matter of directing the powerheads correctly. With that lighting you would have many options as you can see if you check out my signature.

[c_scherer123]

Ok, I will remove the anthias from my "wish list". How many fish can I have in the 55g anyway?

I can get two 600gph pumps or do I still need to go bigger?

Will a 4 bulb t5 light be enough for softies as well as frogspawn and torchcoral?
I can't find any Tek "Hot5" around here, but I did find "Current USA Nova Extreme 48" T5 Fixture With 4 - 54W HO Bulbs" I notice there is only one reflector - will that do, or does each bulb need its own reflector?

The ones (lights and skimmers) on this site are mostly whats available in stores around here "http://www.petsandponds.com/en/aquarium-supplies/c5813/c293075/index.html"

As for the skimmer, I noticed that some weren't too happy with coralife. What can you recommend? (I have no sump)
Would a Deltec MCE600 work? It has awesome reviews, but tough to find. I may be able to special order it in.

[michika]

Skip the small clam as well. Smaller clams have more complex requirements that you might be better off avoiding while you're just getting into it. Down the road however you might want to try a clam that is at least 3", croceas are good little clams, often coming with lovely blues, purples, and teal greens.

Regardless though, you're probably a year out from after you switch your system over from adopting a clam.