Starting a 55 gallon reef tank!

Question
Hi! I have a 55 gallon tank. I want to turn it into a reef (nemo) tank for my little boy. Can you tell me a list of everything I need to start it? I have some stuff like:2 way air pump,time n temp therm,floating magnet,200 w heater,Berlin air-lift,Success trace,calcium 3,buff,Kent ammonia detox,liq calcium,clarifier,Marine Lab.Anything else I might need? Also if you would later on work me though starting it up? Thanks so much!!!

Answer
Hi Mindy,
    Having had little ones in the past I know how anxious your little boy might be for his "nemo" tank. Ther are several factors that come into play when starting a saltwater tank. The first ingredient for a successful recipe is patience. It takes three to four weeks for a saltwater tank to cycle out of the ammonia stage and then out of the nitrite stage into relatively harmless nitrate. Your heater, berlin air lift protein skimmer[not used during initial break in period], and thermometer can all be used as well as some of the additives you listed. In addition you will need a hydrometer, to measure salinity levels. What type of hood and light do you have? What do you have in the way of pump and filter? I prefer the use of "live" sand on the bottom, about one and a half to two inches thick. The addition of "live rock" aids in cycling the tank, act as a biological filter and gives a place for fish to swimm around and hide if they wish. If you go to www.about.com and look left to the subject column you will find "games and hobbies", click on it and then find saltwater aquariums on lower left in the column. This will take you to a magnificent site managed by stan and debbie hauter. Take the saltwater aquarium 101 course and check out how to get started the right way. I know it will take a little time and effort but, believe me it will be worth it. Your son will have his nemo and you will be hooked. gerry.