suggestions for a marine aquarium?

With a first marine tank, you need to plan.

First off, you must decide on the type of filtration you will need. Marine tanks do not require more filtration per se, but they do require more 'stuff' as the tolerances of the animals are less.

If you have a simple 55 gallon tank, with heater, and lighting, then you could have a tank with a few colorful marine fish. Any member of the group known as Tangs are good. I suggets a Yellow Tang as they are common and relatively hardy. You will need to supplement their food with fresh lettuce attached to a clip in the tank. Many members of the wrasse group make good fist time fish.

Damsel fish are often suggested. If you get many of the same species, it looks very nice. Mixing species of damselfish in such a small tank can cause fighting.

You want to start SLOWLY. First, convert your tank. Make sure you have the type of filtration you want. I suggest adding a protein skimmer as well. Add 1 fish and see how it does. In 3 to 4 weeks, you may begin to add more.

With a fish only beginner setup, I strongly suggest no more than 5 to 6 medium fish, OR 10 to 15 small fish, OR 1 to 2 larger fish.

Take a look online at some great website about hpow to get started. www.reefs.org, www.reefcentral.com, www.aqualink.com, www.pethobbyist.com, are all good and informative sites.