R
reefmurse
Guest
Hey everyone,
Around 10 years ago I was really big into everything saltwater fish related. At one point my college roommate and I had over 1000gal divided among 7 tanks. It was awesome! Eventually though I needed to pay for my education rather than my hobby and I got rid of all my equipment. Now that I have a career and an income I've decided to get back into the game and I wanted to start off by doing everything right from the beginning. No more gerry-rigged calcium reactors, overflow boxes, skimmers, etc. I still remember most of the science and tank management so I think I can handle starting off with a smallish tank. There has been a lot of advances in reef keeping over the last 10 years, particularly with lighting and electronics. I have a good idea with the basic equipment I want to start with but I want the forums opinion on my choices and for you guys to tell me what experience you or your friends have had with these item. Also, if there are much better options available that you know of, feel free to make your case for them. So...
I want to start with a basic reef setup with some soft corals and LPSs. But,I want to have the option to upgrade to a larger tank and add some SPSs if I feel so inclined later. This is what I've decided on so far:
Lighting:
EcoTech Radion 30W Pro LED Light (Please give me your opinions on whether this really is that much better than the basic Gen2 version)
Tank:
Innovative Marine 30g all-in-one
Skimmer:
I hear the one that comes with the IM tank is no good. I'm looking at which one of Nano Reef System's skimmers would fit in the back of the tank
Water Flow:
Hydor Koralia Nano 425 powerhead. Do you think one would be enough or should I plan to get 2. Are there quieter ones on the market? (for less than $200 please).
I'm looking forward to all your opinions. This forum helped me get into the hobby years ago and I can't wait to hear about all the advances that have occurred while I've been away.
Keith
Around 10 years ago I was really big into everything saltwater fish related. At one point my college roommate and I had over 1000gal divided among 7 tanks. It was awesome! Eventually though I needed to pay for my education rather than my hobby and I got rid of all my equipment. Now that I have a career and an income I've decided to get back into the game and I wanted to start off by doing everything right from the beginning. No more gerry-rigged calcium reactors, overflow boxes, skimmers, etc. I still remember most of the science and tank management so I think I can handle starting off with a smallish tank. There has been a lot of advances in reef keeping over the last 10 years, particularly with lighting and electronics. I have a good idea with the basic equipment I want to start with but I want the forums opinion on my choices and for you guys to tell me what experience you or your friends have had with these item. Also, if there are much better options available that you know of, feel free to make your case for them. So...
I want to start with a basic reef setup with some soft corals and LPSs. But,I want to have the option to upgrade to a larger tank and add some SPSs if I feel so inclined later. This is what I've decided on so far:
Lighting:
EcoTech Radion 30W Pro LED Light (Please give me your opinions on whether this really is that much better than the basic Gen2 version)
Tank:
Innovative Marine 30g all-in-one
Skimmer:
I hear the one that comes with the IM tank is no good. I'm looking at which one of Nano Reef System's skimmers would fit in the back of the tank
Water Flow:
Hydor Koralia Nano 425 powerhead. Do you think one would be enough or should I plan to get 2. Are there quieter ones on the market? (for less than $200 please).
I'm looking forward to all your opinions. This forum helped me get into the hobby years ago and I can't wait to hear about all the advances that have occurred while I've been away.
Keith
