N00b Needing Some Good Advice

[bandito_rox]

Hi, I'm new to this and was reading here on the forum for a few days and boy there's so much to learn,
Anyway I was just reading here --> https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/148610/beginners-equipment-guidebook
and I know it's been posted a long time ago and wanted to know if you still recommend the
Metal Halide because I jump the gun and purchase a 260w lighting now im kicking myself but that
was before I found this forum. Please if you have the time any other advice would be great.
Stuff I purchase so far:
Protein Skimmer: SeaClone 150.
Wet/Dry : Eheim Wet/Dry Model 2229.
PowerHead : Koralia 4 Aquarium Centrifugal Pump Powerhead Hydor.
Chiller : JBJ Arctica 1/10 Aquarium Chiller <-- Becuase now I moved to Puerto Rico and was told I needed one.
Lighting : 48 inch HIGH COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 260w V4,two 65W bulb 12000K DAYLIGHT & two 65W actinic BULB a total of 260W 8 MOONLIGHT LED
Electric Timer : Coralife Power Center Dual AM/PM Timer.
Filter : Emperor 400 <--- Since I purchase the wet/dry i'm going to save this for a second tank.
I saved a lot on this stuff above from an bid site not sure if I can mention the name, Because here in Puerto Rico the prices are crazy.
Stuff I still need:
The tank im thinking of getting might be 75/90gal. And im going to set it up for coral,reef,fish and other stuff.
Live Rocks : Thinking of getting Bamboni,Birdsnest or Hawaiian base rocks then FIJI Live Rocks on top to save money.
Live Sand : Thinking of getting Super Premium Real Live Sand W/ Pods and Zoos.
Also what is a RO/DI

because im confuse about this, And also if I need one what do you guys recommend? And where and how is this setup at? If anyone have a picture of it pls posted so I can get an idea of it.
thx in advance

 

[kynekke]

The types of coral/inverts you want will dictate what kind of lite you need. I personally have the PC's and my selected inhabitants are very happy with that. However if I ever decide to go hard corals I'd need an upgrade.
R/O DI is Reverse Osmosis / Deionized water.. it's 99% pure water and best for the fish.

 

[patandlace]

You're lights will be fine over a 75 gallon tank for softies and LPS corals. If you want to keep SPS corals, anemones or clams you should go with Metal Halide.

 

[tokey]

RO/DI is one of those things that you will never regret buying tap water is full of contaminants and is one the causes of hair algae and other problem algaes.
Ro/Di removes all the chemicals like clorine, phosphates, bacteria and metals.
I use the 6 stage Aqusafe RO/DI unit and I paid less than $100 after taxes.

 

[bandito_rox]

Originally Posted by patandlace
You're lights will be fine over a 75 gallon tank for softies and LPS corals. If you want to keep SPS corals, anemones or clams you should go with Metal Halide.
So im I doing good so far with the stuff I purchase? Also what does LPS,SPS and those things mean? Sorry for the Q's since i'm new to this.

 

[bandito_rox]

Originally Posted by Tokey
RO/DI is one of those things that you will never regret buying tap water is full of contaminants and is one the causes of hair algae and other problem algaes.
Ro/Di removes all the chemicals like clorine, phosphates, bacteria and metals.
I use the 6 stage Aqusafe RO/DI unit and I paid less than $100 after taxes.

Would you mind PM the info where you purchase it if you don't mind.
Also this info im getting is a learning stage for me thx guys

 

[patandlace]

LPS= Large polyp stony corals
SPS= Small polyp stony corals
SPS require stronger light and stronger water flow. Need Metal Halide or T-5 lighting for these guys.
If you do a google search you'll be able to find RO/DI units for sale. I believe this site sells them as well. I have a airwaterice brand unit that does a good job.

 

[emm0909]

T5 BABY! And once the LED systems come down in price I'll be all over them like white on rice. 11 year life? MONEY!
Don't use a wet dry filter if youre going to have live rock. It's just too much and harbors nitrate creators.

 

[bandito_rox]

Originally Posted by patandlace
LPS= Large polyp stony corals
SPS= Small polyp stony corals
SPS require stronger light and stronger water flow. Need Metal Halide or T-5 lighting for these guys.
If you do a google search you'll be able to find RO/DI units for sale. I believe this site sells them as well. I have a airwaterice brand unit that does a good job.

Great then I'll go with the Metal Halide and keep or sell the other one.

 

[bandito_rox]

Is this worth buying or is there something that works just as well @ a better price.
Kent Marine Deluxe Hi-S Maxxima 60 GPD RO/DI

 

[bandito_rox]

Bump

 

[buckster71]

Decent RO/DI water filters remove:
Materials
Removed Percent (%)
Hardness 99 - 99.5 (I'm not completely sold here either)
Heavy Metals 99 - 99.5
Ammonium 98 - 99
Phosphate 99 - 99.5
Nitrate 93 - 96
Silicate 99 - 99.5
Bacteria >99
They do not remove chlorine. That is what activated carbon if for. Never put water in your tank without treating it with dechlorinator...

 

[bandito_rox]

Hey thx for the info but now im trying to figured out what's the difference on RO/DI I see 35,60,75,100 GPD 4 stage 5 stage and so on and can't tell which one to buy.