NEED INPUT new to reefs

[cdnmedic]

I'm looking to jump from FOWLR to a reef setup. I am doing some research first to see if it is something I want to do. Any input from you would help a bunch! I have a 125G with no fish in yet, just moved it. Cycle is done and pretty much have an idea for lighting just need help with...
1. What are good "starter" corals? Look nice but can be kept well.
2. Are there any checklists of stuff I need to do before starting?
3. How hard is it to keep corals compared to a FOWLR setup?
Just a few general questions to start, will try and find answers to more complicated questions somewhere on here.

 

[tjone752000]

Originally Posted by CDNMedic
http:///forum/post/2530845
I'm looking to jump from FOWLR to a reef setup. I am doing some research first to see if it is something I want to do. Any input from you would help a bunch! I have a 125G with no fish in yet, just moved it. Cycle is done and pretty much have an idea for lighting just need help with...
1. What are good "starter" corals? Look nice but can be kept well.
2. Are there any checklists of stuff I need to do before starting?
3. How hard is it to keep corals compared to a FOWLR setup?
Just a few general questions to start, will try and find answers to more complicated questions somewhere on here.
1.mushrooms,toadstool leathers,star polyps
2.a good water test kit, alk kit, calcium kit, magnesium kit.
3.your going to get different answers for this one. I started with a fowler tank,then converted into reef.I don`t find it really any harder.just make sure you keep the water quality up. routine water changes.etc... My tanks in photo section.

 

[xeniaman]

Depending on what lighting you are using, I would start off with some lps corals. It is important to plan ahead in case you want to keep any sps. My favorite coral I have is my first one, it's a moon brain the size of a cantaloupe. Xenia is very cool if kept in check also, but is known to work in some tanks and not others. The only thing I do different from switching from fowler to reef, is doing more frequent water changes to replenish the trace elements. I also changed salt mix from IO to Reef Crystals.

 

[cdnmedic]

thanx folks, I am planning on using actinics with MH setup. The DIY method. have a pretty good idea on how to set it up so i'll keep you posted