New Tank

[jake169]

Guys I am reading all the threads on here on a nightly basis and info and help provided is just amazing. I have finally made up my mind and going to go 75g.
How does this setup look for a fish, live rock and sof coral set up.
75g reef ready tank
megaflow wet/dry filter with built in protien skimmer (anyone have experince with this).
two pumps for waves and circulation.
Current NOVA extreme 48" T5 lights.
75 pounds of live rock/75 pounds of live sand. Also what is RO I read that quite a lot on these forums.
Any more sugestions would be helpful.

 

[big911dog]

protein skimmer: get the BEST you can possibly afford! this can't be stressed enough. I'm pretty sure my Euro-Reef is responsible for preventing more problems than I can possibly imagine.
RO= Reverse Osmosis. RO/DI adds de-ionization. This water filtration process will save you many headaches over the years...

 

[jake169]

Should I get the RO/DI unit in addition to the wet/dry filter or just the RO/DI unit instead of the wet/dry filter.

 

[autofreak44]

ro/di is used to filter tap water in order to add it to your aquarium, not to filter the water in the aquarium (i think)

 

[zanoshanox]

You need both, you can suaully get RO water from pet stores and some grocery stoes, as well as water stores, but it will end up costing you more money than it would cost to get your own unit. RO is much healthier for the inhabitants of the tank, and should always be used inw ater changes/top offs. But as far as filtering your aquarium, you will still need a sump. (wet dry) so yes, you will be needing both.

 

[jake169]

Thanks Zano, but will it be ok in the beginnning to avoid overhead, just get saltwater from LFS and get more when doing water changes and or topping off. Basically what I am asking is If I stick with water from LFS, can I get away without a RO unit.
Thansk.

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by Jake169
Thanks Zano, but will it be ok in the beginnning to avoid overhead, just get saltwater from LFS and get more when doing water changes and or topping off. Basically what I am asking is If I stick with water from LFS, can I get away without a RO unit.
Thansk.
I have a 125 gallon tank I started over a month ago and I don't have an RO/DI unit yet. I have four 5 gallon water jugs that I take to the Water and Ice store (right next to my daughter's school) and get them filled up with RO water (25 cents/gallon). BUT I will be getting an RO/DI unit soon, as you get tired of hauling water pretty fast. My tank loses 1.5 gallons a day, so it will be nice when I have a unit in my house.

 

[reeffreakgeek]

I buy saltwater already made up from the LFS.I've tested there water and its excellent.I would test it if you go that route.I buy enough for water changes and evaporation(about 2 months worth).For me that was easier.
On my 75gal I spend about 8 dollars a week which is reasonable for me.Six gallon water change a week at one dollar a gallon and 2-3 gal of freshwater a week for evaporation at 50 cent a gallon.