start up supplies

frogdog

frogdog

Member
I'am new to the salt water, have had fresh water 15 years. I have been reading alot about what I will need to start but would like to get more opinions before going to purchase these costly items.
My plans are to purchace a 75 gallon tank for a reef setup. I know I will need:
-Filter/Sump pump -Salt water mix -Good book
-Powerhead -Test kit
-Protein skimmer -Light
-Refractometer -Lid
-Fine substrate -Ro water
I would like to know what are the best brands? What size pump, head, skimmer? Best lighting? Best substrate and how much?
 
sickboy

sickboy

Active Member
Ok....lets try to break this down a bit...that's a lot of questions at once, some which can't be answered until others are.
So...are you going to buy a reef ready tank? I didn't and would advise you TO do it. Reef Ready are much better. Then, you would need a sump/refugium.
If you have a sump, then I think most people would suggest putting the skimmer there, otherwise you can get a HOB one. But this will vary which skimmer is recommended.
Powerheads- I prefer the Hydor Koralia's, b/c they do not shoot out a straight stream. Others prefer different ones, so I would research these to find the ones you like.
Test kits- I have an API test kit...and I think it lies to me. I will be looking for a new one, I think salifert is a good brand but I'm not positive.
Light/Glass Top- Will the tank have a canopy? If yes, then you will probably want a glass top. But, the next tank I set up will have a suspended light. My friend has a suspended light and it makes it much easier to get into the tank and mess with stuff as there is still light on.
Lights- what do yo want to keep? T5HO or Metal Halides would be the best option.
Salt- its up to you, I started with Reef Crystals but now I use Red Sea Coral Pro.
There are lots of variables, so really it is up to what you want in the tank and what kind of tank it is that decides a lot of these questions.
 
jeanheckle

jeanheckle

Member
+ one on Korallia powerheads, and they really aren't that expensive.
API is fine for starting with and is still farely accurate with my tank even though I also use salifert, there is a very small difference in the reading so for starting just get an API kit that has all you'll need for startingI
I have a 46 gallon tank and use t5 lights and I have lots of corals that are doing well, I think when I get a larger tank i will get metal halides so the light is sure to reach the bottom of the tank
I'm not sure if there is much difference in the brand of refractometer you get, just be sure go get one.
I use Reef Crystal and have never had to add anything extra, they also supply all the trace elements.
Good luck and remember to be patient. Make sure your tank completely cycles before you put any livestock in it.
 
valeram

valeram

Member
I was also in a FWA for more than 10 yrs and just started in SWA. My first advice is to ask and do your research in this forum. They have many knowledgable people roaming around here. You mentioned in your list about the RO water. I think that is one of the important equipment if not the most important one. I also have a 75 g that was also my old FWA. I am just resusing my old FWA cannister filter but without using the foam filter medium (Eheim Pro). It should be cleaned on a weekely basis and unlike before with the FWA wherein I only clean it every couple of months (sometimes more). I have the HOB Aqua-C Pro with Mag3 and prefilter. I think the sump is the way to go and put everything in the cabinet. For me I prefer the cannister type and HOB but I should be diligent enough to maintain it more frequently.
 
nigerbang

nigerbang

Active Member
I had the MJ's laying around and the new props were only like $3 a peice...Alot cheaper with less heat then a MJ mod
 
prime311

prime311

Active Member
I won't get in to the prices you're looking for, but heres a complete checklist of everything you could use for starting a saltwater tank.
Tank/Stand/Canopy
Sump/Refugium
Protein Skimmer
Pump for Skimmer
Pump for UV
Return Pump
Overflow(unless drilled tank)
Lights
Heater
Refractometer
Testing kits
Substrate(sand or crushed coral)
Algae Scraper or Mag Float
UV Sterilizer
RO/DI unit
TDS Meter
2 Plastic Garbage cans(Brute, to hold water)
Sea Salt
Various tubing, plumbing
Shims for leveling stand
Powerheads
Light Timer
Live Rock
Power Strip for stand
TLF Reactor
Pump for TLF Reactor
Activated Carbon
Phosban
Cooler(if needed)
For a 75 gallon, you could probably come in around 2k if you buy all the equipment used.
 
nigerbang

nigerbang

Active Member
Originally Posted by jeanheckle
http:///forum/post/2787261
I guess expensive is a realitive term in this hobby.
Dont get me wrong..I think that is a great price!! I wasnt saying they were overly expensive...I was leading up to my $5 mod to almost put out the same amount of flow for cheap... I think the Magnum 8's are like $230 with makes them a steal since they flow more water then Vortec's at $100 off
 
jeanheckle

jeanheckle

Member
Originally Posted by NigerBang
http:///forum/post/2787272
Dont get me wrong..I think that is a great price!! I wasnt saying they were overly expensive...I was leading up to my $5 mod to almost put out the same amount of flow for cheap... I think the Magnum 8's are like $230 with makes them a steal since they flow more water then Vortec's at $100 off
No offense taken at all, In fact I'm jealous of you guys who can do that kind of stuff, I'm clueless in that respect.
BTW your avatar is giving me seizures
 
nigerbang

nigerbang

Active Member
Originally Posted by frogdog
http:///forum/post/2787517
do I need an 8? or will a 4 be sufficient?
8's put out like 3200gph... Quite the overkill...
I would go with a couple 3 or maybe ramp it up to 2 4's.. I have 4 modded 4's in my tank
 
frogdog

frogdog

Member
firstly, i would like to thank all of you for the friendly replies.
Here's what i came home with today. (input welcome)
75g predrilled Aqueon all glass aquarium/ stand
Aqua Pro filtration system
Korallia 4 x2
Suprmeme Classic pump
API test kit
2x 15lb bags, Instant Ocean Salt
4x bags Bio-Activ live aragonite
Pure Flo TFC R.O. water purification system
Megaflow overflow acc. kit
Instant ocean hydrometer
32g rubbermaid roughneck trash can (were on sale!)
750ML bottle Grey Goose vodka
750ML Jagermeister
4pk. Guinness stout
I plan to get the lighting (metal halide) in a couple of days.
cheers!
ps. I'm sure i forgot something.lol
 
valeram

valeram

Member
Originally Posted by frogdog
http:///forum/post/2788508
firstly, i would like to thank all of you for the friendly replies.
Here's what i came home with today. (input welcome)
75g predrilled Aqueon all glass aquarium/ stand
Aqua Pro filtration system
Korallia 4 x2
Suprmeme Classic pump
API test kit
2x 15lb bags, Instant Ocean Salt
4x bags Bio-Activ live aragonite
Pure Flo TFC R.O. water purification system
Megaflow overflow acc. kit
Instant ocean hydrometer
32g rubbermaid roughneck trash can (were on sale!)
750ML bottle Grey Goose vodka
750ML Jagermeister
4pk. Guinness stout
I plan to get the lighting (metal halide) in a couple of days.
cheers!
ps. I'm sure i forgot something.lol
Just the hydrometer. You can get a refractometer at around $25 in ----.
 
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