Starting Big

[superluker]

I am new to the saltwater world, but I have done a fair amount of research (3.5 months). Will some of you gurus help me with my shoping list? I haven't bought anything except a Floval 404. Below is what I have in mind:
-70 gal RR tall (36.5x18.5x25)
-Sump (there is one on that big auction site w/a skimmer, lights, boiballs, return pump, bulkhead, skimmer pump)
-Heater
-Lights (what kind for a reef?)
-Live sand (how much for a 4inch SB)
-Live Rock (100lbs.)
-RO filter
-Refractometer
-Test Kit (what kind and where can I get it?)
thanks

 

[drewsta]

I have that sump/fuge/skimmer combo it's great except for the skimmer I have only had problems with mine other than that its great.
For a 4" sandbed you will need mmmm about 65Lbs

pay no more than $50
Heater get a 200-250W by hydor
For lights for your reef you will need MH (Metal Halide) or T5's
RO Filter? do you mean an ro-di unit? If so it will run you around $125-$200 for a good one worth the investment IMO
As far as test kits just ask around at your lfs you can find all diff. types most are pretty reliable
Hope this helped

 

[payton 350]

for the live sand don't get the full 4inches of it live.......fill the bottom with 'dead' sand then just seed the top with about 5-10 pounds of 'live' sand......some say all you need is a cup of it.....just a little money saving tip......
as drewsta said go with a ro/di unit....not just a ro unit

 

[fanker]

u might want mh to reach that deep

 

[superluker]

How much wattage would I need to support a healthy reef? Is there anything else that I need to add to my list? Thanks for the feedback!

 

[acrylic51]

List seems pretty good.....I'd second the recommendation to get an RO/DI unit instead of just the RO unit.....AirWaterIce makes a very good unit that is very reasonable for what your getting.....Don't know to many companies out there that will give you quality and customer service as well.....
Test kits I'd recommend Salifert........Heaters I prefer Ebo Jager very accurate, but rather on the larger side.....Personally my favorite is a titanium by Jalli with separate temp controller......As far as the sump on ---- with bioballs and such.... :notsure: I'd honestly pass.....Bioballs, well a thing of the past, and more than likely the skimmer is of poor quality that shortly down the road you'll be hunting a replacement for it.........and more than likely probably not a decent return pump as well.....Any names on pumps and skimmers included with this wet/dry system?
Lighting???!!!!??? :thinking: Depends what you really want to keep in the system.....MH's would leave things wide open and T5's are also high up on my list.....I would pass on a PC lighting system though.....Can't go wrong with a refractometer..........
Good Luck and keep us posted!!!!!!!!