Hello from Wichita KS

Hello everyone,

I am new to saltwater aquariums, but have done freshwater stuff in the past. I will be starting a reef tank in the near future and have joined this site for some advise from fellow reefers. I am still debating on the size of the tank I will be using. I am think anywhere from 10G-75G. I know that larger sizes are better because they are more forgiving, but the cost to start a larger tank is much higher. I still think ill probably go with 45-75. I am hoping you guys can help me make a shoping list and see what route best satisfies my budget as well as my want for a large tank. I dont have a set budget atm, but I would be willing to make a decent investment at the biggening, and buy items as needed later on. Starting with only the neccisary items. I really would appreaciate any advise that you guys have to offer. Thank you!

 

Welcome to 3reef.

Trying looking at a 40 gallon breeder, not too small. Nice dimensions in my opinion.

 

Not a bad idea, what basic equipment would be needed to get started, I was thinking about some hang on filters, Like the marineland ones without the biowheels. I would use 2 of them to create some current and add a powerhead later on to save some monies

 

You would need

Heater.
Refractometer or a hydrometer to get you started.
Salt mix.
Basic test kits for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate initially.
Dry base rock or live cured rock.
Sand, I like aragonite personally, it does not need to be live sand.
Thermometer of some sort.
HOB would probably fine, but I am not current on brands/types or styles.
Lighting, type depends on what you want to keep.
I would get a cheaper power head or 2 though, a HOB does not provide enough flow in my opinion.

 

HOB standing for the filter? I think that the lighting system is one that i will not go cheep with, I want to have no future problems with poor lighting, I know T5 lights are nice, I used to have an odyssea 48 fixture for my freshwater that i loved, Would this be a sutable route?

 

Go with a 4 bulb fixture so you can get a good spectrum mix. Koralia pumps are inexpensive for circulation. Buy two at least. 2 Koralia nano 425s would be a good start.

 

I will look in to them, What light fixtures specificaly should i look into? Will a four bulb T5 fixture be enough to not have to add more lighting later? What are some examples of T5 fixtures that i should be looking at? As well as is metal hilide a good choice?

 

Hello and welcome to 3reef

 

Thank you homegrowncorals

 

Welcome to 3reef. This is a awesome website with a ton of info. Enjoy your new tank.