Want to get started

Hey Everybody,
So I've had a freshwater and i want to get rolling on a new tank. I want to get a 54-100 corner bow. I need help with finding out everything i will neeed(best lighting and filters,rock,sand, which heaters, or anything else I would need. I want to get theh best stuff and Im an ammuture. If somebody could please tell me from top to bottom what I need to have a succesfull reef that would awesome!!

thanks

 

Here's a good read to get you started off right:
http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/how-not-set-up-your-first-reef-tank-46720.html
Welcome to 3reef!
Once you get familiar with the basics, then you'll be able to ask more specific questions that will be more helpful to you.
http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aq...three-steps-reef-aquarium-step-1-a-54477.html
http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aq...three-steps-reef-aquarium-step-2-a-54476.html
http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aq...three-steps-reef-aquarium-step-3-a-54475.html

 

My advice is research research research. You've already done the best thing possible by coming here BEFORE setting up a tank. Ask any questions you may have along the way, there are plenty of people here that can help you out. We researched 2 months before we even started making purchases, and we didn't actually have rock and saltwater in a tank until 3 months into it. Researching is one of the best things you could ever do, it will save you tons of money and heartache.

Read about all of the different types of lighting, filtration, and other things needed, and then compile a list with the pros and cons of each, including price. Doing this will help you find exactly what you need for your setup, because everyone is different. We all have different wants and needs with our aquariums, as well as a different budget.

Bogie started you off on the right track with those links. Google is a very good tool, as well as youtube for some things. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

 

It's hard to say what's the "best" equipment as there is a lot of subjective nature to the question. You need to decide first...

1. FOWLR or reef?
2. What types of corals? softies, lps, sps, clams?
3. As for lighting, T5 or Metal halide? I wouldn't go with PC.
4. Sump? Refugium?
5. If sump, overflow or drilled? Highly recommend drilled, but many use overflows with great success.

Once you decide on these questions, you can start to gather equipment. If money is no problem, then you could go with a Bubble king skimmer, $1000+. (That's kinda of a joke, just demonstrating the 'best' equipment and how much it really can cost). Good luck and read and research.

 

i want to do a reef. so t5 or metalide is better? I'm getting a 54 corner bow with overflow. I dont want the most expensive equipment but what is neccesary. I'm gonna do my research but a friend of mine knows someone who wholesales pet equipment. He doesnt know much about fish but he told me to get him names of the stuff i need and he'll give it to me at cost from the manufacturer. Thats why im trying to find out what i need. Mostly what filter and skimmer and lights to get....

 

Get a used system. Sometimes they come with all the extra stuff you'll have to buy, heaters, powerheads ect.
Get something with Metal Halide lights, a sump .. preferably with a refugium, Glass tank.. no acrylic, protein skimmer. Look on Craigslist the best deals are up and running with live rock and u might get cleanup crew and some fish/ corals.
I prefer external pumps.