Equipment Help, PLEASE HELP!!!

I have the cash but want to get a perspective of what I need and don't need. I want the opinions and recommendations from the 3reef community because everyone knows what is good and what is not based on word of mouth and experience. ;D

 

I would recommend starting without all the reactors and such to start with. Learn to maintain the tank without them first, then you can add them later and you'll better understand why they are there and what they actually do for your tank and maintenance schedule.

 

that's as far as I got...

 

Thank you soo much!!!!

 

Anybody else can help?

 

I'm not sure if you can get a 6 bulb T5 fixture in that tank. I am looking at the same one and I had someone at the store put a 4 bulb T5 and it fit with not a lot of room to spare.

wayne

 

Power strips
if you need them... make sure your entire setup is plugged into a GFCI outlet.

Salt mix
Lots of choices. IME, I don't see any real benefit to using the more expensive ones (others will disagree). I just use Instant Ocean.

Test kit
Yes, get these three (cheapest bang for buck to begin with)
You'll want this one to get you started. It tests things like nitrates and ammonia



You'll want this one once you start adding corals (or before to get ready). You can get this one later.



API does not make a MG kit. You'll need that too. I like Salifert for this.




Tank bedding (crush coral, live sand?)
Personal choice really. Most prefer sand. It's easier. Don't waste your money on "live" sand. Sand in a bag on a shelf is not live. Just get dry sand and save your money.

Live rock type?
I recommend getting dry "base" rock not live rock. It will become live on its own and is far cheaper. There are a ton of choices.

A cost effective choice is the dry rock from reefcleaners. If you are going full on reef, I recommend ~1.5-2lbs per gallon... That's just ballpark though
ReefCleaners.org | Clean Up Crews and Macro Algae - Home

After your tank cycles, this is also where I highly recommend going to get your Clean up Crew (CuC) - which is snails and so forth. You can trust this place and their recommendations.

What goes in the fuge?
I don't use one... I'll let someone else pick up that ball

Thank you so much any opinions or info is greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you so much Peredhil

 

thanks all

 

As far as powerheads I would recommend either the Korallia evos or if you can afford it Vortechs. Also I dont think you mentioned a timer but this is a must with your lighting. I found a digital timer at lowes for like 20 bucks make sure the timer you use has a three prong plug like your lights. You will also need a large plastic container to hold RO/DI water and I recommend just buying salt in bulk the 200 gallon box (you will use it eventually). Anything else you will find 3reef more than happy to help