First Mini Reef Tank

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by MinimumPhase, Dec 28, 2011.

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  1. MinimumPhase

    MinimumPhase Astrea Snail

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    I just got my first ever (26 Gal) tank and I'm planning on starting a mini reef. As I accumulate the equipment that I need I'm trying to figure out what to stock it with. Any suggestions?
     
    MinimumPhase, Dec 28, 2011
    MinimumPhase, Dec 28, 2011
    #1

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  2. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    Congrats bro! Very cool hobby! But thats a very wide open question! Corals? Fish? Inverts? etc!

    My best advice is to figure out what you want to stock it with and then buy equipment! Otherwise, you may find out you really want something and then the lights aren't good enough, you don't have enough flow, the skimmer isn't enough etc! I'd spend a few weeks reading, or you're gonna waste money on stuff you may not need! Trust me! I have a big box full of stuff that isn't enough and a lighting system that's going in it! Look at tanks, read up, then buy! Enjoy! 3reef is an awesome place to learn and ask questions!
     
    cosmo, Dec 28, 2011
    cosmo, Dec 28, 2011
    #2
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  3. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    Research, research, research, research. Then do. :) <--That's primarily about livestock, but it could pertain to any part of the hobby. lol. It will save you lots of time and frustration (and money).
     
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2011
    Seano Hermano, Dec 28, 2011
    Seano Hermano, Dec 28, 2011
    #3
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  4. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    Good advice. ;)

    The 3reef motto is, "Go slow, let it grow." Don't tinker with the tank too much, and take your time.
     
    Seano Hermano, Dec 28, 2011
    Seano Hermano, Dec 28, 2011
    #4
  5. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    +1 lol!
     
    cosmo, Dec 28, 2011
    cosmo, Dec 28, 2011
    #5
  6. MinimumPhase

    MinimumPhase Astrea Snail

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    I'll continue this thread rather than starting a new one...

    A question about water:

    I've been reading up on the different purification techniques which are pretty straightforward to understand. The trouble is since I live in an apartment I can't afford the space or money to buy an R/O system. To fill the tank I will have to buy some bulk purified water from the grocery store but what should I do for topping up?
     
    MinimumPhase, Dec 29, 2011
    MinimumPhase, Dec 29, 2011
    #6

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  7. SwimsWithFish

    SwimsWithFish Giant Squid

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    An RODI unit isn't big. It won't take up much space at all.
     
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 29, 2011
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 29, 2011
    #7
  8. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

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    You buy a garden hose splitter and run the RO/DI system right from the spicket for your washer. No hassle at all with that lol.
     
    sticksmith23, Dec 29, 2011
    sticksmith23, Dec 29, 2011
    #8
  9. chelseagrin

    chelseagrin Fire Goby

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    what i have learned throughout my reefing career is you never choose your fish to fit your tank, you build your tank to fit your fish.

    so if you are crazy about tangs, your not gonna want to purchase a tiny tank. you see what im getting at here?
     
    chelseagrin, Dec 29, 2011
    chelseagrin, Dec 29, 2011
    #9
  10. MinimumPhase

    MinimumPhase Astrea Snail

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    That's an interesting idea. Any suggestions for an affordable RO/DI system for a small tank?
     
    MinimumPhase, Dec 29, 2011
    MinimumPhase, Dec 29, 2011
    #10
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