Starting out with Corals

I've had my tank going well for about 4 months and am ready to upgrade my lighting...recently upgraded to an RO/DI and Octopus skimmer. Before I take the plunge into corals will I need anything else besides obvious supplements and testing kits?? Are calcium reactors necessary or just a "luxury" item. I really would like to hold off on any luxury items at this point.

 

calc reactors are a luxury for the majority of reefers, they are only necessary on some very heavily stocked coral tanks.

also dont go crazy on the suplements, you salt should put you pretty close to what you need. also a tip its more dangerous to your livestocks health to dose with out testing first then it is to skip dosing entirely.

 

+ 1 on Sostoudt for me

Test kits are your best friend, if you dont have them , you wont know whats wrong if anything is wrong, and you will find it difficult to get help, if you cant post your water quality parameters

test kits required
Amonnia, Nitrite, Nitrate, PH, ALK (dkh) and Phosphate, - test weekly for these but maybe after a few months, skip the 1st 2 and focus on the others, using the 1st 2 again, if you feel something is not right with your tank ( thats how I do it, it may be wrong)

will be needed as you progress and start to stock your tank
Calcium and Magnesium


start with easy corals, GSP, Zoanthids, Mushroom colonies, Leathers, Toadstools, Colts
nice looking corals in this group that will do well, and give you confidence)

progress in a few months to LPS corals ( some beauties in this group)


and if you stop there, and do regular water changes , you will enjoy your reef, with minimal fuss and minimal equipment (IME)

Steve