The basics

hello, my friend has been looking into keeping a saltwater tank recently. so i want to help him not make any really noobish mistakes.

could someone just type most of the basic things so i can see if im missing anything on my list for him? thanks

 

http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/ultimate-newbie-guide-86462.html

Is this along the lines you were looking for? There is also another sticky under the forum "new to the hobby".

 

http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/how-not-set-up-your-first-reef-tank-46720.html

 

yeah kinda, but i was going for more of a like a setup before. like he just wants to read u and get to know what he'll be getting into,thanks. how about a list of what you would need for a 30 gallon reef tank? like lighting, filter, powerheads, etc.

 

If you just want what equipment, I can list that. But brands are more just opinion.

Equipment for a 29-30g reef tank.

-lighting - this could be T5HO, LED, or MH depending on what coral(SPS, LPS, or Soft)
-powerheads - size and quantity also depend what coral he/she wants.
-protein skimmer - I would suggest getting one rated for 1.5 - 2X total tank volume.
-ATO - this will keep Constant levels to prevent swings in salt which can be bad for fish/coral
-overflow - www.glass-holes.com
-return pump - suggested to be 10X DT volume, in flow rate(30g tank should have 300gph pushing up to the tank, at head pressure).
-refugium - for macro algae and a DSB to help export nutrients as well as culture pods for the tank.
-reactors, not needed, but will help keep the water clear and rid of contaminants put out by corals
-rock - 1-2 lbs of dry rock per gallon of water. Seed this using a small piece of LR
-sand - aragonite sand is best for reef tanks, as well as FOWLR. This will help keep nitrates down
-a good CUC
-a heater
-thermometer


Some good retailers for equipment...

www.marinedepot.com
www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com
www.reefgeek.com
www.aquacave.com

All about skimmers...http://www.3reef.com/forums/protein-skimmers/all-about-skimmers-skimmers-skimmer-85389.html

Here we have it...http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/all-about-sumps-filters-fuges-79852.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/live-rock/how-cycle-live-rock-43460.html
http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/reef-tank-setup-now-cycling-what-now-31527.html

 

yes a reef tank, also a link to explain fuges and sumps? and i edited my post, if that changes anything....

 

Thank you for clarification. I added to my suggestions. I also aided several dealers. I'll be right back with the link you asked for.

 

yeah i saw that, guess i quoted too soon? umm also some really indepth threads about basic things, like cycling. ill let you know i if i can think of anything else, +K for your help so far

 

Thank you. Glad I can help.

 

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/all-about-sumps-filters-fuges-79852.html