The most important thing to do before starting out

If you're wanting to start an aquarium for your first time, I think the most valuable thing you can do is learn everything you can first!

A few months ago when I became interested in the hobby (after my roommate got a FOWLR tank going here and then seeing my friends nano reef tank) the only thing I could think about was starting my own system!

I didn't know the first thing about it really, so I found this website and started reading. A lot. I feel like I've gained so much knowledge from everyone on here. It's really worth your time to just research as much as you can for a few weeks/months before you begin. You'll learn a ton and be prepared to do things the right way. There are many different ways to do things, and you'll figure out what makes sense to you!

So a big thanks to everyone who contributes, and good luck to everyone else starting out!

 

So have you started your system yet? Do you have any questions? Always remember that you need to be patient and go slow.

 

Haven't really started yet. Just slowly gathering all the pieces I need for the puzzle lol. I found a 75g tank/light/sump/skimmer/pump on craigslist. Got an overflow from glass-holes. All my pvc. Waiting on the Spectrapure RO/DI unit to get here. Slowly but surely!

 

Sounds like you have really done your research. Great job. What are your plans for you setup once it is up and running?

 

Ill probably get the 50lb/5lb dryrock/liverock combo from marcorocks, probably 80 lb sand from them too. Maybe more if you think Ill need it

Once I get everything running, drop a shrimpy in there and let it cycle. Then get a clean up crew (reefcleaners.org?) and after that some clowns or a tang.

As far as corals, after the fish have been in for awhile, i think start with some softies (mushrooms, zoas) then maybe SPS or LPS if thats successful.

Does that sound like the right direction? Am I forgetting anything

 

Sounds like a solid plan to me. That should be plenty of sand. I would highly recommend getting a clean up crew from reefcleaners.org!

What kind of light did you get?

Edit:

What do you have for flow in your tank?

 

the canopy has two 250w metal halides (10k bulbs, I think after my cycle before I get it stocked Im replacing those with Phoenix 14k)

and also two t12 actinic. I know t5's are better, but I dont really have the know how to replace this fixture with t5s right now)

I want to get an inexpensive LED Moonlight too

Any suggestions for a light schedule once I get it running?

 

As far as flow goes, the overflow is up to 700gph, but I know I don't want all of that running through my sump and fuge. The return pump regulates this am I right?

Maybe get two powerheads for the DT?

 

You could get something like this T5 HO GLO ELECTRONIC BALLAST Light Kit 2x54W Hagen ~NEW | eBay to upgrade to T5 lights for fairly cheap. As far a light schedule, I just run mine for 10 to 12 hours a day. I have my lights come on around 1 pm and off around midnight so I can enjoy the most out of my aquarium while I home for the most part.

 

Not sure about the sump honestly. I would recommend getting at least 2 power heads for the DT so that you can help to eliminate dead spots.