buying Dry goods

[lskywalker5]

Hello MR,
I am just setting up my new 55, and I have a few questions.

1. RODI, which gets you the most "Bang For your Buck"
2. Live rock (I don't know if this is a "Dry good") but which type is the best, and where should I get it?
3. Pvc is the PVC at home depot 'reef safe' meaning do you know if they add chemicals?
4. Water circulation, what brand, what controller (if any), and where is it cheapest?
5. All those chemicals for a reef tank, which ones are the best, should I dose when the tank is starting up, and where can I buy them (For the cheapest)
6. Seeding a new tank, Has anyone seeded a new tank with copepods from reefs2go or a place like that?
7. Last but not least, meta for the sump refugium. I heard there are ups and downs with activated carbon, but other than that, what else should I put in it? (I am planing for a mixed reef, with around 10" of fish, no tangs, but a clown pair, and dwarf angel). This is my 3rd tank, but the others where small ones like 29s and such

Thanks MR (sorry to the mods who have to move it if it is in the wrong place)

 

[thirty6]

PVC from home depot is fine, so are the elbows, valves, ECt.. I have used them in many setups. I would buy an ro unit, yiu can get one from member here but it's worth the upfront cost as it will be available when you need it (water that is)
Water circulation is important and can be pricey, personal preference here as with most items. I have mp's, koralias, and an aqueous powerhead in my tank....
If your going to buy live rock get from member here selling from a break down. I'm not sure where your located but check the fs section here and find someone close to you
I have run carbon and rowaphos in my tanks. I don't use chemicals, but I add reefsnow to my tank a few times a week to feed corals. So many products under that category best bet to read up on anything before using it.
You didn't mention skimmer or lights, good luck and keep in mind it's better to spend bit more upfront and spend once. Just my take of course.....good luck with new setup

 

[lskywalker5]

Thanks, I already bought a coralife skimmer for 125 gallons, and deepblue high output t5, other than that, what is needed... Ill add your suggestions to my christmas list

 

[Adamc1303]

Hey the coralife skimmer isn't really a good skimmer at all. You may want to rethink that choice. Why is is that everyone starts with a crappy coraline skimmer? I remember I got the kent nautilus te. That thing wouldn't pull skimmate if a puppy took a dump in the tank. Check out SWC skimmers or octopus skimmers. They are the best bang for your buck.

 

[Reefing Luke]

Ok, so I will return it, and should I get Hydor Performer Skimmer instead?

 

[Adamc1303]

Not sure about that one. If you do get it PA has it on sale.

http://premiumaquatics.com/store/me...Code=PA&Product_Code=HY-S05101&Category_Code=

 

[Adamc1303]

You can get better deals on used gear. There is allot of used stuff for a gallon.


You will be happy with these

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/CV-OCT-NWB-110.html

or this if you want to spring for it.


http://www.aquacave.com/-SKIMZ-SK-181-Kone-E-Series-In-Sump-Protein-Skimmer-LIMITED-STOCK-P3245.aspx

 

[Reefing Luke]

Could you recommend a good motel, i'm having trouble finding a good one...

 

[thirty6]

i agree, if cost is factor on anything a skimmer is usually a great deal used. if you can return the coralife i would do so.
powerheads can go either way, but be very costly up front. the lights will be fine too

 

[Reefing Luke]

thanks

 

[Sharkbait420]

1. Waste no need for it.
2. Check out the classified ads here. Cheapest way to go. You will also get more established rock then a store.
3. Home depot is good.
4. No need for a controller or an expensive powerhead. Amazons made in China stuff works great.
5. Avoid dosing unless you test deficient. If you are just starting your tank don't worry.
6. Reefs2go is great for pods, but thats about it.
7. Skimmer, sand, algae and and rock. Run carbon coral release toxins.

Go bigger 55 is very small. It is only 18in wide.

 

[lskywalker5]

Thanks Guys, I see a 90 gallon for free, and I think I need to jump... but idk if my floors can hold that much, I live in an apt building with concrete floors

 

[albano]

Go bigger 55 is very small. It is only 18in wide.

18"?????

skywalker5" data-source="post: 1435858" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch">

Thanks Guys, I see a 90 gallon for free, and I think I need to jump... but idk if my floors can hold that much, I live in an apt building with concrete floors

I'd suggest leak testing a free tank! The weight should be fine on a concrete floor .

 

[lskywalker5]

Lol I think my 55 is 12" wide

 

[Sharkbait420]

Sorry 12in even worse.

 

[lskywalker5]

I just posted a wtb thread, so lets see what happens...

 

[vandeurb]

If it's the cone skimmer it isn't bad. i have had mine for two years on my 180 Reef and it pulls tons out. I 120% agree that a good skimmer is the most important part but I have to be honest you don't have to go crazy. i have the cone skimmer for a 250 on my reef and its perfect. I have SPS, LPS, and soft corals. All are doing great. I went with LED's instead of T5. More color, less Electric and less heat, but T5's are great otherwise. Be sure to change your bulbs every 10-12 months.