Hi all! I am new to this forum and new to reefing. I kept salt water and fresh tanks for years (mostly fish - not reef) but have been out of the hobby for 12 years. I have finally decided its time to jump back in and wish to develop a beautiful (I hope) Coral Reef Tank. I plan to focus on soft corals with few fish. I have purchased my tank - a 55 gallon and I have purchased the lighting - 48" Outer Orbit MH. The tank and lighting will be in next Saturday so next week I will be focusing on purchasing everything else I need. First being an RO+DI. Any suggestions on products would be greatly appreciated. I have my shopping list but would like some imput from you pros before I buy so that I don't waste my money. I am on my way out for the evening but am looking forward to all of your wisdom!!!!!
I'm setting up a new Tank - Recommendations for purchases?
- Thread starter millstreetzoo
- Start date
Hi and :welcome:
Do you have any reefkeeping books yet? If not, I would recommend that as your next purchase.
Here's a list of possibles:http://www.reefs.org/library/reading/beginner/beginner.html
Also, check out this guide in our library:
http://www.reefs.org/library/newbieguide.htm
Do you plan to have a sump on this system?
Do you have any reefkeeping books yet? If not, I would recommend that as your next purchase.
Here's a list of possibles:http://www.reefs.org/library/reading/beginner/beginner.html
Also, check out this guide in our library:
http://www.reefs.org/library/newbieguide.htm
Do you plan to have a sump on this system?
I have purchased 1 book so far - The marine Reef Aquarium Handbook by Dr Robert Goldstein. Thanks for giving me a list. Our local Barnes and Noble didn't have as many selections as I would have like so I will look for more on line. I have been doing alot of research on the internet.
I am not sure yet about a sump. What are your thoughts? I have been looking at a canister (Fluval) filter. If I buy a canister do I also need a sump? The sump seems like it may be a little more complicated. I am also going to purchase a protein skimmer and a wave maker. Any other suggestions?
I am not sure yet about a sump. What are your thoughts? I have been looking at a canister (Fluval) filter. If I buy a canister do I also need a sump? The sump seems like it may be a little more complicated. I am also going to purchase a protein skimmer and a wave maker. Any other suggestions?
I highly recommend the Tullock book (second one on the list in the link) for an intro to reefkeeping book.
Sumps are nice. They're convenient for hiding your skimmer, heaters, etc. - keeps the clutter out of the main tank. For more advanced setups it gives you a nice place to put monitoring probes, feeds/effluents for reactors, etc. Also, in general, better skimmers are available for use in-sump (or plumbed to the sump) as opposed to the hang-on types (which you will need to use if don't have a sump).
BTW, if you're going to have a sump, plan on getting the tank drilled (or read up here on the board about drilling it yourself). I recommend avoiding the use of a hang-on overflow if possible.
I would recommend you avoid the canister filter as well. Plan on getting some quality live rock, lots of circulation and a good skimmer. That will take care of your basic filtration needs.
If you're going without a sump check out something like the Remora Pro for a hang-on skimmer. A hang-on Deltec would be even better but they are a bit pricey. If you will have a sump look into in-sump skimmers like the ASMs, Euro-Reefs, etc. They skim well and are pretty much plug-n-play. Not too fussy. The main thing is, get something good. If budget is an issue I recommend going for a quality used skimmer vs. a new one that is cheap (and likely a crappy design/build).
HTH
Sumps are nice. They're convenient for hiding your skimmer, heaters, etc. - keeps the clutter out of the main tank. For more advanced setups it gives you a nice place to put monitoring probes, feeds/effluents for reactors, etc. Also, in general, better skimmers are available for use in-sump (or plumbed to the sump) as opposed to the hang-on types (which you will need to use if don't have a sump).
BTW, if you're going to have a sump, plan on getting the tank drilled (or read up here on the board about drilling it yourself). I recommend avoiding the use of a hang-on overflow if possible.
I would recommend you avoid the canister filter as well. Plan on getting some quality live rock, lots of circulation and a good skimmer. That will take care of your basic filtration needs.
If you're going without a sump check out something like the Remora Pro for a hang-on skimmer. A hang-on Deltec would be even better but they are a bit pricey. If you will have a sump look into in-sump skimmers like the ASMs, Euro-Reefs, etc. They skim well and are pretty much plug-n-play. Not too fussy. The main thing is, get something good. If budget is an issue I recommend going for a quality used skimmer vs. a new one that is cheap (and likely a crappy design/build).
HTH
Thanks for all of the good info. I will see if I can find the Tullock book on-line. I will check out both of those hang on filters, I can always upgrade to a sump once I feel more confident. Again - thanks so much for your replys. This is such a great site for info. Do you have a recommendation on a skimmer brand?
The Remora Pro is made by AquaC. IMO the capacity ratings on these are a bit generous and I would spend the extra money and go for the Pro (larger) version over the regular one on a 55 reef (even though the smaller unit is supposedly rated to handle it).
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_protein_skimmers_aquac_remora_pro.asp?CartId=
The Deltec unit I was referring to is the MCE600. Very nice, but pricey.
http://www.deltecusa.us/proteinskimmers/mce600.php
There are other options for hang-on skimmers of course, but those are both good choices IMO.
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_protein_skimmers_aquac_remora_pro.asp?CartId=
The Deltec unit I was referring to is the MCE600. Very nice, but pricey.
http://www.deltecusa.us/proteinskimmers/mce600.php
There are other options for hang-on skimmers of course, but those are both good choices IMO.
Not really. The skimmer and the live rock will provide the basic filtration. On a setup with no sump, however, a cheap hang-on filter can come in handy for things like running carbon, but you don't have to do that continuosly - you can just run it for a few days each month. Some hang-on skimmer designs actually have an area where you can put things like carbon (such as the Deltec).
I just bought a RO/DI unit. After some looking I went with a Kent Marine Deluxe Hi-S 60 for my 110 gallon reef tank.
I'm pleased with the unit but it's quite expensive. I think it I paid just under $300 for the unit and the meter and a few little items.
I think the meter was a good buy. It helps ensure the quality of the product water. And it will help you recognize when the filters need changing. I was pleased to see the test meter indicates 0 TDS on my output water.
You won't need as big a unit for your 55 gal tank. But remember on some of those smaller units, like the 25 gal RO/DI units will only make about 1 gallon of product water per hour.
I bought mine from Marine Depot. The guy on the phone actually said all the units are pretty much the same.
Good luck with your choice.
I'm pleased with the unit but it's quite expensive. I think it I paid just under $300 for the unit and the meter and a few little items.
I think the meter was a good buy. It helps ensure the quality of the product water. And it will help you recognize when the filters need changing. I was pleased to see the test meter indicates 0 TDS on my output water.
You won't need as big a unit for your 55 gal tank. But remember on some of those smaller units, like the 25 gal RO/DI units will only make about 1 gallon of product water per hour.
I bought mine from Marine Depot. The guy on the phone actually said all the units are pretty much the same.
Good luck with your choice.
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