Newb about to get it started!

[asterias]

Hi!!!
I just wanted to say hello! I am hoping to set up a tank soon. I don't know what should go in it BUT I just downloading that coralidea.com link so I guess I'll find something I like.

I don't have anything just yet, as always a newb. starting something exp. when they don't have much $$. But I do have a willingness to go the distance!

I know I need:
tank
stand
light
something for aeration/flow
Filtration
Salt

I have not decided if I want a sump and if so...what for (I know possibilities but not sure if I need/want/care for it)?

And if I need a skimmer. I went to my local saltwater store (well it used to be local!) and on their teaching tank, it had a lots of soft corals, a few LPS and 2 small SPS. It just had a small skimmer in a 5g bucket, some small rocks, and a sand bed about 6" deep!!!
She says she doesn't put any additives, just adds water to the entire system. And when she does major water changes, adds some more made up saltwater.

Well, I'm going to continue reading the stuff here. See what works for some but not for others. Wonder what will work for me! :thrash:

Also, what should I do about rock and sand? I read here there are different preferences...

Anyone here go to Tulane??

 

[marki24]

get some good books. Thats should help you out a lot. What is tulane? I wouldnt recommend starting with SPS. I didnt start with mine until 1 year into the hobby.

 

[NYreefNoob]

it you are trying to save money and being new i would say go with a nano a aquapod or similar. most rock is same just different shapes and poris. read through some of the tank threads to get a idea of what the majority of other's are doing

 

[asterias]

Oh! Tulane is a University in Lousianna! It's a great school, has some issues ...well the south still has some obvious issues... but it's a good place!
Mardi Gras!!!!

I have a few books, I have the Reef vol 1 and 2, an invert guide, and other books I've read from libraries and the strand (sitting in the isles, not purchasing!).

Question: Is it worth getting any of the Hanna meters? Is the worth just in higher accuracy?

 

[Kaloy]

Im also a newbie and just finished setting up a 30g tank over the weekend. I learn as i go with advices from my friends and from other members here in manhattan reefs. If you really want to learn then get each equipment and study it. I didnt want to spend a lot of money so most of the equipments i got are used. Just browse the for sale section here in Manhattan Reefs or go to ebay. Here's what i got so far.
30g tank with filter and stand
hang on Portein Skimmer
Power Head
heater
t5ho light
Thermometer
Hydrometer
PH indicator and other salt water enhancements

I know i'll make mistake as I go but thats just part of the learning process.

 

[basiab]

You can save yourself a lot if you do a lot of reading before you start buying. Find out what each piece of equipment is for and then you can decide if it is worth it. Same goes for a sump or fuge or rocks or sand.
Lots of patience and go slow.