WTB: Live Rock, Live Sand, Test Kits, Etc

[riff]

I'm totally new to this hobby. I just got myself a new nanocube deluxe 12g tank. From what I've read, I need to purchase a decent amount of things before I get going. I'm looking to buy:

Live Rock (~15 lbs)
Live Sand (~15 lbs)
Refractometer
50W Heater
MJ 900 (or equivalent)
Testing kits
Power Strip w/ timer
Filter floss
Purigen

I thought I'd check here before buying everything online. I'd also appreciate any advice on other things I will need to start up. Can you think of things I am forgetting?

I'm also considering purchasing water from New World Aquarium (a manhattan lfs) since I don't have a RO/DI unit. I will consider getting a RO/DI unit in the future, but is it really worth it for such a small tank?

Any and all advice is appreciated!

 

[Narcissus]

welcome, riff!

I am in the process of switching tanks to a corner 36 gallon so will be trying to get rid of tons of stuff soon. You don't want to go bigger than the tank youi bought? Lighting and air is important. It is better to keep the top open for the oxygen exchange. Anyway, trying to get a group buy together for really fresh live rock. I do have a coralife power strip-single timer that works great (don't buy the double-timers from them though, they SUCK! The one ALWAYS goes out.) I will be parting with that soon. And would be willing to give you a piece of rock that has some micro starfish in it, they multiply like crazy and will help keep your tank clean.

 

[inkblue]

Guaranteed any of these MR vendors: http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/vendor-personal-forums/ will have BETTER pricing than New World and they are 100,000% nicer!!

Welcome to MR!

 

[Narcissus]

ah, and water...

Meant to say that with a tank that size you should use RealOcean, available at several locations in the city. It is water from the ocean, perfect pH, no mixing, ready to go, just make sure it is the right temp. It is what I have always used. It is way easy. sells in 5 gallon boxes. And my advice to you is go really slow as far as what you put in the tank. Let the bacteria grow and get strong, the put in smaller things; snails, micro starfish, maybe a cleaner shrimp, then a fish, then try some low-light corals depending on how much light you have.

 

[aaron23]

think you should add salt to your list, in the long run the RO/DI unit pays for itself... and your reef will thank you.

welcome to MR :goldfish2

 

[NYreefNoob]

agreed on the ro di, and welcome to MR. as stated go slow and you can hand pick rock from local vendors and member's. and if totally new to hobby, i would definately get member answer's before a online store of most but not all lfs, vendor's here are hobbiest also :wink1:. let the tank run with just rock sand by it's self for atleast a month, or more wont hurt. buy once and once only with whatever you plan to buy, another words buy right the first time. save $$$$$$ for more corals.

 

[riff]

Thanks for the welcome and the advice. I am in an apartment in the city, so I don't think I can really accommodate anything much larger. I was debating getting a 24 gallon tank, but decided that a 12 gallon would be more appropriate for my apartment size.

Are ro/di units complicated to install? I've got zero plumbing experience. I've seen some on ebay for around $100 that seem to have good reviews on the reef forums. I like the idea of buying the RealOcean stuff - would that probably be sold at New World? I would love to purchase from MR vendors, but they are all so far away.

Narcissus: THANKS SO MUCH!! I'd be more than happy to take stuff off your hands when you switch tanks. Keep me updated on the live rock group buy. I will be all over that. Any idea when that might take place? I think New World charges like 12-14 per lb for live rock - which is ridiculously expensive compared to everywhere else I've seen.

 

[inkblue]

Nope... RO/DIs are easy with a faucet adapter. Plug and play (just follow directions to flush the media).

Seeing that you are new here, New World aquarium isn't the best store to buy from. It's like buying from one of the tourist traps for electronics. The vendors here are awesome, and some, can even meet you.

Try them or else we might see you posting in the future with purchasing mistakes.

:grouphug:

Word to the wise...