Aquarium Priorities...

[Aaron Shapiro]

Hey All,

Posted a couple of weeks back about my BioCube and I appreciate all the guidance everyone has given me.

What I am curious about now is priorities. I just got back from Aquashella, and I know that I want to build reef tanks now, I've got a couple of places in my office (read man-cave) that can accommodate some tanks. However, before I delve too deep into another tank, I'd like to get the 32 Gallon BC up and running nicely.

I'm in the process of divesting from another hobby, so I should have some funds coming in soon to make this easier... but I guess I'm not sure what to tackle first?

I've learned that I likely need my own RODI and Saltmixing equipment.

I want to set up a refugium in compartment two on the Biocube. (Maybe AlgaeBarn's kit?)

Nano Protein Skimmer? Is that something worth getting?

Do I need different lights? Or would the BioCube's LED's serve well for a while?

What about an aquarium controller? I think I'm beginning to understand dosing and what that looks like, although I'm sure I have a LONG ways to go. I've never done it, and I don't currently have any corals, but I think something like a controller might be helpful so that I could check levels from afar. Or is this too far into the future for me?

I'm also curious when I can start adding some softies and get rolling with those... I have the tank cycled as far as I can tell, and I just introduced a pair of clowns I picked up at the show. What comes next?

Anything I'm missing?

Thanks in advance for your guidance, I've learned a lot lurking and reading on R2R so far.

-Aaron

 

[BeejReef]

Wow, great questions!

I think you hit the nail on the head. You really can't go wrong getting your sourcewater filtration and salt mixing on lockdown.

Nothing else needs to be rushed. The tank will show you what it needs. If it were me (and by that, I mean if it was the best, most proactive, most disciplined version of me I can imagine... lol) I'd use the time to divest and get good value from your excess inventory of your other hobby. If that takes a few months, you'll be in a position to invest with more confidence... and money!

A few softies, beginning to establish your CUC, and another fish or two are all within reach over the next month or three. Patience is key, but there's something to be said for showing the tank where you want it to go too.

 

[Aaron Shapiro]

Wow, great questions!

I think you hit the nail on the head. You really can't go wrong getting your sourcewater filtration and salt mixing on lockdown.

Nothing else needs to be rushed. The tank will show you what it needs. If it were me (and by that, I mean if it was the best, most proactive, most disciplined version of me I can imagine... lol) I'd use the time to divest and get good value from your excess inventory of your other hobby. If that takes a few months, you'll be in a position to invest with more confidence... and money!

A few softies, beginning to establish your CUC, and another fish or two are all within reach over the next month or three. Patience is key, but there's something to be said for showing the tank where you want it to go too.

Thank you, this is super helpful.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I do think it's best to get your first system up and running. Cut your teeth on that one before setting up others. RODI filtration is definitely your best investment at this point. If you're running a BC, maybe check out some of the other builds with those tanks on here to get ideas/inspiration for equipment. On a tank that size, I'm not sure what skimmer would be best, but I'd guess you couldn't go wrong with one of the Tunze nano skimmers. Good luck! Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[Ranjib]

Get the rodi system first. It’s a must. I use ro buddie, it fits perfect for nano tank use case. The ato is the next highest priority,I use my diy stuff , but you can use any of the reputed ones like smart ato micro or tunze osmollator etc. Next most important thing is light, get radios or ai prime or kessil a360. Next will be an mp10 or some other power head. Last , I would say skimmer is more important and easy to use compared to a fugue. Aquamax hob 1.5 or tunze doc are some of the best choices. If you are doing weekly water change, you won’t need a dosing system. Just manual dosing during water change or once a week should suffice, that too once you have sps growing....