Beginning

[Justin0123]

Hi I'm getting into the reef game but I'm going extra slow about it. Two reasons the money and the educating myself. I don't want any mistakes at least big ones. My tank size is going to be a 55 gallon long, I'm not drilling so I will need a overflow box. As of this minute I have 2 wavemakers, 2 heaters, a water pump for the sump I'll be making. I currently need skimmer, led lighting possibly diy, and a ro/di. I'm excited to get going but I'm still learning. I have 4 freshwater setups currently and frankly I have a lot of time and I need something that needs more attention. If anyone has any cheap gear or good info my ears are wide open. Thanks

 

[Dtackett]

that's easy. budget but quality. heres your list

lights @SB Reef Lights
Wavemaker: 2x RW8
RODI, basic 4 stage off ebay (more stages look pretty on paper but aren't really needed just need sediment, carbon, ro and then di)
Skimmer SCA-301

Don't let this hobby intimidate you. its not difficult. the hardest part about this hobby for you is doing a good rockscape in that tank lol

 

[ReefMadScientist]

Welcome Justin!

When I got into the game my wife and I took a trip down to Barnes and Noble. They had TONS of information about the hobby. I soaked up as much info I could for a few months before taking a crack at it. It was beneficial because I learned and was able to save my money up in the meantime.

Patience and go slow is the key.

 

[bmann213]

patience, don't name your fish right away, and expect to want to go bigger. I went from a 55 to a 120 and still want bigger. Look into purchasing a smaller tank, 10-20 gal to quarantine new fish

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R.

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

 

[Tahoe61]

Welcome.

 

[steelheader.262]

Welcome!!!

 

[epatters05]

Welcome from a fellow noobie. I too am doing saltwater for the 1st time. 55 gallon display with a 29 gallon baffled sump. I already plan on upgrading to a 120 but that will have to wait til i move out of my apt. Ive been overloading myself on info before ive purched any major items. Glad to hear im not the only one moving slow.

 

[kschweer]

Welcome to R2R!!

 

[melypr1985]

Welcome! Great advice above.

 

[Justin0123]

Thanks a lot for the info on parts always looking on eBay or stores for best prices and info about the part. I like to DIY a lot of stuff like backgrounds, stands, pretty much I'll try anything that's possible, thinking about making led lights weighing options now on whether to just buy or make?. I do know it's going to be led. Can't beat the shimmer and def making sump. Got all my plumbing 3/4" and a 30 gallon. Putting glass baffles in. I'm keeping African cichlids in one 55 and American cichlids and plants in other 55. Also confused on the media reactor as in do I need it or will I want it in future. Also I have heard with a bigger tank say a 120 gal, will enough live rock keep me from needing a sump? And would you recommend bare bottom or deep bed of sand? Thanks for the help appreciate it.

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[melypr1985]

The amount of live rock in your tank doesn't dictate whether you have a sump or not. A sump is there to add water volume and to give you a place to put all your other filtration equipment so it's out of sight. Since your live rock is the MAIN filtration in your tank you want to have a good amount of it. Some people use 1lb per gallon as a starting point. If you dont want all that rock in the display, you can put the rest in your sump or make it up in other ways. I wouldn't worry about reactors until later on.

 

[Naiad]

Thanks a lot for the info on parts always looking on eBay or stores for best prices and info about the part. I like to DIY a lot of stuff like backgrounds, stands, pretty much I'll try anything that's possible, thinking about making led lights weighing options now on whether to just buy or make?. I do know it's going to be led. Can't beat the shimmer and def making sump. Got all my plumbing 3/4" and a 30 gallon. Putting glass baffles in. I'm keeping African cichlids in one 55 and American cichlids and plants in other 55. Also confused on the media reactor as in do I need it or will I want it in future. Also I have heard with a bigger tank say a 120 gal, will enough live rock keep me from needing a sump? And would you recommend bare bottom or deep bed of sand? Thanks for the help appreciate it.

Parrot chiclids!! Sorry my pair just celebrated their 13th year with me [emoji7] . Welcome to the salty side.

 

[kireek]

*Welcome to Reef2Reef @Justin0123 !* A media reactor and sump can be added at a later date.As far as substrate goes,I would recommend starting out with a "kitty litter" sized crushed coral.It will be slightly easier to siphon clean and will help maintain a higher pH.