Do our current plans seem OK?

[tomboys]

Hi

Me and my fiance are planning setting up our first reef tank.
We're looking at getting a Red Sea Reefer XL 300 with the recommended 2 Red Sea ReefLED 90s, 2 Red Sea ReefWave 25s and Red Sea Skimmer 300. We're also getting a 300W Schego titanium heater, DD Temperature Controller and TMC Reef Pump 4000. We plan on using live sand and dry rock, possibly man-made (I know this is slower when it comes to cycling, but there's less unwanted guests and it's more environmentally friendly).

We plan to buy a small second hand tank (or 2) and equipment for a QT, or possibly build our own. We plan to quarantine everything from the start (including corals and invertebrates).

Our plan at the moment looks to be adding 2 Common Clownfish after cycling, followed by adding a baby Yellow or Regal Tang a bit later (intend to re-home when probably too big).

After that we're planning on adding a Banggai Cardinal and a Scooter Blenny along with some Emerald Crabs and Hermit Crabs as the start of the cuc (my fiance informs me that snails are not allowed in the tank as they are creepy and she's worried they'll escape and leave slime everywhere! ).

After that (or maybe earlier) we intend to start adding some corals (haven't researched them that much yet, but some we like include Torch, Bubble, Toadstool, Mushroom, Green Brain, Staghorn, Finger, Maze, Hammer, Frogspawn, and Xenia), probably along with some Peppermint Shrimp and Cleaner Shrimp if needed (maybe a Tuxedo Urchin even later).

Other fish we've been eyeing up include Flashback Basslet , Six-Line Wrasse, Hawkfish, and Dwarf Angelfish (I know, we can't have all of them )

Does this plan seem OK? Anybody see any major problems before we start?

 

[jpnegrete14]

Sounds like you have done a lot of research which is great! My only recommendation to you is get the biggest tank that fits the space you plan on placing it and obviously within your budget. You sound committed to getting into the hobby and the red sea 300 XL is a nice tank (I currently have a red sea E-170 and an innovative marine 378L)

I mainly propose this because of the length of the tank. A 120cm tank opens up the door to many more fish options. You said you would like a yellow tang or regal. Both are great fish and after you have cared for them and created this beautiful environment the last thing you will want to do is rehome them. A yellow tang will be fine in a 120cm tank long term. A regal would ideally be in at least 180cm tank but I have seen them kept in 120cm as juveniles successfully then rehomed.

Something else to consider is that a larger tank would let you keep 3 smaller tangs of different genus or a single tang which is the best way IME when you don't have a monster tank but still big enough like 120cm to 150cm. Also you will be able to have more rock but more importantly you will have more space to get creative with aquascaping which impacts your flow, fish habitat, coral placement, surface area for beneficial bacteria.

Dry rock with sand is a great approach IME. One other thing I would highly recommend is to invest in a RO/DI system and make your own water.

I know this didn't hit all your points but I'll let others chime in. I think you're off to a good start!

 

[tomboys]

Sounds like you have done a lot of research which is great! My only recommendation to you is get the biggest tank that fits the space you plan on placing it and obviously within your budget. You sound committed to getting into the hobby and the red sea 300 XL is a nice tank (I currently have a red sea E-170 and an innovative marine 378L)

I mainly propose this because of the length of the tank. A 120cm tank opens up the door to many more fish options. You said you would like a yellow tang or regal. Both are great fish and after you have cared for them and created this beautiful environment the last thing you will want to do is rehome them. A yellow tang will be fine in a 120cm tank long term. A regal would ideally be in at least 180cm tank but I have seen them kept in 120cm as juveniles successfully then rehomed.

Something else to consider is that a larger tank would let you keep 3 smaller tangs of different genus or a single tang which is the best way IME when you don't have a monster tank but still big enough like 120cm to 150cm. Also you will be able to have more rock but more importantly you will have more space to get creative with aquascaping which impacts your flow, fish habitat, coral placement, surface area for beneficial bacteria.

Dry rock with sand is a great approach IME. One other thing I would highly recommend is to invest in a RO/DI system and make your own water.

I know this didn't hit all your points but I'll let others chime in. I think you're off to a good start!

Thanks, unfortunately the 300 is pretty much the biggest we can fit in the space we have. We looked at an RODI system, but we're not sure where we could actually put it in our house.

 

[jpnegrete14]

Thanks, unfortunately the 300 is pretty much the biggest we can fit in the space we have. We looked at an RODI system, but we're not sure where we could actually put it in our house.

That is still a great tank! look at getting cardinals, firefish, clowns, wrasses, gobies, blennies, chromis. Obviously look into the exact species. for example a six line wrasse would be fine in that tank but not all wrasses would. Some say a six line turns into the devil but I have never personally had one.

Dwarf angels are super cool but there is the potential they nip at your corals. Not a deal breaker but something to consider.

 

[rockdiver]

Imo the ro/di is a must. With this investment and all the planning you have to find someplace for it.

 

[tomboys]

Imo the ro/di is a must. With this investment and all the planning you have to find someplace for it.

Can you get a RODI system that doesn't need installing and can be taken apart and put in a cupboard when not used? Can it be put outside? Because if it needs installing or can't go outside, it's 100% a no. There is nowhere to put it.

 

[jpnegrete14]

Can you get a RODI system that doesn't need installing and can be taken apart and put in a cupboard when not used? Can it be put outside? Because if it needs installing or can't go outside, it's 100% a no. There is nowhere to put it.

When you say cupboard would this include under your kitchen sink? because it can certainly be hooked up near a kitchen or bathroom sink and put underneath them.

I would just Google ro/di setup ideas. A 4 stage isn’t crazy big. It’ll take up less space than all the water jugs you’ll have to buy for transporting water back and forth from a fish store.

not sure about it being installed outside. Never seen that done but if I had to guess you could. Would just get beat up pretty bad from the elements.

 

[rockdiver]

They do have units. A hook up that can screw onto the kitchen or whatever faucet then just take off and store it.
Like jp said above me it will take up less space then the jugs.
It was actually the first thing I bought when I got back into reefing.
It will be the number 1 thing you will need and come to appreciate after you have it set up. The tank will evaporate water water changes, emergency situations. Every emergency situation almost always need to do a asap water change

 

[PeterC99]

Couple of recommendations:

1) Don’t have to buy everything new. Look to get well cared for, top of the line equipment that’s 2 years old and pay $0.40 on the dollar.

2) Everything doesn’t have to be Red Sea. I’m currently running used RSR 425 XL and used Radion lights, Reef Octopus Skimmer & Calcium Reactor, etc.

3) Seriously consider aquarium controller such as Apex. Automates many things and great protection.

4) Water station for water changes and top off. Your back will thank you.

 

[tomboys]

When you say cupboard would this include under your kitchen sink? because it can certainly be hooked up near a kitchen or bathroom sink and put underneath them.

I would just Google ro/di setup ideas. A 4 stage isn’t crazy big. It’ll take up less space than all the water jugs you’ll have to buy for transporting water back and forth from a fish store.

not sure about it being installed outside. Never seen that done but if I had to guess you could. Would just get beat up pretty bad from the elements.

No room under the kitchen sink. I meant can I put it on the side to use it and the disconnect it and put it away? There is no room anywhere near a water supply to have one permanently installed. Have room to store water containers, just nowhere near a water supply.

 

[Staghorn]

Hi

Me and my fiance are planning setting up our first reef tank.
We're looking at getting a Red Sea Reefer XL 300 with the recommended 2 Red Sea ReefLED 90s, 2 Red Sea ReefWave 25s and Red Sea Skimmer 300. We're also getting a 300W Schego titanium heater, DD Temperature Controller and TMC Reef Pump 4000. We plan on using live sand and dry rock, possibly man-made (I know this is slower when it comes to cycling, but there's less unwanted guests and it's more environmentally friendly).

We plan to buy a small second hand tank (or 2) and equipment for a QT, or possibly build our own. We plan to quarantine everything from the start (including corals and invertebrates).

Our plan at the moment looks to be adding 2 Common Clownfish after cycling, followed by adding a baby Yellow or Regal Tang a bit later (intend to re-home when probably too big).

After that we're planning on adding a Banggai Cardinal and a Scooter Blenny along with some Emerald Crabs and Hermit Crabs as the start of the cuc (my fiance

After that (or maybe earlier) we intend to start adding some corals (haven't researched them that much yet, but some we like include Torch, Bubble, Toadstool, Mushroom, Green Brain, Staghorn, Finger, Maze, Hammer, Frogspawn, and Xenia), probably along with some Peppermint Shrimp and Cleaner Shrimp if needed (maybe a Tuxedo Urchin even later).

Other fish we've been eyeing up include Flashback Basslet , Six-Line Wrasse, Hawkfish, and Dwarf Angelfish (I know, we can't have all of them )

Does this plan seem OK? Anybody see any major problems before we start?

“informs me that snails are not allowed in the tank as they are creepy and she's worried they'll escape and leave slime everywhere! ).”

+1

 

[Staghorn]

Can you get a RODI system that doesn't need installing and can be taken apart and put in a cupboard when not used? Can it be put outside? Because if it needs installing or can't go outside, it's 100% a no. There is nowhere to put it.

I have mine installed outside. The important thing is to cover the cartridges if they are clear because you will get algae growth inside. I don’t know if it effects performance but it looks like
It should. I actually ran

 

[jpnegrete14]

No room under the kitchen sink. I meant can I put it on the side to use it and the disconnect it and put it away? There is no room anywhere near a water supply to have one permanently installed. Have room to store water containers, just nowhere near a water supply.

Yes you can absolutely connect and disconnect from water supply.

 

[adittam]

Look for:

AQUATICLIFE Aquatic Life RO Buddie Plus DI Four Stage Reverse Osmosis Deionization Unit 50 GPD​

It’s a slow system, but it’s cheap (60 bucks on amazon), small, and easily disconnects to store wherever you need to store it.

 

[Screwgunner]

Ro buddy from chewy get di filter with it. And TDS meter.

 

[backinthereef]

You want to use RO water for sure but if you can't set up a system, you could purchase it from a LFS. That does result in a lot of carrying and a pain but you need to start out using RO water.

Just a quick note about the scotter blenny. They are very difficult to keep long term which is a shame because they are so cool.

The only other piece of advice that I have is when you think you've researched and read enough, do more I am just returning to the hobby and read some articles in the forum that had new information for me (and I was in the hobby a LONG time lol).

You may want to reconsider all dry rock as well. Perhaps supplement with a piece or two of live rock and some rubble.

 

[tomboys]

You want to use RO water for sure but if you can't set up a system, you could purchase it from a LFS. That does result in a lot of carrying and a pain but you need to start out using RO water.

Just a quick note about the scotter blenny. They are very difficult to keep long term which is a shame because they are so cool.

The only other piece of advice that I have is when you think you've researched and read enough, do more I am just returning to the hobby and read some articles in the forum that had new information for me (and I was in the hobby a LONG time lol).

You may want to reconsider all dry rock as well. Perhaps supplement with a piece or two of live rock and some rubble.

We were planning on just getting all the water pre-mixed from the LFS.

 

[tomboys]

Couple of recommendations:

1) Don’t have to buy everything new. Look to get well cared for, top of the line equipment that’s 2 years old and pay $0.40 on the dollar.

2) Everything doesn’t have to be Red Sea. I’m currently running used RSR 425 XL and used Radion lights, Reef Octopus Skimmer & Calcium Reactor, etc.

3) Seriously consider aquarium controller such as Apex. Automates many things and great protection.

4) Water station for water changes and top off. Your back will thank you.

Where would you recommend getting second hand equipment from? I don't think I would necessarily trust anything on ebay to be in particularly good condition, but I don't really know of anywhere else to get second hand equipment from. We were considering getting Apex in the future.

 

[rockdiver]

Well you can look right here. In the for sale area.
I did buy all new to start but have been buying used items since as backup stuff.. especially power heads/ wave makers and I am glad i have because they are so expensive and so far haven't found one I like.
Where do you live?

 

[PeterC99]

Where would you recommend getting second hand equipment from? I don't think I would necessarily trust anything on ebay to be in particularly good condition, but I don't really know of anywhere else to get second hand equipment from. We were considering getting Apex in the future.

Follow R2R and any other local reefing sites - they have Marketplace sections. Check reaction scores, previous sales and posts. Always ask why they are selling. Best to get person whose going to a bigger system.

Just like buying a car - it’s research, recommendations, asking questions, and kicking tires. In the end, you can get a great product at a great price.

Recommend buying Apex new because it’s a critical piece of equipment.

Here’s my used RSR 425 XL with used Radion XR30 G5’s and used Water Station/Auto Top Off/Auto Water Change.