Enough to get started?

jsnide925 · Oct 25, 2015

Just looking for some advice. I'm just wondering if there is anything else I should get before I start adding water to my new build. So far I have a 40 gal fuge, 220gal protein skimmer, Rio 2200 return, 2 hydor's with smart controller, Barracuda RO/DI, heaters, apex with temp probe, 1 Buildmyled (adding more once tank is cycled), reef crystals and sand, test kits, and refractometer. Tank is plumbed ready for water. Soon I will be adding the pm1 for pH probe, and a avast marine ATO to breakout box. Any opinions on other equipment I might want to have before firing it up. Want to be as prepared as possible! Thanks!

ttabbal · Oct 25, 2015

I started my tank with far less, so I'd say to get started. Filling from the RODI is going to take a while anyway, then it has to cycle... You can always add extra gear if you find a need.

I don't see any live/base rock in the list. If you don't have any, I would get some. Putting it in to start with gives it longer to seed for base rock. And lowers the amount of water you need. If you are going with live, get enough water to cover it in the tank at the right salinity first.

jsnide925 · Oct 25, 2015

I'm going with dry reef saver rock that I'm ordering next week. I know it'll take longer but I've been through the other types of rock (my first couple tanks that i cut alot of corners..big mistake lol)and the phosphates were outrageous and there's been numerous occasions were I went with live Rock and ended up with a nightmare of hitchhiker's or nuisance algae. And the extra 6 months or so is worth it to me