First reef aquarium

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Hi guys,
My name is Stella, and I've been planning my first reef tank for a couple months now. While I've done TONS of research, I have absolutely no firsthand experience. Here is a complete list of the equipment I'm planning on using and my actual game plan for getting this tank up and running. If you guys could take a look and let me know what else I'll need, and/or if anyone sees any issues, I would really appreciate it! I want to start off strong and make as few mistakes as possible.

So far, all I have is a standard 125 gallon tank (72 x 18 x 24), and a 30 gallon quarantine tank with an extra heater and a good sized filter that I'll let run in the big tank until I need it. It will take me about 2 months to save up for all the equipment I need, so I just plan on buying one or two things a week until I have everything I need. After it's up and running and cycled, I plan on keeping it empty for a good while and dosing it with fish food to make sure that I can at least keep stable parameters in an empty tank! Next, I'll add a coral (star polyps?) and try to keep it alive lol. If I manage that for a month or two, I'll add some more hardy beginner corals (one per week?), and then let those guys live by themselves for a bit as well. I haven't planned out the actual fish yet, but I'm sure this will probably take me a good 6 months if not more, so I've got plenty of time to figure it out. I'm planning on adding the most peaceful, hardy reef safe fish I can find lol (one species a week, with a 7 day quarantine period?) but I'll come back later with more questions about that!

Anyways, here is my equipment list.

RO/DI Filter: LiquaGen 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis/Deionization - Aquarium Reef Water Filter System, 75 GPD (https://www.amazon.com/LiquaGen-5-Stage-Reverse-Osmosis-Deionization/dp/B01FNAPGPA/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?gclid=CjwKCAjwza_mBRBTEiwASDWVvtrTO0m0HZbllIwP495XQJCwPd4zGj_B46ctIIHkYznDUIpWg3e31xoCbYgQAvD_BwE&hvadid=320744743604&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9003398&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=b&hvrand=17043021679642128247&hvtargid=aud-676677759484:kwd-601237031226&hydadcr=24656_9648981&keywords=ro/di+filter+system&qid=1556916942&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1)

Salt: Instant Ocean Reed Crystal Reef Salt for Reef Aquariums
I'll by a few 200 gallon bins to get started.
https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Ocea...locphy=9003398&hvtargid=pla-307954085239&th=1

API Master Test Kit - Reef
https://www.amazon.com/API-MASTER-Aquarium-Water-1-Count/dp/B001D6Z7QW/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1XKARXODZ65BC&keywords=api+reef+master+test+kit&qid=1556917577&s=gateway&sprefix=API+ree,aps,139&sr=8-3

Current USA Orbit IC LED - Loop Compatible (72 in.)
https://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-4108-Orbit-LED/dp/B01M6ZIGPP

Sicce Voyager 4 Power Stream Pump, 1600 GPH
https://www.amazon.com/Sicce-Voyage...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B003C1W89U

Unfortunately it'd be tricky to afford live sand and rock, so I'll just have to make my own! I'm in no rush to cycle the tank anyways. If you guys think it'd really be worth the money, let me know.

For sand I'm hoping to use standard pool filter sand:
Fairmount Minerals Pool Filter Sand #20 Grade Silica Sand 50 lbs
https://www.amazon.com/Fairmount-Mi...l+filter+sand&qid=1556918728&s=gateway&sr=8-3
I know there's a lot of debate on silica in aquariums, and since reef tanks are super sensitive, I'd love it if you guys could give me your two cents on that or offer a good alternative!

For rocks:
https://www.amazon.com/Dry-Reef-Rock-30-lbs/dp/B06XP8JYJZ/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=reef+dry+rock&qid=1556919707&s=gateway&sr=8-4&th=1

I'm also planning to maybe add one 20 lb bag of natures ocean and one live rock that I'll find at my LFS just for ***** and giggles (can't hurt, right?)

For my sump system, I've decided to just buy a sump tank since I'm no good with DIY.
Pro Clear Aquatic Systems Freedom Reef Sump - 400 gal
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072M5J9KL/ref=twister_B07CKW2WZZ?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

I'm not sure if the heater will fit in the sump, but I'll have:
two Fluval E 300-Watt Electronic Heaters
https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-E-300-Watt-Electronic-Heater/dp/B001VMSK0I/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1QRN4G7G6AB3O&keywords=fluval+e+300-watt+electronic+heater&qid=1556929929&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=fluval+e+,pets,144&sr=1-2
(Heaters are so finnicky!! Even the really trusted brands have like 30% bad reviews that say that they killed everything)

SCA-302 180 Gallon Protein Skimmer (In Sump)
https://www.amazon.com/SCA-302-Prot...otein+skimmer&qid=1556930188&s=gateway&sr=8-6
Let me know if you think this is big enough I'm really not sure.

CPR Aquatic CS202 Deluxe Siphon Overflow w/ Lid & Aqua Lifter Pump (1500 GPH)
https://www.amazon.com/Aquatic-Delu...s202&qid=1556916462&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

EHIEM Compact+ Pump 5000 for a return pump (1320 GPH)
https://www.amazon.com/EHEIM-Compact-Pump-Gallons-5000L/dp/B0018CDWL8/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_3?keywords=eheim+compact++5000&qid=1556930381&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-3-fkmrnull

I'll have a refugium with live rock, sand, and a bunch of Cheato, and another small light for that.

And for maintenance I'll get some kind of magnetic algae scrubber and obviously a python.

I figure I'll have to wait until I figure out what's in my tank before I can figure out dosing?

Also a good set of probes for temp, salinity, ORP and pH? Does anybody have any recommendations for that? I really don't have a clue.

Thanks so much to anybody that made it through that! Please let me know if I'm doing anything wrong, forgetting something, or even if there's just something you would do differently! I'm so excited to join the world of reef aquariums and I want everything to go as smoothly as possible for my future marine friends!
 
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Tidal Gardens
Welcome to R2R!

I’d avoid any sand not meant for reef aquariums. First, there might be high levels of unwanted minerals and as you mentioned - silica. Silica is used by diatoms to build their shells. They leave a nasty brown color that takes months to get rid of, usually in the cycling process. High silica sand could spell disaster. You can always go without sand. I know it’s prettier but there a hot debate on here whether to use sand or have a bare bottom tank.
 
Thanks a million for the response! I was hoping I could get away with it, but definitely better safe than sorry. In that case, I'll definitely do some more research on no sand, or just pick up the cheapest thing I can find at the LFS lol.
 
RootDirectory said:
Thanks a million for the response! I was hoping I could get away with it, but definitely better safe than sorry. In that case, I'll definitely do some more research on no sand, or just pick up the cheapest thing I can find at the LFS lol.
Click to expand...
Just search BB tanks if going without sand. I don’t use sand anymore and find it easier to keep the tank clean. Just siphon the bottom off.

This is my vacuum. I cut a square of filter floss and attached it with cable ties. So I can vacuum the bottom and the rocks without doing a water change.

93964DC4-42CC-40E2-A8EA-07EE668EA4D6.jpeg
 
AS
Welcome to R2R!
My 2 cents: The API test kits are not that accurate. They may work for starters ( I started with it) but you'll eventually want Red Sea, Salifert, or Hanna for the CA, KH and Mg at least. Second, the lighting source may be too low in wattage (60 Watts) to grow any coral except the low light softies. You might want to start out with something higher in power. AI, Ecotech and Kessil are popular but expensive lights. You might ask for more advice on lower cost but higher output lights. I started with 2 T5s and an LED strip. I later swapped the LED strip for 2 AI Primes (36" long tank).

You might check out the BRS TV series on 52 weeks of reefing. They cover all these details as they set up a 160 gal tank.
 
Tidal Gardens
Welcome Stella! Not to confuse you or anything. But I would decide what kind of saltwater (reef) aquarium you want to do. It's always smart to plan waaay ahead! Because there are many many types of corals and invertebrates, and fish that all have different needs, I bring this up specifically because of your light. You maaay have a little trouble growing much more that Zoas mushrooms and other soft corals. You have done so well planning.. I'd hate for you to be held back by your lighting. Which is SOOO important.
 
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Welcome to R2R, Stella! Looks like you've already received some very good input. I didn't see it mentioned, so, make sure to start a build thread on your tank.

tenor.gif


#welcometor2r
 
AS
I'd second the lighting being a little lacking. If trying to stay cheap maybe 2 marsaqua 300w or 3 165w. Also I'd recommend natures ocean rock from Amazon. I used it and was great for a cheap price. heater controller like Inkbird for peace of mind. Didn't see any electrical hook ups mentioned. With all of this equipment you'll need a ton of sockets. My simple 90 gallon uses around 10 or so. Powerheads weren't mentioned also. Will need at least 2 probably 3. Jebao makes good ones for a budget price
 
BRS
Just wondering... you want to get a 400 gallon Sump for a 125 gallon tank?

edit: Sorry I just looked into the Sump from the manuf. website. I was mistaken on the sump's capacity, however it's just odd how they advertise it as "400 gallon"
 
Top Shelf Aquatics
You have done some good research Stella.

You did a good job with your selections. The tank you picked allows for you to have some tangs and they are cool fish.

Good choice for the QT.

I did not notice somethings:

Get a refractometer to measure salinity with some calibration fluid. They are great. The measure is fast, easy, and accurate. They are not cheap. Mine is a BRS model.

Mixing containers. I use a 44 gallon Brute trash can on casters to store my RODI. I have another on casters to mix saltwater in. And a third on casters to siphon tank water into. Also 5 gallon and 2 gallon food safe buckets are great for so many things.

Sand. As said above use arogonite (sic?) sand. It is calcium carbonate and is powdered coral skeletons. It does not cost much. Or you could go bare bottom. I find that a real fine sand just blows around so get a grade or 2 coarser then you think.

Powerheads - you are looking at about a 10 times turnover. I would suggest running at least twice that. Flow is good. But you don’t need that starting out.

Corals. Do you want them? You can go softies, large polyp or small polyp and each pretty much defines its system. For example, SPS corals require low nutrients, powerful lights, lots of flow and dosing calcium and alkalinity but they really produce a great reef.

The API tests are good for quick and dirty. But Salifert, Red Sea Pro and Hanna are more refined and as you get your reef going, you will probably shift over to them.

Refugium lighting. If you are running chaeto in a refugium for nutrient export, you will want a light that can compete with the DT lighting. Bulk Reef Supply has a series of videos on the topic.

Oh, developing a reef takes time. You don’t have to purchase everything today or tomorrow.
 
Tidal Gardens

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%

  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%

  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%

  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
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