First Reefer, help me

Blair · May 10, 2023

Hello all!

So I have just bought my first reefer tank (Red Sea Max Nano Peninsula Complete Reef System 26 gallon), I picked that one to save cost do to it having everything already in it. I got dry rock and live sand, with the cycling bacteria and such.

Do you recommend buying premade saltwater or making your own?

Starting tips?

Thank you!

nuxx · May 10, 2023

Get a cheap RODI system and make your own.

Not super practical to keep buying water with water changes and such.

Blair · May 10, 2023

nuxx said:
Get a cheap RODI system and make your own.

Not super practical to keep buying water with water changes and such.

would a aquaticlife ro buddie with di work?

nuxx · May 10, 2023

Blair said:
would a aquaticlife ro buddie with di work?

Should be good

DI is legit... I used to buy the off brand stuff on eBay, was much cheaper than branded DI.

TarheelGrey · May 11, 2023

Buying vs Making is all dependent on your situation.
#1 In the long run, making will always be cheaper than buying. (You are paying profit to someone after all)
#2 If you are in an apartment, making and storing becomes harder, but not impossible. If you have a garage or room with your laundry, making/storing becomes easier. With a 26 Gal Nano, you will need alot of water at first, and for your first water change, but after that, you wont need much more than ~3gal a week depending on evaporation.

Everyone's situation is different. Just need to figure out the best for you.

Starting tips (Even if I am new my self)
#1 Educate yourself. There are tons of resources out there (Easiest probably YouTube) BulkReefSupply has a couple great beginner series on their channel.
#2 Be patient. Although a few things will happen quickly, the majority of things happen slowly.
#3 Be realistic with your expectations.
#4 Have Fun!

Blair · May 11, 2023

TarheelGrey said:
Buying vs Making is all dependent on your situation.
#1 In the long run, making will always be cheaper than buying. (You are paying profit to someone after all)
#2 If you are in an apartment, making and storing becomes harder, but not impossible. If you have a garage or room with your laundry, making/storing becomes easier. With a 26 Gal Nano, you will need alot of water at first, and for your first water change, but after that, you wont need much more than ~3gal a week depending on evaporation.

Everyone's situation is different. Just need to figure out the best for you.

Starting tips (Even if I am new my self)
#1 Educate yourself. There are tons of resources out there (Easiest probably YouTube) BulkReefSupply has a couple great beginner series on their channel.
#2 Be patient. Although a few things will happen quickly, the majority of things happen slowly.
#3 Be realistic with your expectations.
#4 Have Fun!

Thanks for the advice! I got a cheap RODI and some IO salt, we shall see how that goes :3
I like building and improving everything so this should be fun lol. Im still improving my freshwater tank

I bought most of my supplies from BulkReefSupply and have been reading their stuff