First SW Aquarium in 15 years:

[ghill]

Here is what is ordered:

UNS 60A AIO – 20 gal; 24x14x14 – fishless Cycle
Stand for above
A160 Kessel Tuna Blue
Aquaelk 75 W Ultra Heater
Kessel Control Cable
Kessel Mounting Arm
Spectral Controller
Duett 2 ATO System
Pro Clear Aquatic Systems Redflex Auto Top Off Reservoir 6 gal
XP Aqua RO/DI Flood Guardian
Aqua Illumination Nero 3 Submersible Circulation Pump
Aquavitro Senta Modular Aquarium Doser Primary
Sentia Doser Tubing and Callibration Set
All-for-reef Tropic Marin
Aquatic Life TwistIn 4Stage RODI System
UNS Dual AIO Filter Sock 3d Honeycomb
UNS Dual AIO Filter Sock Conversion
Marina LCD Aquarium Thermometer
2 Aqueon Aquarium Preset Heater (78 deg) for RO/DI initial tanks
2 Mighty Tuff 5 gallon tubs w/lids food quality
4 500 gph mini pumps for saltwater mixing
Carib Sea ACS00050 Argonite Reef Sand 40#
CyberPower CP 100A VRLCD UPS System 1000VA/600W
Fritz ProAquaatic Pro Mix Marine Salt
Coraline Algae in a Bottle
MicroBacter Start XLM
MicroBacter QuikCycle
Life Rock Shapes 20#
Floating Glass cleaner
Thoughts/Recommendations/changes
Recommended Fish/Invertebrate load and corals

 

[TX_REEF]

Welcome back! Having done a fishless cycle myself, I highly recommend starting with a bit of real ocean live rock and/or some rock from another mature system. It makes a world of difference in biological diversity stability of your system, and I wish I would have done it in the first place instead of struggling and then adding live rock later.

 

[ghill]

Welcome back! Having done a fishless cycle myself, I highly recommend starting with a bit of real ocean live rock and/or some rock from another mature system. It makes a world of difference in biological diversity stability of your system, and I wish I would have done it in the first place instead of struggling and then adding live rock later.

Good advice

 

[Cdavis66]

I'm new to this... my 20g is only 4 months old, but man, you have done your research and thought of everything! Well done!

 

[ghill]

I'd love to take all the credit but Henry at Natures Aquarium in FL picked most of the items. I improvised a few as well based on my research during which I learned about the diversity of opinion regarding many issues in this hobby. Now on day 6 of the cycle with high amonia and 0 nitrites.

 

[Cdavis66]

I'd love to take all the credit but Henry at Natures Aquarium in FL picked most of the items. I improvised a few as well based on my research during which I learned about the diversity of opinion regarding many issues in this hobby. Now on day 6 of the cycle with high amonia and 0 nitrites.

Nice! My cycle took about 3ish weeks. And yes everyone has their own opinions in here I've learned. Many different views on everything. You'll surely get back into this addiction. I will do anything for my fish and coral at this point haha.

Are you doing a fishless cycle?

 

[ghill]

Nice! My cycle took about 3ish weeks. And yes everyone has their own opinions in here I've learned. Many different views on everything. You'll surely get back into this addiction. I will do anything for my fish and coral at this point haha.

Are you doing a fishless cycle?

Yes ...

 

[kevgib67]

I look forward to seeing some pictures when you get this up and running!

 

[Digimes]

Here is what is ordered:

UNS 60A AIO – 20 gal; 24x14x14 – fishless Cycle
Stand for above
A160 Kessel Tuna Blue
Aquaelk 75 W Ultra Heater
Kessel Control Cable
Kessel Mounting Arm
Spectral Controller
Duett 2 ATO System
Pro Clear Aquatic Systems Redflex Auto Top Off Reservoir 6 gal
XP Aqua RO/DI Flood Guardian
Aqua Illumination Nero 3 Submersible Circulation Pump
Aquavitro Senta Modular Aquarium Doser Primary
Sentia Doser Tubing and Callibration Set
All-for-reef Tropic Marin
Aquatic Life TwistIn 4Stage RODI System
UNS Dual AIO Filter Sock 3d Honeycomb
UNS Dual AIO Filter Sock Conversion
Marina LCD Aquarium Thermometer
2 Aqueon Aquarium Preset Heater (78 deg) for RO/DI initial tanks
2 Mighty Tuff 5 gallon tubs w/lids food quality
4 500 gph mini pumps for saltwater mixing
Carib Sea ACS00050 Argonite Reef Sand 40#
CyberPower CP 100A VRLCD UPS System 1000VA/600W
Fritz ProAquaatic Pro Mix Marine Salt
Coraline Algae in a Bottle
MicroBacter Start XLM
MicroBacter QuikCycle
Life Rock Shapes 20#
Floating Glass cleaner
Thoughts/Recommendations/changes
Recommended Fish/Invertebrate load and corals

Honestly, I go very basic, especially in tanks under 50g. Live rock, live sand and a good quality light. I look at adding automation or updated components seperately, at a later date when the tank is cycled. Go slow and build up. Plan, research and buy once when you actually need things. I prefer natural solutions like increasing live rock rather than scrubbers and such. Also, heard good things about the tuna blue but I have become a fan of the Reef Breeder products.

 

[ghill]

Honestly, I go very basic, especially in tanks under 50g. Live rock, live sand and a good quality light. I look at adding automation or updated components seperately, at a later date when the tank is cycled. Go slow and build up. Plan, research and buy once when you actually need things. I prefer natural solutions like increasing live rock rather than scrubbers and such. Also, heard good things about the tuna blue but I have become a fan of the Reef Breeder products.

I agree. The fishless cycle underway is very basic. No filter or other items. Just a small live rock to augment the Coralife life rock and daily doses of bio.