Getting Started

Matthew Cautero · Dec 21, 2016

If anyone could help me get started. I need just about everything. In the past ive had freshwater tank for about 4 years. Im looking to switch over to a reef take with some friendly reef fish. I just need help getting all the equipment together. Just wondering what kind of set up you have and what website did you order your stuff from. As of right now im looking to get a 75g tank up to 100g tank just unsure of where and what equipment i need thanks everyone

Matthew Cautero · Dec 21, 2016

sorry i forgot to say what kind of tank i would like im looking to start with a FOWLR than going to work my way into a reef tank. thanks again for all the help

jsker · Dec 21, 2016

Welcome to R2R

Here is a guide post here, supreme guide to setting up a saltwater reef link
Set up a budget and build in %50 more for the just incases
Please feel free to ask specific question and we will guide you through you Saltwater experience

Coastie Reefer · Dec 21, 2016

Welcome to R2R! If you even think about the notion of going reef one day buy your first set of lights based on that notion. It will end up saving you some cash in the long run by not buying two different sets of lights. Everything else can be added on later or upgraded with minimum "double pay". That being said, you don't "need" super expensive lights, but you need good quality lights that will be good enough for you coral desires.

Maritimer · Dec 21, 2016

Welcome aboard, Matthew!

It's going to take a while, but read the thread Jsker linked thoroughly. Read some parts of it twice!

Freshwater and saltwater function rather differently, hence the different systems used. Protein skimmers, an important part of many salty systems, simply don't work in fresh water. At all. Canister filters, so valuable in freshwater systems, can become a hiding place for detritus and nitrates on the salty side. In either a FOWLR or a reef, much of your filtration is happening in your decor - which wouldn't work well using driftwood or Texas holey limestone! (It works _really_ well with Pukani liverock, though!) As you've discovered, it's a _lot_ to absorb - but the more completely you understand it, the more you'll save in the long run, by purchasing the right equipment the first time, and the more successful your tank will be.

The good news is that you've chosen a _great_ size tank to work with, and you've come to the best place I've ever found to cultivate that understanding!

~Bruce

MaiReef · Dec 21, 2016

Be prepared to pay 10x the money of a freshwater at least.

Matthew Cautero · Dec 21, 2016

Could any of you guys point me in the right direction if you bought any of your equipment online by sending me website names Thank you

MaiReef · Dec 21, 2016

Bulk Reef Supply, Autotopoff.com, Aquatic Life, Marine Depot are some. I would get Texas Holey Rocks personally as well.

Maritimer · Dec 21, 2016

I purchased equipment from both Bulk Reef Supply and Marine Depot. My skimmer came from Adam over at BattleCorals, and my lights are cheap black-box LEDs from MarsAqua on Ebay. Most of the rest of my stuff is from Local Fish Shops.

~Bruce

chaoha · Dec 21, 2016

Try Craig's list. Sometimes you can find an entire tank that someone is getting out of the hobby.

Matthew Cautero · Dec 23, 2016

Does anyone know a price range for just a FOWLR tank with all equipment like I wanna ball park it so I know I'm not getting bad equipment just a price range you guys would like would be good to start off with

chaoha · Dec 23, 2016

I bought a 75 gal reef ready with stand and 30 gal acrilic sump for $200.00 on Craig's list

MaiReef · Dec 23, 2016

Matthew Cautero said:
Does anyone know a price range for just a FOWLR tank with all equipment like I wanna ball park it so I know I'm not getting bad equipment just a price range you guys would like would be good to start off with

Price range really depends if you go used vs. new and how much you are willing to DIY.

glb · Dec 25, 2016

Price range depends on a lot of things. You can save money without compromising performance with some things. Others not so much. You can save a bunch of money doing a DIY sump. They're not hard to make and work just as well. You can find some quality skimmers that are reasonably priced. I wouldn't skimp on lighting though if you plan to have corals. Glass tanks are cheaper than acrylic. You can start with dry rock and sand instead of live. What you sacrifice is usually time and convenience. A tank controller (like an Apex) is a wonderful thing, but they run about $800. You can run a system without one but you will have to be on top of maintenance, water testing, etc. There are a lot of ways to trim costs by not going top of the line or with a lot of gadgets. But let's face it. This is a pricey hobby. Good luck!

Salty1962 · Dec 25, 2016

Welcome to R2R! Looks like you've been sent a good list of vendors sites. As mentioned, make out your tank plans and engineer in 20-30% more for those I gotcha moments. Keep your eyes open for their sales and for folks on this forum, and pick up your pieces as they are on sale. It took me a year to get all of the equipment I needed for my tank but I had it all to hook up the right way the first time and my wife didn't divorce me in the process!