Intimidated with starting a reef tank

Espielozano · May 16, 2020

Im slowly getting parts for my new 75 gallon reef tank ( lights sump overflow rock the basics) and as im getting everything together i watch videos all the time and I usually watch BRSTV and I always see them using really high tech stuff like automatic water change systems and automatic systems to dose calcium and alkalinity and it looks helpful but are those things i truly need? I just want to have a good reef tank by using the basics like a sump skimmer and things of that sort but when i see all these high tech systems it makes me think i wont be successful in the hobby. I currently have a fluval 13.5 gal and its doing good but im worried about when i get into a bigger tank

minus9 · May 16, 2020

You absolutely do not need high tech for a successful tank. Patience, a good maintenance routine and the basic understanding of reef chemistry is all you need. Sometimes tech can create a disconnect between you and your tank. BRS has so many vids on how to set up and maintain a reef, which is a great resource for new and experienced reefers. Take your time and plan out as much as you can, like what fish and corals that you want to keep. Don't be afraid to ask questions here, there's a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge on this forum and I find that a majority of reefers are willing to step up and help as much as they can.

dwair · May 16, 2020

Go to youtube and watch a series of videos, gentlemen posted that is called $146 budget build. Think he ended up going to like $200, but he had a very successful build that was beautiful for very cheap. Most of what makes a successful reef isn't money, anyone can throw tons and tons of money at a tank and equipment, doesn't mean they will have a showstopping reef tank. Its more of knowledge about what you are doing. You are off to great start asking questions on this amazing forum!

LYFE · May 16, 2020

A few pieces of advice:

Don’t change reef salts, pick a brand a stick with it.

Live sand and dry rock take a few months to cycle ~2 months

Live sand and live rock can cycle in a few weeks.

Be patient. Gear is not the answer, education is.

Crowbar · May 16, 2020

I'm pretty new to reefing myself, but I run my tank very low tech. Things seem to be going okay for me so far, and as I learn more and have the money, I plan on slowly working towards the higher tech gizmos. The way I see it, I'd rather understand what I'm doing bit by bit instead of trying to front load years of knowledge, bottom out my wallet, and suddenly find myself with a system I don't understand or enjoy.

I for one would love to see more people talk about their low tech systems!

CO_reefer · May 16, 2020

I am by no means an expert, but have been in this hobby for some years now. You are starting by doing the right things, learning as much as you can with videos and this forum. Reefing knowledge and equipment is constantly evolving and getting better. One piece of advice, stability. You will have success with a good maintenance routine as stated earlier and keeping your tank as stabile as possible with as little fluctuations in water parameters.

minus9 · May 16, 2020

All the tanks I had in the 80's and 90's were pretty low tech, most of which never saw a skimmer.

Loooki · May 16, 2020

You'll get there without those expensive techs! As long as you love what you're doing and you have patience and just be positive.Plus u already have experience on a smaller tank which is way more harder than 75gallon that you are planning to build. Knowledge is what will lead you to success and do believe in yourself!

november290 · May 16, 2020

dwair said:
Go to youtube and watch a series of videos, gentlemen posted that is called $146 budget build. Think he ended up going to like $200, but he had a very successful build that was beautiful for very cheap. Most of what makes a successful reef isn't money, anyone can throw tons and tons of money at a tank and equipment, doesn't mean they will have a showstopping reef tank. Its more of knowledge about what you are doing. You are off to great start asking questions on this amazing forum!

Think that was inappropriate reefer with the $146 build, quite entertaining series.

My first tank was the Fluval 13.5 as well, that tank had no skimmer, no ATO, and taught me that I can be successful without all the fancy stuff. It's all about your dedication to the tank and doing the maintenance. I don't think it's really about having to have all this fancy tech to be successful, it's really that the tech makes it easier.

Plunder · May 16, 2020

Espielozano said:
Im slowly getting parts for my new 75 gallon reef tank ( lights sump overflow rock the basics) and as im getting everything together i watch videos all the time and I usually watch BRSTV and I always see them using really high tech stuff like automatic water change systems and automatic systems to dose calcium and alkalinity and it looks helpful but are those things i truly need? I just want to have a good reef tank by using the basics like a sump skimmer and things of that sort but when i see all these high tech systems it makes me think i wont be successful in the hobby. I currently have a fluval 13.5 gal and its doing good but im worried about when i get into a bigger tank

That's what I just started with a month ago! Here a picture of mine, but I recently made some changes. Anyways, go for it! Even though I'm new to this hobby I know one thing I did right was order a bunch of items of IPSF to kickstart my tank and I have great parameters.. right now...knock on wood. Let's hope it continues to do well.

As far as BRSTV's videos, I have watched my fair share and I do like the videos. They seem honest about the products they review and don't tend to lean towards a brand, but what works and is easy. But sometimes what I hear a lot is technology is great, but go with what's proven to work without breaking the bank. And really how automated do you want your setup to be, how interactive do you feel like you want to be? I enjoy testing and messing with the tank, but maybe that feeling waivers eventually and automation is the way to go. Maybe it's connected to passion.

Hecticdude · May 16, 2020

Patience and Research!!! Looks awesome.
I got back into the hobby about 5 months ago after a long hiatus.
All my other tanks were definitely low tech!! Hahahahaha.
Still using the knowledge I had and the good habits I learned. Weekly water changes. Feed fish only the amount they can consume in 5 minutes. Keep a thriving clean up crew.
Invest in quality lighting and skimmer.
And really really important is Test water weekly. Also Rodi is a must!

mike550 · May 16, 2020

@Espielozano I hear what you’re saying. Everyone has offered great advice, so only a couple of thoughts to add. I’m a newbie to this (about ten months) and want to keep things simple too.

First, consistency is key. Find a salt that’s close to your target parameters and stick with it. If you start close then you shouldn’t have to do much dosing. Or the amounts will be small enough that you can dose by hand without being too much of a pain. Probably more than most people but I test every three days just to get a sense of what’s going on in my tank. Water changes are key. For what it’s worth I dont have an AWC. I carry 5G containers.

Second, BRS is a great resource and I like their videos too. But remember they’re still in the business of selling you things. You don’t need the latest, greatest, gadget. R2R is a great resource too, and so many people have so much experience that they are willing to offer. Try not to get caught up in the hype.

Good luck!

mijan · May 16, 2020

BRSTV is an awesome resource for knowledge in reef keeping. But also keep in mind they are a business that wants to sell you equipment.
Learn the basics first before moving onto high tech gear you may or may not need for the system you are creating.

SPR1968 · May 16, 2020

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The bigger the tank the easier it is to maintain stable water parameters and just remember the basis of a succesful reef tank, is just keeping water, so think of yourself as just a water keeper. If you can keep the water within certain parameters you should succeed. if you can’t or neglect it in anyway your asking for problems

My top tip, is keep phosphate below 0.03ppm and you will avoid many of the unwanted issues you read about. I use rowaphos in both my systems, and in the new one from day one.

You don’t need any high tech equipment but sometimes it can be very helpful, especially things like AWC if you can plan it from the outset. just make sure the basic equipment is solid and reliable

Welcome to R2R as well!