It Starts... 60 gallon AIO

[Generator]

Jen here. I got into the hobby 6 years ago with an 11-gallon freshwater cube which I still have and decided it was time for salt. My tank is set to arrive in 2 days and I'm melting down wondering what I'm forgetting. I plan to start it with live rock and live sand from TBS. I figure I'll spend time with the acquired critters getting my brain wired to actually do this thing while I weed out pests and plan what to add based on what fun things come attached to and hiding in the rocks that stay. I'm trying to simplify without getting over complicated in the simplification if that makes sense. I think I may have already failed and gone down the gadget rabbit hole. I imagine I'll upgrade items down the line but wanted to get more familiar with what's basic first. Feedback is welcome of course!

Setup so far: (not including the standard items included from IM)

IM SR PRO 2 60-gallon AIO w stand
BRS 4 Stage Value Plus 75GPD RO/DI System (tap TDS runs 32-45, non-chloramine treated)
Simplicity 4 head dosing pump
AQUA GADGET - Aquashield UV 11W
XpAqua Duetto ATO V2
Premium Aquatics Salinity Refractometer w/ ATC
(2) Cetus 2SP Single 68W 6 channel LED
(1) Hygger Marine 200W Titanium heater w/ temp probe and external control
Secondary Thermometer
(2) Hygger powerhead 2300 GPH (overkill I realize, maybe the motor might last longer running mid range)
5 gallon home brew plastic jug w handle For ATO
ADJ Products PC-100A AC POWER STRIP
Multiple items to route wires and lines
Instant Ocean Sea Salt
ESV Alk/Ca
Acclimation box (because no one needs traumatized, me included)

I know I need test kits, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, ph. I'm not sure what others I need up front?? What have items have I overlooked? Thanks!

 

[lapin]

I would forget the dosing pump for now.

I know I need test kits, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, ph. I'm not sure what others I need up front?

You don’t need nitrite test kit. Maybe calcium alkalinity and magnesium. But even then, if you’re using a name brand salt and doing water changes, those are not needed until your tank is established. Your LFS can provide water tests saving you a few dollars as long as you don’t buy into there advice “that you need this and that”

 

[Generator]

I figured I probably wouldn't need the dosing pump until it was stocked and actively growing. That's probably about when I decided I needed to quit reading, overthinking and see what pans out.

 

[SueAubu]

I figured I probably wouldn't need the dosing pump until it was stocked and actively growing. That's probably about when I decided I needed to quit reading, overthinking and see what pans out.

The overthinking never stops... It may just pause for awhile, but there's always another rabbit hole.

 

[Generator]

The overthinking never stops... It may just pause for awhile, but there's always another rabbit hole.

I think I'm learning that, and I still don't have anything but an empty tank! Working on getting my live rock and sand!

 

[Generator]

Trying to patiently wait for rock and sand

 

[SueAubu]

I think I'm learning that, and I still don't have anything but an empty tank! Working on getting my live rock and sand!

I promised myself I wouldn't get things without researching first. I buried myself in "ooooh I like that" when I had no clue what I was doing. I'd say that promise lasted.... Ummm ... 5 months? Then there was one late afternoon ... Tidal Gardens had a live sale... I thought. "Favia is a pretty name"....

 

[steveschuerger]

Nice. My previous tank was an SR60. You’ll enjoy it

 

[Generator]

I promised myself I wouldn't get things without researching first. I buried myself in "ooooh I like that" when I had no clue what I was doing. I'd say that promise lasted.... Ummm ... 5 months? Then there was one late afternoon ... Tidal Gardens had a live sale... I thought. "Favia is a pretty name"....

Haaaaaa! Yes! I research things into the dirt which is how I ended up with stuff I may not need or at least for awhile.

 

[Generator]

deleted

 

[Generator]

Coming up on 3 months since initial set up. The sps that came on my live rock has been doing so well I decided to add some stylophora and montipora digitata frags. So far so good. It still looks a bit empty. I didn't want to overdo my live rock so that my coral would have room to grow. I'm wondering if I under did it. I guess I'll know in a year. Still have more fish I want to add but I'm really happy with all the life and hitch hikers that came on my live rock. I can't believe after 3 months I'm still finding new critters. Most recently a fleshy limpit and a crab that I've not gotten a good look at.