Most beginner tanks setup specs and price

[jamesmyers14]

I know things seem very expensive right now, I started this hobby at 15yrs old and have been in and out since then. I remember how hard it was to make extra cash at that age. Washing cars and mowing lawns and misc. house work, just so I could get that amazing coral at the LFS, or hot new imported fish. Remember that saying "you get what you pay for"? Nothing holds more truth in this hobby.

My honest suggestion here....... I don't know what your schedule is like, but if you do not have time to dedicate to the pico then I would not bother with it. I'm not saying it can't be done..... But like others have suggested you will outgrow it very fast or just get so frustrated that you will give up. Most who setup a pico have other fully independent reef systems and are just looking for a challenge or something they can keep at work. Keep reading and researching while saving up some funds, I wish we had resources like r2r when I was your age ( I'm only 35 but jeez I sound old, lol). Join the local club, you would be surprised and how kind and giving members are...... You might even score a setup for nearly nothing! As for the ro/di and other accessories that seem completely out of reach. Don't worry, there are work arounds. If your LFS is legit they will sell RODI, as well as mixed saltwater. Be smart about it, look at their tanks..... Are they filled with hair algae, cyano, unhealthy livestock or other muck that could be do to water quality? Or are they pristine? There is nothing wrong with testing the water they sell. If it's unacceptable, don't use their water. Get yourself test kits ($20ish). A TDS meter ($10ish). And a refractometer ( look on the FS threads or local clubs). I make my own water and yes it is more convenient and easier incase of emergencies. But I used Lfs water for years on my first couple of setups that were 20-40g in range with success, so it can be done.

That's just my 2 cents. Hope it helps

They sell rodi and thanks for the awesome info I found a cheap refractometer

 

[Noah707]

You should definetly get some calibration fluid for the Refractometer, or if not then recalibrate it at least weekly with RODI/distiller water. This is critical for your success since you have such a small tank, what seems like minimal fluctuations will have large impacts on such a small volume of water.

 

[jamesmyers14]

You should definetly get some calibration fluid for the Refractometer, or if not then recalibrate it at least weekly with RODI/distiller water. This is critical for your success since you have such a small tank, what seems like minimal fluctuations will have large impacts on such a small volume of water.

This is the tool you look into to check salinity right? I found a 20$ will it work

 

[Noah707]

Yeah, they're much more accurate than hydrometers, which also measure the salinity. You just have to make sure to calibrate it so that it's accurate. Some come pre-calibrated, it's really easy to do.

 

[GreatWhiteTang]

A lot of refractometer will say to not calibrate with ro water, make sure you use a calibration solution. I like two. Little fishies acurrasea

 

[Noah707]

Well the ones I have specifically call for distilled water, but I agree, a solution is a much better choice. I bought mine off of BRS for like 6 bucks.