Need help deciding on necessities

Pudge&Bubbl · Mar 23, 2020

So, I need some help. Like the title says - necessities. Limited budget. Very limited.

Things are not going as planned and this quarantine has shifted a lot of things around. My plans have been temporarily derailed.

I have a 36 gallon bowfront, up and running for 4 months-ish. Happy place. Needs more flow, but it is what it is right now.

I have a 120 gallon I set up a couple weeks ago. Definitely needs more flow. More rocks. Everything. I COULD NOT drill this - it is tempered glass. It is running on a canister filter for now.

I have enough fish foods and coral foods. I think.

I think I want carbon on hand. I have salt. I was thinking about elements, or kalkwasser, but perhaps weekly water changes are more cost efficient at the moment. I may want a fish vitamin additive for a juvenile tang? (I literally ordered this fish in my sleep during a period of sleep deprivation). I have filter pads.

I'm trying to determine what I NEED to have on hand. Nothing has been going the way I wanted it to. Been considering tearing down the 120 and just selling it. Using some of the sand and rock for a 20 long for the clownfish that are in there. Using any money to get needed things for the bowfront. The plan was bowfront for anemones! 120 as my mixed reef.

Please ASK QUESTIONS! Give suggestions, and the reason why you think it is necessary. I'm still learning!

sfin52 · Mar 23, 2020

Newish tanks suggest water changes. Everything else can wait till this virus goes away. Don't chase numbers your tank is still maturing

Pudge&Bubbl · Mar 23, 2020

Anyone else? I really feel like there are things I should have on hand. Basic. Emergency supplies.

bevo5 · Mar 23, 2020

You need salt, RODI, fish food.

Everything else is a case by case thing.

If you're QT'ing fish, or if you're going to want too - then you need Copper Power, a test kit, and prazi.

You don't need additives because your tanks aren't running full of corals that'll eat 'em up. Water changes will accomplish the same thing and will help with your nutrients anyway.

I'd get a bunch of algae sheets for the tang.

RE: the 120. This hobby can create as much stress as you let it. Things are hectic enough at the moment, so if setting up that tank has you more stressed then just don't do it. Tear it down and let it sit for a bit - until things calm down. Don't force it.

My only advice - don't sell stuff until you really need the money. This hobby has a way of coming back around and you'll wish you had the stuff later on. I wish I had equipment I sold in my last 'i'm done with this' moment.

sfin52 · Mar 23, 2020

bevo5 said:
You need salt, RODI, fish food.

Everything else is a case by case thing.

If you're QT'ing fish, or if you're going to want too - then you need Copper Power, a test kit, and prazi.

You don't need additives because your tanks aren't running full of corals that'll eat 'em up. Water changes will accomplish the same thing and will help with your nutrients anyway.

I'd get a bunch of algae sheets for the tang.

RE: the 120. This hobby can create as much stress as you let it. Things are hectic enough at the moment, so if setting up that tank has you more stressed then just don't do it. Tear it down and let it sit for a bit - until things calm down. Don't force it.

My only advice - don't sell stuff until you really need the money. This hobby has a way of coming back around and you'll wish you had the stuff later on. I wish I had equipment I sold in my last 'i'm done with this' moment.

It's already set up maintain water level and focus on the tank with live stock. Move circulation pump from 120 to other tank.

Pudge&Bubbl · Mar 23, 2020

I have plenty of seaweed sheets. Bought a recommended big pack.

....I just feel like I'm missing something terribly important

Pudge&Bubbl · Mar 23, 2020

Both tanks are set up and have some fish. All corals I have are in the 36, waiting for the 120 to be a little farther along.

.....I dont like doing things halfway. And I feel like I'm going to lose it all because I'm missing something.