New comer and first tank question

[stevo01]

What fish and corals are you thinking about? If you're gonna go the 150 route, you can do almost anything.

+1

Like a FOWLR = really cool fish you wouldnt be able to keep in a reef! I would choose the reef over fowlr

 

[Manchild]

What fish and corals are you thinking about? If you're gonna go the 150 route, you can do almost anything.

Fish and coral route I am still looking into. I for sure want a reef tank, that is without a doubt. I figured that while I am establishing the new tank I will have plenty of time for further research and decision as I await the cycling process.

 

[Manchild]

+ for Red Sea and Salifert test kits. As well as Seachem amonia badges. If you have trouble with shades of color API can be more of a challenge to read. I like the true sign. Like purple to blue in 1 drop = Salifert over API.

Thanks! I was just reading up about the Red Sea kits. Do you have any information or suggestions for a good quality hydrometer or refract? the plastic one "I know plastic isn't the way to go but I needed one asap for the little tank".

 

[stevo01]

Thanks! I was just reading up about the Red Sea kits. Do you have any information or suggestions for a good quality hydrometer or refract? the plastic one "I know plastic isn't the way to go but I needed one asap for the little tank".

This is what im using
Salinity Refractometer, Aquarium & Seawater - Dual Scale (1.0 to 1.070 S.G.) by Agriculture Solutions https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ES6MOQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_Z.1ryb8YDSPPY

Use this to calibrate
Standard Seawater 35 ppt Refractometer Calibration Solution - 60 ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053DSWJA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_Pa2rybSRDP3Z8

 

[Betty1964]

welcome to reefing...be prepared to spend more time and money than you ever thought possible on a hobby...lol.

 

[Manchild]

Also, there is currently Hawaiian black sand in the tank. Don't know if its of any use to anyone but I plan on swapping it with a more white/off white sand for now, just for my own comfort level and being able to see any potential issues a little better. I am in the Tampa area

 

[cracker]

sil40 is correct ! This in an expensive hobby ! That being said, You did well with the 150! Get enough guys (4) to move the tank,so no one is struggling and get the stand as level as possible. Consider investing in a good water filter and Good luck!

 

[Manchild]

Would it make sense to purchase an RODI system? I have a water softener system hooked up already and just trying to figure out how I would connect it. I don't really have room for a permanent setup for RODI, but Is it possible to connect it to the wash sink faucet and fill my containers? I just don't have mounting room for a permanent install

 

[tom reilly]

Here's my second question, I don't believe he has a protein skimmer. My biggest question is what kind would I need "brand? Model?" And what price range am I looking at for a good quality skimmer?

I have a coralife 200 on my 135 gal tank. Its 6 months old and doing a fine job. Economy priced.

 

[tom reilly]

Would it make sense to purchase an RODI system? I have a water softener system hooked up already and just trying to figure out how I would connect it. I don't really have room for a permanent setup for RODI, but Is it possible to connect it to the wash sink faucet and fill my containers? I just don't have mounting room for a permanent install

Absolute on the RODI. Water softener makes an excellent prefilter. Water quality is everything.

 

[tom reilly]

Well got it confirmed and will be picking up the tank tomorrow. Any good tips on things to bring with me to make transport easier? He's going to take care of the water and fish that are currently in it, just more curious about removing the sand and such. Thank you everyone for all your input, very excited to start this slow moving process!

Lots 5 gallon buckets!

 

[cracker]

plenty of ways to hook it up. The water supply to the clothes washer even the garden hose. with that big tank an rodi will pay for itself in no time.

 

[Manchild]

plenty of ways to hook it up. The water supply to the clothes washer even the garden hose. with that big tank an rodi will pay for itself in no time.

Any reccomendations on a good system? everything I see has a pre-pressure tank with it, but I don't think that is what I want..or is it?

 

[mkutsch]

Oh man... have you had corals before?

 

[Manchild]

Negative, this is my first time with saltwater fish, tanks and coral. Hence the 'newcomer and first tank'

 

[mkutsch]

I'm sorry man, but I would wait at least half a year before getting any acros or any expensive things... until you've made mistakes, that is. Mistakes before expensive things are vital to this hobby, so you know what to do, look for, etc.

 

[Manchild]

Oh man... have you had corals before?

I wasn't talking about buying coral anytime soon? My question about the pressureized tank was referencing the prepressuriZed tanks that come with some RO/DI units

 

[Bronc]

I wasn't talking about buying coral anytime soon? My question about the pressureized tank was referencing the prepressuriZed tanks that come with some RO/DI units

No, you only need the pressurized tank if you want to make drinking water as well because the flow coming out of the RO/DI unit is very slow. Look at Bulk Reef Supply's RO/DI systems & talk to your local fish stores. Even though there is a wealth of information on here it is very important to develop relationships with LFS. I buy most of my equipment used and it has been a lifesaver! I just recently mounted my RO/DI system permanently. Before that I had a garden hose adapter on it and just brought it out to make water. (Only had a 25g tank at the time.) With your 150g tank, you'll be making a LOT more water so you'll probably want to find a spot to mount one permanently.

 

[mkutsch]

I wasn't talking about buying coral anytime soon? My question about the pressureized tank was referencing the prepressuriZed tanks that come with some RO/DI units

Yep, I figured. I've just had a lot of friends who've invested tons of money into tanks just to see it die...

 

[Nano man]

Don't forget a good ATO to help keep your salinity stable and make life easier.