New to the hobbie looking for suggestions.

Ryan34667 · Nov 6, 2021

Hello everyone! I just bought a used Red Sea Reefer 250, I got it with a jebao 10000 return pump, an atlantik v4 gen 2 with gateway, an octo 150ss skimmer and a tunze auto top off and an auto doser. Also came with a UV sterilizer and a calcium reactor that I prolly won't use for now. This will be an lps/softie reef.

Now I ordered the blue tide acrylic kit to set up a fuge in the sump and I'd like advise on a budget light for it. Also 2 powerheads that balance budget and performance.

I'll be starting off with live sand and dry rock, unless I'm convinced to use live. Hoping to have water and rock in the tank in the next week or 2. Thanks in advance

PeterC99 · Nov 6, 2021

Welcome to R2R!

Good luck with your RSR 250! I started my RSR 425 with live sand and dry rock. Works very well!

Adrift · Nov 7, 2021

Welcome to R2R glad you joined.

muzikalmatt · Nov 7, 2021

Welcome to R2R! I'd recommend checking out BRS's YouTube as they have several in-depth videos about refugium lightning.

BRS Investigates Refugium Lighting

Auquanut · Nov 7, 2021

Welcome to the party! I'm a fan of using at least a little live rock. Really helps jump start the biodiversity.

Nick Steele · Nov 7, 2021

I don’t know exactly what budget you have in mind but I really like the Neptune gro lights for refugiums.

To be completely honest I haven’t ran a refugium yet but when I upgrade this will be the light I use after all my research and not wanting to spend $200-600 for refugium lighting.

Zach B · Nov 7, 2021

Welcome

BroccoliFarmer · Nov 7, 2021

Welcome to the R2R community!!

Best thing I can suggest...take your time. Get things set up. Get the basics of stability down..then you can worry about all of the other stuff. I know this is an IMPOSSIBLE ask as we all want to jump in and have a gorgeous ecosystem from day one. But too many people have wasted THOUSANDS of dollars trying to rush it. So many people give up because of the wasted money.