Newbie to Reefing.

[sbarbee54]

So I am new to reefing and this tank is really being setup as a gift for my wife. Who just recently lost her job because I left the company we both worked at, so they fired her in retaliation. So we have made some life style changes, and I sold my truck. With some of the profits of that we are doing a reef tank. The rest is going to us having kids VIA IVF. So I need all the help and advice I can get, as I have invested a good amount up front to get it off the ground, but money is dwindling as we have a large medical bill coming....

Current setup will be the below

Tank - SCA 80 Gallon Starfire tank, stand, sump, skimmer and return pump. Felt for 999.00 it was all in one solutions that was ok
Lighting - I found a steal for about $800 I got 2 7 month old, used for 5 months, XR30W G3 Pro. I had to by 2 RMS mounts but that was fine. They look like they just came out of the box, and the older guy who sold them to me had a receipt to prove the date of order.
Power head - I am going with a Echo tech MP40WQD got it on a good deal at 300 brand new.
Controls - I am getting a Reeflink to start (have not bought need one) so I can control lighting and power head wirelessly. I am thinking of going with a APEX Gold kit for full controls. Need input and info on that. It is a month or 2 out until I sell some other fresh water hobby stuff.
Sand- Looking to do live sand and use the Fuji Pink Reef sand.
Rock - I am up in the air on this... I don't know if I should get my own Acid wash it and seed it for live rock. Buy live rock (I hear it almost always comes with bristle worms) or get a custom design made and seed it for live.
RODI - I have a 5 stage BRS unit and a 80 gallon holding food grade container. have had this for my 18 fresh water tanks for ornamental shrimp.
Salt - Will be using Seachem 50% and Instant Ocean Reef Crystals 50%

Tank will house some type of Clowns, Card, Tang, and some possible shrimp. Looking for stock input.

I want a eye catching coral display, that is why I have invested in some decent stuff up front. Input is welcome on this as I am new and have allot of learning to do.

Give me any feedback and other info on what I might need. have been thinking of a QT tank but need input on putting one together and what is needed for that tank. How long to QT and dips to use. I have heard Bayer is a good dip.

Help me get this off the ground everyone. I want to do this right

 

[Chefbill]

I've no real knowledge, experience or input on most of your post, but there is absolutely no downside to bristle worms other than they're ugly. Even then you'll only see them if you're looking at night.

 

[hybridazn]

Welcome to R2R!

That list looks like your off to a great start! One suggestion I would make is if you plan to buy an apex then I would pass on the reef link and just get through wxm module for the apex to wirelessly control your ecotech equipment.

 

[Zoey]

Great list! i would go for the live rock, yeah the worms dont look the best but they are great for clean up and you wont see them at day time as they like to come out and eat at night. all i can add is to add tank mates slowly! Keep us updates on how its going

 

[jamie callard Verified Sponsor]

Awsome deal on the lighting. The radions are what i use.

If you get the apez you wont need reeflink

Go with the live rock brisstle worms are good to have in moderation

Clowns are always a good fish to start with after a cycle recomend using a qt tank for adding anything

A kole tang is a good choice for your size tank

Coral are you thinking sps or lps

Qt tank is normally 4 to 6 weeks to start then depends on why you pull from main to re qt.
Keep that tank simple heater
Powerhead and i use a rear overflow for filtration. I dont keep mine up all the time juat fill it with water from my dt when needed.

 

[pondman]

Sounds like you have done your homework.looks like your off to a great start.good luck in your build and have fun doing it .Happy Reefing to you

 

[sbarbee54]

Ok on the qt tank what should I do on it. I was thinking a 10 gallon I have a extra small hydro power head. So just keep it bare bottom and put per say water change water in it. Could I run a hob on it or something.

 

[sbarbee54]

Also I got a steal on a reeflink so no harm in getting it 40$ shipped. What is a better controler apex or reef keeper? I plan on fully automating this tank I the feature with dosing pumps.

Also what are the benifits to a calcium reactor and other reactors, do I need them?

 

[Cgschulz]

Ok on the qt tank what should I do on it. I was thinking a 10 gallon I have a extra small hydro power head. So just keep it bare bottom and put per say water change water in it. Could I run a hob on it or something.

That all sounds good I never have used water change water before so not sher on that. The only thing I would add is pvc pipe for cover. Take into consideration size of fish u will qt becouse the 10 is good for small fish but it's pushing it for somthing like a tang.