Ok about to buy it all

[DennisB]

Going to order everything this Wednesday. Please tell me any last minute ideas or if I'm ordering something useless.
I own second hand 35 gal deep blue cube. Also a second hand eshopps nano sump. Also own a new spectapure 4 stage.
Own Red Sea refracto

Going to buy
AI Hydra 26 but not opposed to 52 is that overkill?
Eshopps SA120 skimmer
40 lbs TBS liverock
Fritz salt
10 lbs of tbs sand to put on top of store bought sand (reef store)
Hanna test kit complete
Aquafuge 2 medium? -is this a waste there's a tiny fugein nano sump?? Can I have 2 fuges??
1MP 10qwd-- do I need 2??

Any suggestion on a return pump I'd say it's about 3.5 feet back up to top of tank. Please list anything I forgot!
Thank you all!!!!

 

[cracker]

Sounds like a good general plan. I can't really say about the sump. I do like the TBS rock You will like it .
Also Don't try to get everything You need yet . Just the basic stuff & go from there.
If you ask us, You will get 10,000 different OP's so go slow & pick what sounds best to You .

 

[Antics]

I agree with @cracker about taking it slow and not buying everything you think you need all at once. One MP10 and one Hydra 26 should definitely be enough to start off. You can always upgrade/add additional lights and powerheads as demand increases. Being patient is always the cheapest and easiest way to find success!

 

[DennisB]

I was only thinking AI 52 to have to prevent buying a light to help fill down the road. But maybe I'll just stick with the 26 Hydra. It is only 20 square.

 

[Antics]

I was only thinking AI 52 to have to prevent buying a light to help fill down the road. But maybe I'll just stick with the 26 Hydra. It is only 20 square.

Well I think the AI 52 is obviously a great light and you might as well buy it if you know you're going to buy another 26 down the road, but really you know your own personal financial situation and hobby budget better than anyone else. My suggestion is only to not feel pressured to buy additional equipment because you think its critical for success. It's really not, especially for a new tank that is going to have months of growing pains before you can focus on lights or additional flow as a problem area in the tank.

 

[Redleg]

There isn't a heater on your list. I really like my Hanna checkers. But the Hanna complete set is missing the basic tests for a new tank. You still need at least ammonia and nitrite and I believe nitrate as well.

 

[DennisB]

Yes I didn't put on list. Your right. I have API crap for basic test need to upgrade. The heater for sure can't believe I forgot to list it

 

[Dystinction]

I agree with above post about taking it slow, and getting what you want, not necessarily all at once.
I cycled my tank with lights out, so in reality, your lighting can be one of your last choices.
Personally, I would absolutely include an ATO sooner rather than later, as this will maintain your water level and salinity.

 

[Billldg]

I also agree with above, several other members above that have posted are very knowledgeable. I also agree that the Hanna checkers are good but that you also need the basic test kits. The Red Sea marine test kit will have everything you will need in it and a back up in case you run out of reagent for the Hanna Alk checker. Good Luck with the build and looking forward to watch it come along. Welcome to the REEFING addiction, LOL!!!

 

[cracker]

The Hanna checkers are very convenient to use . For the No2 & am You can use less expensive kits as You won't need them long term The red Sea kits are also good

 

[GoVols]

I'd buy the Two Little Fishes .35 natural seawater solution to keep your refractometer calibrated.

Do not zero it out with RO/DI, it will burn you.