Please Help Me Picking Out The Right Supplies

[SaltlifeHokie]

Hey Guys,

I’m new to R2R. When I was in college (8 years ago) I had 2 saltwater aquariums for roughly 2 years. Real life hit and I moved out of the apartment got married and had kids. Now I am looking to get back into the hobby and have forgot 90% of what I knew about tanks then. I don’t have much interest in corals. I am wanting to just run a Fish Only tank with Live Rock. Money isn’t really an issue. I’d like to atleast have a 75 gallon tank maybe a 90.

Can someone list some of the essential supplies I will need?

• Tank
• Filter? (I’d prefer a HOB, or Canister if possible) I just don’t know enough for have the time to figure out a sump or refuguim)
• Live Rock
• Live Sand
• Water Test Kit
• Water Mover
• Light? What kind?

Main thing I need help on is just everything I need to get the tank up and going. Specific brands/models would be appreciated.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Maybe check out the Bulk Reef Supply (BRS) video-series, ‘52 Weeks of Reefing.’ Possibly get an All In One (AIO) tank if you want ultra simplicity.

 

[92Miata]

Spent a decade with big complicated tanks with sumps.

Now have a couple All-In-Ones. They definitely simplify things.

 

[DSEKULA]

I'd start with what kind of fish you want, that will determine tank size and then filter size. It's hard to make recommendations for any gear if you don't know what size tank and hard to recommend a tank without knowing your goals a little more. Welcome back and good luck!

 

[R.Weller]

If you really enjoy replacing filter media in the canister, then by all means go that route. I started saltwater using a non-drilled tank & now I can't imagine starting a new build & not using a sump. If nothing else, it will hide your gear & provide flexibility later.

Along with knowing what livestock you plan to keep, you'll want to decide on filtration methods. Mechanical, chemical &/or biological. HOB skimmers work, but you run the risk of the skimmer cup overflowing onto the floor. It's a nasty cleanup job. The skimmer is also highly sensitive to water level (evaporation), & sumps make this easier.

 

[Viking_Reefing]

I would highly advice against canister filters or HOB equipment, nothing about that is better or less “complicated”.
If you’re really unsure about your abilities for whatever reason get yourself an all-in-one like a Red Sea max.....or just man (or woman) up and get yourself a set up with a sump, it’s better in every conceivable way.

For a skimmer I would go with a Tunze 9410, super easy and effective and it involves no fiddling with water levels etc.

 

[SaltlifeHokie]

The AIO aquariums interest me because they seem simplistic. Which brand do you recommend and why? I’d like to get around 100 gallon tank.

 

[andrewey]

Hey fellow SW Virginian! I just wanted to add, if you ever need help setting anything up or local reccomendations/help, I'm in Salem, but I head towards Wytheville pretty often . Shoot me a message if I can ever help!

 

[vetteguy53081]

First you must determine:
Fish only ?
Reef with fish ?
Fish only, but may add coral later ?

Esentials are:

Tank of course
Titanium heater recommended
Proper lighting
circulation pumps
Good salt mix
Reliable gage to measure salt
Quality test kit
one or two new buckets dedicated to your tank only
sump
return pump
rocks for aquascape
Skimmer optional for now
Controller system to mange your tank for you - also optional

 

[JumboShrimp]

Bulk Reef Supply carries the Innovative Marine 80-gallon all in one. You could check that out for starters.

 

[JumboShrimp]

+1 to @vetteguy53081

 

[SaltlifeHokie]

First you must determine:
Fish only ?
Reef with fish ?
Fish only, but may add coral later ?

Esentials are:

Tank of course
Titanium heater recommended
Proper lighting
circulation pumps
Good salt mix
Reliable gage to measure salt
Quality test kit
one or two new buckets dedicated to your tank only
sump
return pump
rocks for aquascape
Skimmer optional for now
Controller system to mange your tank for you - also optional

Just fish only. I’ve never been into the corals or anything.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Just fish only. I’ve never been into the corals or anything.

The optionals mentioned are optional for a fish only system and for test kits, get at least ammonia/nitrate/nitrite and ph.
Instant ocean, fritz, kent or coralife salt should suffice. No need for reef mixes such as coral pro type salts