Should I do this?

[1ocean]

Its

It's just my toes in at the moment! Lol!

thats how its starts then you up to your ears. I put up a 140 gallon 72x22x20 a little over a year ago and now I am building a 300 to replace it...I am building stand and sumps.
click on the build thread contributor to see the progress, it is slow cause I am taking my time to research and build stuff to my custom design form all the great ideas out there

 

[Seachelle]

I am new to the hobby as well (researched off and on for a year before pulling the trigger).

Two things I can add (especially since you're in a rural area):
- get your own RO unit (the one I got was from BRS, but since they bought out MarineDepot I am somewhat regretting it due to the liquidation sales at MarineDepot going on this month)
- lots of helpful knowledge shared on the BRS YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcJv2rQDivg8NwXIxydJ86A), especially considering things have changed even in the last 5 years it's nice to see the progression.

Apologies in advance if these convince you to spend more $...enjoy the journey

M

Liquidation sale?? Maybe I should get an RO unit now, just in case I decide to do this thing..

 

[Dolphins18]

Thank you for all your encouraging and kind responses! I am overwhelmed!!

I'm the kind of person who researches things to death before I make a move, so I am loving this site! I have so much to learn and am happy I found a place with so many knowledgeable people. The internet has so many opinions about how to approach reefing. I've seen someone who hasn't done anything but top off the water for 2 years (didn't even cycle the tank when starting?) and someone else who tests all his levels everyday. I feel like maybe the path is somewhere in between.

Another consideration is how much space the reefing equipment will take up. I am limited on storage space and was hoping to keep it all in the stand. If you make your own RODI water, do you need to keep it in a garbage can or something?

Thanks again for all your replies! I'm excited to be learning so much!

Welcome, I think you should do it! The path is definitely somewhere in between, I started many years ago as well when things were way different, I tested way less back then (only because things have become easier) and that was perfectly fine. There are periods I go thru where I don't test often. It is an ecosystem of its own after all, sometimes its worth letting things do what they will do (this also makes it a bit easier).

As far as the RO goes, there are many options, it can be kept in a trash can in mild weather outdoors - never let it freeze or it will just cost more, so during cold months you will want to keep in climate control. But often they will hook right up to a sink/showerhead. If you feel a few months down the line that you are really enjoying things and will do it for a while, you can look at installing it under the sink, they don't take too much room and this makes things a bit easier.
Outside of the stand, you will likely need an auto top off container, which tops the water up for you and keeps Salinity in check. I use a 13 gallon trash can right next to the stand for this. If many things are going in the stand, it may be good to give yourself a few inches between the back of the tank and the wall, as the cords will begin to pile up.

Good luck and welcome back!

PS: RO unit is good to have even if you don't get the tank, city water is nasty stuff!

 

[FTW-Reef]

Liquidation sale?? Maybe I should get an RO unit now, just in case I decide to do this thing..

LOL!

Appears they have sold many of their house brand stuff...maybe others more experienced in the hobby can chime in if this one is a good buy - https://www.marinedepot.com/puratek-deluxe-100-gpd-ro-di-filter-system-aquamaxx ?

 

[1ocean]

Liquidation sale?? Maybe I should get an RO unit now, just in case I decide to do this thing..

yes jump on it while they are on sale...if there is any left on Marine depot. You could always install it and drink the water it is way better for you then tap water

 

[SPR1968]

Hi and welcome to Reef2Reef!

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R and back to the salty world. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

 

[MERKEY]

Hello and welcome to R2R!

 

[Jeffcb]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

 

[Salty Rambler]

Welcome to R2R and back to the hobby! From my experience, some corals are easier to keep than others, similar to how some fish are easier to keep. If you start slow with fish that would be reef-friendly, you'll give the tank time to mature enough to make keeping corals easier. If you can score an RODI from Marine Depot during a liquidation sale, go for it. I enjoy my house brand RODI. That said, a word of warning -- if you also want to drink the water yourself, don't run it through the DI portion of the RODI. Drinking RO water is good, drinking DI water is not recommended.