Wait for All Your Equipment vs. Start with the Bare Minimum?

[7of9]

I admire those who are able to order everything they need in one go and then set everything up all at once. They either have a bigger budget than I do, or have really planned ahead! I'm in a position of more adding a piece of equipment each paycheck until I have my setup the way I want it. I know I *could* just get some live rock and salt and get started now with what I have, but instead, I'm working on getting the lights I want, upgrading things, maybe even getting an ATO setup, etc.

If you were on a budget would you rather start with the bare minimum so that your tank has time to mature along the way or wait until you had everything the way you want it before adding water and rock and then livestock?

 

[bobnicaragua]

I would get the tank cycling, as long as you have a return pump, heater etc.

 

[PotatoPig]

If this is someone’s first time setting up an aquarium I’d suggest starting with the minimum for the planned setup (Eg include overflow and plumbing if you plan for a sump) and then add planned final equipment as you go.

There’s just so many options and a lot of the variables and details of one piece of equipment vs another won’t make sense to someone until they’ve actually started.

 

[stoney7713]

If you starting with dry rock, get it going.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

I add as I go with new tanks. Lights aren't required for a month or two, and they can be added one at a time as budget allows. I startup with the return pump and a wavemaker, and no lights, then gradually add on. This also gives me time to change my mind on equipment or adjust things as the tank cycles.

 

[Garf]

Patience can wait

 

[Gtinnel]

The sooner you get the rocks wet the sooner your tank will be mature.

 

[CWalters]

I'd say I started with the minimum in a sense... I bought some items that were cheaper, AI16HD lights, Nero 3, etc... I have slowly upgraded to gyres, XR30 lights, protein skimmer. Just takes time. Get the tank going and start the cycle and slowly add!

 

[Acros]

I like to use cheaper, basic equipment when I start a new hobby. If I like the hobby, I will then buy quality stuff.

It dramatically reduces the barrier to entry.

 

[blaxsun]

Plan out what equipment you're going to all get, then prioritize based on what's essential, what needs to be plumbed or wired and what can be easily added later.

A return pump, heater, UV sterilizer and fleece roller (if you're going that route) should be at the top of the list. If you're planning to run a control like a Neptune you probably want the key components for that as well.

 

[ReefGeezer]

If starting on a budget, I would make sure I had what I needed to start, knew what and where I would get everything else, and plan when I needed to have everything. Start with good equipment though. Cheap will always cost you more in the long run.

Personally though, as I would never start another tank with dry rock, I would plan the tank carefully, get most of the equipment up front, and start the tank with 100% live rock.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

For me, the basics are rocks, heater, and cheap powerheads. Anything else besides these 2 ingrediants is a bonus.

I've run several tanks just like that, and my current fish only tank has only these basics, 1.5 years old now.

 

[FourPawz]

Start cooking your rock right away. Have a plan for what equipment that you need and pick up items when they go on sale.

 

[The_Skrimp]

I'd start with the basics because in my experience, I didn't know what extra equipment I would need until I ran into an issue that made it necessary. A return pump, a good light, a skimmer, and powerheads are a must. Aside from that, you can go without an ATO, reactors, UV sterilizers, supplemental lighting, etc for the first few months while you let the tank settle in and just stick to easier coral. Totally okay to take your time and slowly upgrade when you feel your tank needs it.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

The way I figure it, it's gonna take some time (months) before the tank gets its biological footing anyway. Might as well get that going asap and collect the rest of the equipment while the tank biology is getting its running start

 

[Turkey head]

I would start with the basics and get the tank cycling as soon as one has what’s required for that. Then add other things as you find the need. I would wait to get corals. Make sure the tank is nice and stable.

 

[salty joe]

Get a bare bones system up and running. Then add equipment as you go.

Odds are, if get you everything at once you'll end up wishing you had got something different.

 

[mushroom_dude]

This is good stuff.
Planning a new build now.
Thanks guys

 

[Stevorino]

I admire those who are able to order everything they need in one go and then set everything up all at once. They either have a bigger budget than I do, or have really planned ahead! I'm in a position of more adding a piece of equipment each paycheck until I have my setup the way I want it. I know I *could* just get some live rock and salt and get started now with what I have, but instead, I'm working on getting the lights I want, upgrading things, maybe even getting an ATO setup, etc.

If you were on a budget would you rather start with the bare minimum so that your tank has time to mature along the way or wait until you had everything the way you want it before adding water and rock and then livestock?

Start it for sure….

But you will likely need to be even more patient going this route. If you can be, both the journey and end game will be very rewarding

 

[Dburr1014]

I'm ready to go before the tank is even setup, lol.