What equipment is really needed?

[Fudsey]

Hi everyone, I have a 72 G BF FOWLR tank that has been running for almost 15 years. I would like to start to incorporate some beginner corals. I have a 40B that I am going to plumb in my basement for a sump but I am unsure what other equipment I will need before I start? I read all sorts of reactors that people add to their tanks, like GFO and Kalkwasser as well as calcium. But what should I have to start?

Right now my tank has a wet/dry filter and a Aquamaxx TS-1 denitrator, to battle the wet/dry Nitrate factory, running and my Nitrates are holding around 10. I never test anything besides Ph, Alk, and nitrates as nothing else is ever out of wack. I am now adding Superbuffer dkH to maintain my ph and alk but I know there are better ways to do it.

Parameters:
Ph : 8.0-8.2
Alk : 8-9
N03 : 10
Temp : 79F
Salinity : 1.024

What reactors/doser should I get before I add any corals? And what other tests should I also be checking? Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphates/Phosphorus?

Any help is appreciated.

Pic for reference

 

[Diesel]

I would say just startup your new sump first and than getcacfew good test kits i.
ALK, CAL, MAG, No3 and Po4 as a start.
When all your # are stable. Y just doing water changes I would say pick up a few cheap but colorful corals and try that for a while.
Later on you can try some more delicate corals as you progress.

 

[Fudsey]

Thanks @Diesel

 

[JumboShrimp]

Did you ever follow-through with a transition to a reef tank? Have any photos?

 

[Fudsey]

Yes and yes.... Check out the thread https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/fudseys-135-4-box-of-water.389461/

The 72 had issues and I bought a 90 to replace it. That tank was retired when I won the waterbox. The link to the 90 thread is in my sig too.

 

[JumboShrimp]

“Retired” (Lol)! I’ll check it out... best wishes!