biscuitpants
New Member
I know there are many threads out there about starting up but I figured I would start my own so that I can get the exact information I need to start.
I am new to the saltwater hobby but I have been keeping freshwater fish for almost 3 years now. I recently started looking at reef tanks (as my budget is starting to allow for it) and have fallen in love. I really want to setup a nice reef tank. I currently have a 40 gallon planted tank but want to tear it down and sell the equipment to start a reef tank. I want to start completely fresh, so buying new equipment and everything else.
I am more interested in the coral side of things. I do enjoy keeping fish but I prefer beautiful and interesting looking corals. So I would like my tank to focus on growing but maybe have some clowns and shrimp. The growing can be basic though. Even just a few zoas and some very low-tech coral is fine for me.
So a few questions. What equipment do I need that is 100% necessary? I want to get the best equipment but don't want to spend my entire life savings while doing so. Also, is a sump with a refugium completely necessary. I don't know how they work entirely but have seen them in almost all setups. Is it better to buy a pre-made system from a fish store, or rather build up a system myself? Should I use blue or white lights or both?
I would love the feedback that anyone can provide!
I am new to the saltwater hobby but I have been keeping freshwater fish for almost 3 years now. I recently started looking at reef tanks (as my budget is starting to allow for it) and have fallen in love. I really want to setup a nice reef tank. I currently have a 40 gallon planted tank but want to tear it down and sell the equipment to start a reef tank. I want to start completely fresh, so buying new equipment and everything else.
I am more interested in the coral side of things. I do enjoy keeping fish but I prefer beautiful and interesting looking corals. So I would like my tank to focus on growing but maybe have some clowns and shrimp. The growing can be basic though. Even just a few zoas and some very low-tech coral is fine for me.
So a few questions. What equipment do I need that is 100% necessary? I want to get the best equipment but don't want to spend my entire life savings while doing so. Also, is a sump with a refugium completely necessary. I don't know how they work entirely but have seen them in almost all setups. Is it better to buy a pre-made system from a fish store, or rather build up a system myself? Should I use blue or white lights or both?
I would love the feedback that anyone can provide!