Long Range Planning:
(This is kind of a to-do list for myself but I also appreciate it if you know of good deals and can point me in the right direction.)
I just about have my husband convinced I MUST have $500+ worth of live rock or I will die. I keep showing him reef tank photos and saying ours will look like this if only I could just get my live rock. (Don't worry, I'll tell him later that I will need a new light and corals to actually duplicate this. he he he)
Here is the light I want:
T5 48" 216 watts
I haven't found a better price than $199 but I keep searching e-bay, craigslist, and a few reef club sites for a used one. I'd love to get one for about $100. If you guys happen to see one let me know!
I'd also like to upgrade my skimmer to one I don't have to adjust multiple times a day to keep it running. I'm looking at the ones you all have suggested. I will probably get used and I'm hoping to spend less than $150 if possible.
Some other misc. equipment I want to add in the next year (most likely buy new), UV sterilizer, 2 powerheads, auto feeder, aqua gloves, (hopefully buy used) 2 power stips with timers, 3 more thermometers, battery backup, wave maker, battery operated vaccuum.
Once I get the light, skimmer, and live rock, I will need some help with a refugium. But I'm guessing I'm about 6 mos. to a year away from that. I have a super handy husband with every tool known to man (he's a contractor) so I will either buy used or see if there is a good DIY that he can make me. He'll love a new project. Or if I can find a way to get the protein skimmer and pump out of my sump (is that possible?) I can make the sump my refugium.
I am not buying any more livestock until I get at least the live rock on this list. You guys have me really wanting a reef tank! Thanks alot Dentoid, Lynn, Dave, and Dr. Hank!
~Melanie (the girl who cures base rock)
