Help starting SW

lpxaudio · 11-25-2007, 02:40 AM

hi, i currently have a 55g cichlid tank and looking into getting a 10-15gal reef tank.
What are some of the thing i need to buy in order to keep a healthy and clean reef tank?
i would like to keep my spendings as low as possible but at the same time keep a good tank.

thanks!

DrHank · 11-25-2007, 09:13 AM

I really wouldn't recommend a tank smaller that 29 gallons for someone who is just starting into reef aquariums. The smaller the tank is, the harder it is to maintain stable parameters. Stable parameters are the key to success. Take your time and read and plan before you start. You can set up and maintain a 29 gallon tank with easy corals with much greater chance of success than a 5 - 10 gal Nano tank.

lcstorc · 11-25-2007, 10:00 AM

More water volume is always easier. As to what you will need for a successful reef.
1. A source of RO/DI water for all water changes and top offs
2. A good protein skimmer. I recommend the Aqua C Remora if you don't have a sump.
3. Lots of good LR. Recommended 1-2 lbs per gallon.
4. Test kits for amonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphates, magnesuim, calcium, Ph
5. Lighting appropriate for the corals you want to keep.
6. Patience. I should have made this number 1. A good reef takes time. You cannot rush it. If you think you are ready for something then wait at least another couple of weeks. People who rush their reefs run into trouble every time.
7. Sufficient flow. Again this will depend on what you want to keep in your reef. Some corals require more than others.

I think I got most of the biggies but could have forgotten something.

Good luck with your reef and Welcome to RS!

lpxaudio · 11-25-2007, 11:04 PM

thanks for the replies, sounds challenging!

a question about the RO/DI water, what type of water are they? i do have a Aquafilter (for drinking) at my house is that an RO/DI?

DaveK · 11-26-2007, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lpxaudio

... What are some of the thing i need to buy in order to keep a healthy and clean reef tank? ...

Since you are just starting out, the very best thing you can invest in, at this point, are several books on state of the art reef systems.

While FW experience is nice to have, SW is a completely different ballpark, and things that you took for granted in FW are done by very different methods in SW. You will, in effect, have to unlearn some of the FW methods.

As a start I would consider the book The New Marine Aquarium by Michael Paletta to be a good place to begin.

The net is great for specific questions, but books get most of the basic information together in one place.

Also, ask questions here before you spend your hard earned money on anything. There is a lot of junk equipment out there, and you wish to avoid it.

Lastly, don't expect your LFSs to be knowledgeable about reef systems. Most are quite clueless. Many are only interested in the quick sale. Buyer beware.

11-25-2007, 02:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
lpxaudio Tunicate Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 3 View Gallery Karma Komment	Help starting SW hi, i currently have a 55g cichlid tank and looking into getting a 10-15gal reef tank. What are some of the thing i need to buy in order to keep a healthy and clean reef tank? i would like to keep my spendings as low as possible but at the same time keep a good tank. thanks!

11-25-2007, 09:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
DrHank Golden Moray Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Crestview, FL Posts: 2,251 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Help starting SW I really wouldn't recommend a tank smaller that 29 gallons for someone who is just starting into reef aquariums. The smaller the tank is, the harder it is to maintain stable parameters. Stable parameters are the key to success. Take your time and read and plan before you start. You can set up and maintain a 29 gallon tank with easy corals with much greater chance of success than a 5 - 10 gal Nano tank. __________________ Jim Dr Hank's 210 Build: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...nks-tanks.html Dr Hank's 155 Bowfront:http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...-bowfront.html

11-25-2007, 10:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 17,965 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Help starting SW More water volume is always easier. As to what you will need for a successful reef. 1. A source of RO/DI water for all water changes and top offs 2. A good protein skimmer. I recommend the Aqua C Remora if you don't have a sump. 3. Lots of good LR. Recommended 1-2 lbs per gallon. 4. Test kits for amonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphates, magnesuim, calcium, Ph 5. Lighting appropriate for the corals you want to keep. 6. Patience. I should have made this number 1. A good reef takes time. You cannot rush it. If you think you are ready for something then wait at least another couple of weeks. People who rush their reefs run into trouble every time. 7. Sufficient flow. Again this will depend on what you want to keep in your reef. Some corals require more than others. I think I got most of the biggies but could have forgotten something. Good luck with your reef and Welcome to RS! __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

11-25-2007, 11:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
lpxaudio Tunicate Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 3 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Help starting SW thanks for the replies, sounds challenging! a question about the RO/DI water, what type of water are they? i do have a Aquafilter (for drinking) at my house is that an RO/DI?

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