Equipment and stuff

**SLICKtopPOMP** · 07-23-2010, 03:53 PM

So i want to start making a list of things i need to save up for to get my tank going. So many different products to look at and i've read a lot of reviews but i would rather know your experience in what works best. I know what i need but i don't know what i need you know?

I have a 65 gallon tank and i want to make it a reef tank. I'm going to have a sump. So i just would like to know some reliable brands and products i should go with. Just things like return pumps, skimmers, lighting, what would be overkill and what would work just right. I just want to have a list that i can start checking off. I work well with lists. Thank you

**Amphibious** · 07-24-2010, 08:00 AM

This is a tall order because of the many good pieces of equipment out there AND the list of junk too. My best advise is to not go cheap. Cheap costs you in the long run and I’m assuming you’re in this for the long haul. I mean, “Once bitten, forever addicted”!

You can save a ton of money seeking out equipment on a forum like TR. Craig’s List has yielded many a bargain from those "once bitten and gotten frustrated" kind of folks.

Do your homework and bring questions here BEFORE you lay down the cash.

Dick

**CarmieJo** · 07-24-2010, 11:17 PM

You get what you pay for is definitely true in this hobby. If you buy cheaply made equipment you will just end up buying better made equipment shortly thereafter. I have saved tons of money by buying used equipment. What kind of corals are you going to want to keep?

**SLICKtopPOMP** · 07-27-2010, 03:34 PM

I'm not entirely sure as to what kind of corals i want. I want to start out with small hardy ones that will be somewhat easier to take care of than others. I still need to do a lot more research on which ones fall into that category. I'm still a ways away from having my tank setup. So right now its a saving money game for me.

**boyesreef** · 07-27-2010, 05:34 PM

used is my favorite section at the lfs!

**CarmieJo** · 07-28-2010, 01:04 AM

Keep your eye on CraigsList, etc. Unfortunately there is really high turnover in this hobby and there is often a lot of equipment for sale there.

**SLICKtopPOMP** · 07-28-2010, 02:51 PM

Ya i check craigslist quite often during the week. Every once in a while i find good things on there but its hard to get people to put holds on things.

**AZDesertRat** · 07-29-2010, 01:02 PM

At the top of the list should be a good reef quality RO/DI unit, about $150 complete with a TDS meter and refillable DI.

**SLICKtopPOMP** · 07-29-2010, 02:38 PM

So an RO/DI unit is mainly for just filtering tap water when doing water changes right? Or is it connected to your tank?

**boyesreef** · 07-29-2010, 04:04 PM

its a water filter to filter tap water, yes

**CarmieJo** · 07-29-2010, 09:14 PM

I agree RO/DI water is a critical part of a marine aquarium and you will save a lot of money by having your own.

**AZDesertRat** · 07-30-2010, 01:16 PM

A reef system should be started out from day one with RO/DI water. Many contaminants in tap water are cumulative and no amount of future water changes will ever remove all traces of them. By starting with RO/DI you eliminate that nagging doubt in your mind if something is water related or not since you alone control its quality. Water is the single largest ingredient in an aquarium and everything revolves around it, do it right the first time. I disagree completely with those who say tap water is sufficient for a fish only system. Why should fish which are a higher life form than corals deserve any lower quality water or care? Makes no sense to me. yes thye may survive but why stress them needlessly?