40 gallon tank supply list and places to buy?

[cypike]

Im looking to get into the hobby and have watched a lot of videos on saltwater tanks and read a lot on them, but clearly there are some gaps in my knowledge.

Is there a way to get a tank set up to be able to make a reef tank for under $500? What are the most minimal supples needed in order to get a 40 gallon tank up and running without any stock? I get most confused when it comes to pumps and filtration.
There seems to be an infinite number of ways to do things and I need a dumbed down version.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cypike]

A quick update: I added ammonia yesterday but forgot what time. I have .25 ppm right now and about 1ppm nitrites, I do have 40 ppm nitrates though so I’m wondering when I should do a water change. Also wondering if ammonia should be converted to nitrates in 24 hours or 48 hours?

 

[cypike]

Well I added ammonia last night at 5 because it was down to .25 ppm, and I may have screwed up? Thoughts?

 

[cypike]

Old iPad = new reef controller

 

[cypike]

Might have to get some more powerful heaters as my Inkbird wants to turn off all the time when the heaters can’t get it up to temp in a certain amount of time lol

 

[cypike]

controller iPad installed on wall