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Welcome! My first question is, is it drilled and also what kind of tank do you want? Mixed reef? Fish only? What are the tank dimensions (very important to know)? Do you have a sump? How do you plan to test water?Hello all! My name is Pamela. I'm new to forums, and as the title says, VERY new to saltwater and reef aquariums. I've only had freshwater tanks, but always wanted a saltwater reef setup. Well, without going into detail and possibly upsetting anyone (keeping it family friendly), I got some news 4 years ago that has me working on my bucket list. It's time to start building my life-long dream reef aquarium! I currently have a 45 gallon empty tank, and no idea where to begin. It's going to be a gradual build and slow process, but that gives me a better chance of getting it right... right? I'm bursting with questions, and appreciate any and all help and advice I can get. Thanks for reading!
Undrilled. I want a mixed reef. Tank dimensions are 36.25"L x 12.60"W x 24.80"H. At this point, I only have the tank and stand. I desperately need some help and direction with this. I plan to get a test kit and do regular testing as required (more frequent during cycling, then set up a schedule). I'd like to keep it as simple as possible, and I'm getting the equipment a little at a time, as budget allows, before setting up. What should I start with?Welcome! My first question is, is it drilled and also what kind of tank do you want? Mixed reef? Fish only? What are the tank dimensions (very important to know)? Do you have a sump? How do you plan to test water?
As someone else just said, get a good quality heater(s) and hook them up to an inkbird. I would suggest an Eheim Jaeger heater.Undrilled. I want a mixed reef. Tank dimensions are 36.25"L x 12.60"W x 24.80"H. At this point, I only have the tank and stand. I desperately need some help and direction with this. I plan to get a test kit and do regular testing as required (more frequent during cycling, then set up a schedule). I'd like to keep it as simple as possible, and I'm getting the equipment a little at a time, as budget allows, before setting up. What should I start with?
I'm honestly so moved by the welcome I've received here! People havei want to add, I am moved by your bucket list statement. Please let me know if I can help you with the process. If you need anything, i’d like to help. I have some dry goods and possibly rock to help you out.
What I want to know is… what questions do you have for us for right now? Equipment? Advice?
Oh, I've already discovered and followed Paul B lol. I enjoy both his writing and outlook on the hobby, and I've learned some things from his articles. Thank you for your detailed reply. It's helpful to know what could work for the tank size I'm working on. I'm envious of your stock! I'd love to have a tang eventually, but I haven't read about any that won't outgrow my tank.Welcome.
I did a 75 gallon fairly inexpensive, here is a list of equipment and scape.
1- 40 lbs. Caribsea pink Samoa sand (less for your tank) Bare bottom is an option
2- 55 lbs. Base rock ( what ever you like)
3- Eshopps HOB overflow box
4- Eshopps AR- 100 sump
5- Eshopps S- series 120 skimmer
6- 2 Jabo 70's wave makers
7- 2 Finnex heaters (one in sump and backup in tank incase sump goes off line or one heater dies)
8- Lighting 2 Ref led 90's (lots of options out there)
9- Eshopps 5 gallon gravity fed top off container with float switch in sump
Personally I would buy all of the equipment used with the heaters being the exception. Lighting, find something used and reasonable, lots of choices.
I painted my rock work with Two Little fishes coralline red cement mixed thin with a arts and crafts brush, this helps a lot with the ugly phase. I also made a couple of cool multi level scapes with the cement.
My weekly maintenance,
1- swap out 7" sock in sump
2- Rinse sponge in overflow Box
3- Check collection cup on skimmer
4- Check KH and Calcium and adjust to tests
Monthly maintenance,
1- 10% water change (Red Sea blue bucket)
2- blow off rockwork
3- Add Chemipure elite when needed. (when water seems a bit cloudy or when the po-4 is elevated)
The tank ran this way for some time before adding the Apex, Dos and Trident. I grew weary of testing as I run two tanks. My biggest tip is Don't overload your tank with fish and refrain from adding once the fish have settled in. Currently I have a Blue faced angel, Lavender tang, Purple Dotty back and Six-line Wrasse. The tank also has your typical CUC (Clean up crew) Two emerald crabs one Bumble bee snail one hermit crab and 15 or so mixed snails.
The investment of time and money for me has been well worth it. Most tank issues work themselves out over time just enjoy the process and the journey. When you get a chance follow Paul B, he has a great way of looking at the hobby. Instead of fighting everything and bending it to our will let nature do its thing and enjoy a little slice of the reef stress free. (most of the time)
Best of luck
It's a little town in Northwest Georgia. I actually get that question a lot, even from people who live in Georgia lol.Welcome to R2R and the salty world Pamela. Take things slowly. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed. Best wishes with your bucket list.
Where in the world is your Chatsworth. There is a stately home near me called Chatsworth.