Biocube 32 build help

[Dweltalloy]

I have a biocube 32, wanted some help making sure i will buy the right things

No canopy - its a custom build, there is an acrylic top instead so I can attach my own lighting. I have an AI pro and a kessil 160
Coral will not be my priority. Will have multiple small fish so a heavy bioload will need to be considered

Here is a list of things I have, and then what I think I need. Please let me know if I am missing anything else:

Have:
AI Pro light
Kessil 160 Light
Bio cube small skimmer
Bio cube 29/32 replacement pump
Carib sea bahama sand
Intank media baskets
Dry live rock caribsea
RO/DI unit
Fritz salt
Refractometer
Red sea doser

Do not have, need to get:
Powerhead
Heater
Filter media - although I do still have some old carbon balls that were in an old tank (dried up, still ok?)
Test kits

Thank you in advance. I am on a budget so budget friendly options would be greatly appreciated
Not in a huge rush
Ty!

 

[Uncle99]

Get your rockwork “cooking” in that tank, unlit for now but with saltwater, heat and flow. This process takes some time as the best stuff comes slow.

I’d let her run a month, unlit, then just a taste of light, fish don’t care much about light.

I’d test for nitrate, a week after start, if we see nitrate, it’s cycled.

Add a starter fish, maybea bit meek say a firefish?
He will add some ammonia. Your choice of course.

For testing, just nitrate and phosphate, you need to use these tests to help balance import versus export. When they hold in the traditional ranges week over week, this indicates that what’s going in, is being taken out in the same amount.

Buy only what you really need, your list is fine.

Watch heaters, they can easily kill. I always recommend an InkBird 306 dual probe wifi controller, about $50, but ensures we don’t toast everyone cause a heater stayed on.

Good luck.

 

[lapin]

Good advice ^

Oh and salt water reef tanks can be an expensive hobby.