Equipment over time

[Knyx]

Once you had a tank up and running with the minimum equipment. What would you guys buy over time to support the tank and live stock? Would there be some must haves right away and equipment you could buy later on.
6foot tank for reference.

 

[nuxx Verified Sponsor]

I'd say off the bat:

Skimmer, Lights, Heaters, Powerheads, Controller

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

When I worked at an LFS I would set up a tank on the counter with a single powerhead and a light and that was it. I could keep a nice little desk reef with only this equipment.

This is truly all you (need) to keep a tank except for temperature control if your climate requires it.

The only problem with a low-tech tank like the one I used to keep was that I needed to change half the water weekly to keep the tank clean.

I think a better question is what equipment will save you the most amount of work/time and in what order would you add them.

This would be my list.
1. Fundamentals (Light, Flow, Temperature Control)
2. Some form of nitrate and phosphate control. (Carbon dosing, algae filtration) (not as important for a nano where water changes are easy.)
3. ATO
4. Protein Skimmer (Not as important for nanos where there aren't as many good skimmer options.)
5. Automated Supplementation (dosing pumps, calcium reactor, etc.)
6. Controller

 

[bushdoc]

I guess 6 foot tank would need a sump- right away
You would need return pump and heater(s) right away, also suggest at least 2 powerheads.
Thermometer and some water testing equipment, including refractometer.
RODI unit unless you want to brake a bank and your back buying water from LFS. Some containers for mixing salt, rock, either dry or live. You can buy lights and other Stuff later. There is also myriad of small things, bits and pieces for example for plumbing, you would need too.
Skimmer would be next, but not immediately.
Controllers, dosers, ATO, and so on may come later.
All the best.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Powerheads, skimmer, and lights are the priority.

Before buying anything more, I will upgrade these 3 to have the best quality possible for my size tank.
Then I get ATO, hanna test kits, additives.

Once I have all that then I look at the bells and whistles like controllers.