Finally have the time!

[GM1975]

I have been keeping freshwater fish almost 40 years. But never had a reef tank. I have always wanted one, however with work schedules it’s never been a good idea due to them being more demanding. Now that I’m closer to retiring and not traveling for work anymore. I have closed down my freshwater tanks and started a reef tank. Still waiting on few items then get it running. 20 gallon long, two pop bloom rl60, gyre wave maker, canister filter with a prefilter canister that I’m turning into refugium, inline UV filter. Don’t think I will be needing skimmer at least what I’ve read for nano. Please let me know what else I may need prior to sand and water.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Welcome to Reef2Reef and the salty side of things!

Take some time and read this thread below. It is full of good information and should answer a lot of your questions.

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is nowhere near simple. This task is going to take patience, a...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[TheNative192]

Welcome!

 

[KrisReef]

Stability is the key and how you achieve it is key to success with more delicate creatures generally requiring more narrow tolerances for the reefer to achieve success.

Keeping salinity and elements stable can be achieved through water changes and with an automated system to replace evaporation. An ato is a good investment for smaller tanks where evaporation can impact salinity quickly.

Get a good repeatable hydrometer to test your salinity. The RODI filter to make clean water for top off and making new salt mix with is also recommended.

Welcome! With your years of experience in freshwater you will have an excellent chance of success with the more denser water.

 

[GM1975]

Welcome!

Thank you

 

[GM1975]

Stability is the key and how you achieve it is key to success with more delicate creatures generally requiring more narrow tolerances for the reefer to achieve success.

Keeping salinity and elements stable can be achieved through water changes and with an automated system to replace evaporation. An ato is a good investment for smaller tanks where evaporation can impact salinity quickly.

Get a good repeatable hydrometer to test your salinity. The RODI filter to make clean water for top off and making new salt mix with is also recommended.

Welcome! With your years of experience in freshwater you will have an excellent chance of success with the more denser water.

ATO and the RODI system is what I’m waiting on to arrive. I’m hoping once cycled and I start to add things it should stay fairly stable. Only planing on pair of clowns and few corals for probably first year. Want to start relatively slow to get into the swing of things.

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef and to saltwater tanks! Good luck with your build!

#WelcometoR2R

 

[exnisstech]

Welcome. There is a lot to explore and get sidetracked with in this hobby, some good some can lead to tail chasing and aggravation. As Kris mentioned stability is key. I find keeping things simple and making as few changes as necessary usually leads to better success and less frustration especially for people learning. I came from fresh myself and love the salty side. There is are so many more life forms. Often I find watching my tank after lights out almost as rewarding as watching the fish and coral. There's always something new crawling around or growing that isn't visible when lights are on.

 

[Uncle99]

Welcome to R2R, sounds like a plan.
The ATO is crucial to maintaining stability.
Skimmer not mandatory, but very helpful even from the start to keep water oxygenated.

Enjoy!

 

[dedragon]

canister filter

im sure you are used to canisters coming from freshwater, but they do get dirty fast in saltwater and filter floss needs to be changed in them 1-2x a week. best filter is a sump but hob like seachem tidal are good too. much easier to change floss when you dont have to turn off and open the canister

 

[GM1975]

canister filter

im sure you are used to canisters coming from freshwater, but they do get dirty fast in saltwater and filter floss needs to be changed in them 1-2x a week. best filter is a sump but hob like seachem tidal are good too. much easier to change floss when you dont have to turn off and open the canister

Ya don’t have the room for sump under the tank. It’s on my dogs kennel (reinforced) Had the canister lying around. Filter floss will be in pre filter canister with macro algae. Only chemical filtration in the canister itself. So only should need to get into it. Every couple weeks or so. Had the new filter lying around so figured be best to use it and go from there.

 

[GM1975]

Welcome to R2R, sounds like a plan.
The ATO is crucial to maintaining stability.
Skimmer not mandatory, but very helpful even from the start to keep water oxygenated.

Enjoy!

Thank you

 

[GM1975]

Welcome. There is a lot to explore and get sidetracked with in this hobby, some good some can lead to tail chasing and aggravation. As Kris mentioned stability is key. I find keeping things simple and making as few changes as necessary usually leads to better success and less frustration especially for people learning. I came from fresh myself and love the salty side. There is are so many more life forms. Often I find watching my tank after lights out almost as rewarding as watching the fish and coral. There's always something new crawling around or growing that isn't visible when lights are on.

Yes I’m itching to get water in haha. Just need last couple things