Hello purchasing my first tank

[wolfwhocriedboi]

Purchasing my first tank. And I’ve landed on the hello reef kit. I feel with all the info they provide it’ll be a great starter tank and help give me info to build larger/more tanks in the future.
My question to you all is purchasing a protein skinner and UV sanitizer worth it? Do I need them?
And I was wondering what is the best ATO for a smaller tank like this.
Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated super new to the hobby I haven’t even gotten my tank yet. But cannot wait to start!!

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

You definitely don't need a uv for that size tank.

You don't need a skimmer either, weekly water changes will keep the water optimal.

No matter what, you don't need these to start, these are more advanced units on such a small tank, they can always be added later if needed.

Any nano size ATO will work. The tunze nano is popular. i use the Autoaqua Smart on my 15 gallon, its a cheaper one from amazon but surprisingly has lasted me 3.5 years so far.

Sounds like your off to a good start, my best advice is to go slow, don't let the enthusiasm of the moment rush you into bad decisions. Good luck

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[andrewey]

I agree with Mr. mojo.

I would start with the tank and add a skimmer at a later date if you chose. If you do add a skimmer, the mini q you selected is a fantastic addition. I would hold off on the UV- you may find you wish to utilize that space for something else and better to stay flexible when you're just starting and experimenting!Congratulations on your new setup!

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef and to saltwater tanks!

There's nothing wrong with the Hello Reef kit per se, but I don't think it's worth it, honestly. There's nothing special in it, all they did was pick typical off the shelf items that you can get anywhere if you decide to use them (AI Blade light, Eheim heater, AquaForrest salt, CaribbSea rock and sand, etc.). Most of these things you can get at your local PetCo or other places if you decide they are really what you want. There's nothing "Hello Reef" specific in the kit.

I had originally thought that the Hello Reef kit came with the Innovative Maine Nuvo Fusion AIO aquarium, but looking at the picture now I am not so sure?

I also understand that when you're just getting started that the information they include is a big selling point. I would very much suggest you can get the same info right here on R2R for free :) There's even some BRS TV Video series that would help you get going, also free.

Additionally, if you give us a chance, most here would do our best to talk you out of starting your first tank using that particular combination of bagged sand and dry rocks offered in the Hello Reef kit. You would be much, much better served to go with live rock and sand from a quality Local Fish Store (LFS) or online vendor.

To address your original question, you don't *need* either a protein skimmer or a UV. Both are just tools that help to maintain water. There is almost always another way to do it, and as mentioned, with a 15 gallon tank regular water changes will go a long way towards keeping a 15 gallon healthy, particularly if you're starting out with some easy to keep soft corals and others. As mentioned, you can always add a skimmer and/or UV anytime in the future if you feel that you need one, so you don't have to buy them upfront.

I've had several of the smaller Innovative Marine All-In-One tanks, these make great first tanks. I'd get just the basic IM tank kit, not the Hello Reef kit. Get the largest tank that fits your space and budget; they have 10 gallon, 15 gallon, 20 gallon Long, and 25 gallon Lagoon AIO's and anyone of them would be a great first tank.

This hobby takes q fair amount of research and learning, so from there you could learn about the different processes that happen in these tanks, and how each piece of equipment works to supportnig an idea environment for your livestock. Then, you'll be in a great place to choose your own gear.

If you have any questions, just post here on R2R and I guarantee that someone will help you out :)

Good luck with whatever you decided!

Additional resources:

See the R2R Supreme Guide linked above as well as this video series from BRS:

Saltwater Aquarium Beginner’s Guide - Bulk Reef Supply

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