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there is no one list. there are many options for each item (example: salt, test kits)Title
Post #22 in this other thread does a cost breakdown - this hobby doesn't have to be expensive and I watch this guy's post because I enjoy seeing success on a budget!Welcome! You can check out my build thread by clicking on my profile. I have a 40 breeder and 20 gallon sump. The list of things to purchase depends on how much you want to do it yourself and how automated your tank will be. You can buy an all in one tank system but will pay much more than buying things individually and catching equipment on sale or used. Here are the things that come to mind:
Tank
Stand
Sump
Heater (preferably with controller and a second heater backup)
Auto top off unit
Return Pump
Skimmer (but you could have hang on bank filter or canister filter if you don't get a sump)
Light
Powerhead(s)
Food
Testing kits for cycling your tank and for coral
Refractometer
Prime
Bacteria Starter
Filter floss, Socks or Media cups for Sump
GFCI outlet
Ground Probe
Plumbing parts if you go the sump route
Medicine to have on hand for possible sick fish
Quarantine tank with equipment (highly recommended)
Salt
RODI unit
This is not a cheap hobby! Read Ron Reefman's articles here for new aquarists and also check out Bulk Reef Supply's You Tube videos on just about everything in the hobby.
My tank is over 3 years old and I don't have or use half the things you listed.Welcome! You can check out my build thread by clicking on my profile. I have a 40 breeder and 20 gallon sump. The list of things to purchase depends on how much you want to do it yourself and how automated your tank will be. You can buy an all in one tank system but will pay much more than buying things individually and catching equipment on sale or used. Here are the things that come to mind:
Tank
Stand
Sump
Heater (preferably with controller and a second heater backup)
Auto top off unit
Return Pump
Skimmer (but you could have hang on bank filter or canister filter if you don't get a sump)
Light
Powerhead(s)
Food
Testing kits for cycling your tank and for coral
Refractometer
Prime
Bacteria Starter
Filter floss, Socks or Media cups for Sump
GFCI outlet
Ground Probe
Plumbing parts if you go the sump route
Medicine to have on hand for possible sick fish
Quarantine tank with equipment (highly recommended)
Salt
RODI unit
This is not a cheap hobby! Read Ron Reefman's articles here for new aquarists and also check out Bulk Reef Supply's You Tube videos on just about everything in the hobby.
@Elaine123 has a nice setup - but gets back to there is no 1 list for this... your setup is likely great too! Hundred others each with 100 different setups... Thousands if not tens of thousands of options...My tank is over 3 years old and I don't have or use half the things you listed.
Just trying not to scare someone new into thinking you can't have a tank without breaking the bank.@Elaine123 has a nice setup - but gets back to there is no 1 list for this... your setup is likely great too! Hundred others each with 100 different setups... Thousands if not tens of thousands of options...
I agree.Meh, you don't need a ton of things to have a successful tank. You can have a reef tank thrive with just a tank, HoB filter, powerheads, heaters and lights. Testing equipment, way to make your own water can both be subverted by just having your LFS take care of it. I have a 90 gallon RUGF system with no sump. Everyone spare a couple people all said it would fail. Here I am over 3 years later with a very successful tank with no issues.
I agree with your comment and this is why someone needs to educate oneself about how much they are willing to spend and what they really want. I would say my system is middle of the road. It is not fully automated which would easily cost another $1k.Just trying not to scare someone new into thinking you can't have a tank without breaking the bank.
HoB filter is not an overflow and poses no risk at all.... just a simple aqueon with a sponge and some floss in it with room for carbon or chemipure etcI agree.
I agree with your comment and this is why someone needs to educate oneself about how much they are willing to spend and what they really want. I would say my system is middle of the road. It is not fully automated which would easily cost another $1k.
One has to ask the following questions. How much risk are you willing to take with it being less automated? A HOB filter is the most likely overflow to damage your house. If you don't have an auto top off, are you willing to fill the water and check it most every day certainly in the wintertime. You can hardly be away a single day. Not testing your water for the correct parameters can lead to disaster especially if you want to have the harder to keep corals. I have read horror stories here about LFS's water causing tank crashes. Not having backup heaters or a controller can again lead to disaster (and I know people who have had them when their heater quit or got stuck). Do you want to keep the LFS in business and drag water home? Or have an RODI unit that pays for itself and can generate water in an emergency when the store is closed? Lots of things to consider. I started out with a 29 gal, fish only tank with a canister filter.
HoB filter is not an overflow and poses no risk at all.... just a simple aqueon with a sponge and some floss in it with room for carbon or chemipure etc
i want to run a sump or refugium but i have no idea how that worksHonestly after running three SW aquariums of different sizes, I'd tell you to go with min 70 gallons.
But then, sad fact of our hobby is that there's always a reason to go bigger
I'd start by making some basic decisions about the type of tank you want - internal overflow, external overflow, integrated sump or just a good ole fishtank with filters and heaters hanging into it. That really informs what equipment you need. That and budget of course.
I respectfully disagree, all of my bad leaks have come from HOB filters that someone elbowed or something and water started dripping out the back of em. Probably my fault because I cram them too full of filter media, but I've come to hate the things.
i need to know what a hob filter is but would this work as a powerhead?
i have a 36 gallon freshwater but im new to the whole saltwater thing.