Must Have/Best Of list for Success

[Dowtish]

Excellent suggestion Matt!

I forget how I much I read books in the beginning. Back in the early 90's there was no internet, and I guess I assume it's all here somewhere, but a book is an excellent choice for all the standard rules and info.

 

[mcarroll]

Maybe so...Anybody else think it's a must have??

Over-stocking or a lack of water changes is what makes GFO a necessity, so I'd say this one is circumstantial.

-Matt

 

[RichieT]

I'd go with the ATO over the skimmer as necessary.

 

[Squishie89]

Tank cleaning equipment (magfloat, algae scrapers, tongs, tweezers)
Internet =P
LFS
Logbook/Way of keeping track of the tank and parameters
Quarantine Tank (Goes under luxury)
Food!

 

[navila06]

ok makes sense

I think I would reserve the title "must have" for things that you cannot run a tank without (stuff that should be bought before adding any livestock). For example, one person might rely on the reactors, but there are definitely people who keep successful tanks without them.

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[MaD_ReefeR]

A wife that is tolerant of the hobby.

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where exactly do you pick one of these up? any brand?

 

[Dowtish]

I'd go with the ATO over the skimmer as necessary.

I have ATS on the list as well. Kind of saying you need one or the other. Some sort of nutrient export.

 

[Dowtish]

where exactly do you pick one of these up? any brand?

I found mine online....no kidding.

 

[bct15]

When starting this hobby everybody always wants to go out and buy the best equipment but are never told about the most important things they will need. I think before anybody starts adding any inhabitants to a REEF tank they should have purchased and understand how to use the following underrated items. It is next to impossible to have a successful tank with the following, when I meet people interested in starting a reef tank I tell them to get all of this stuff up front because once you start buying livestock you won't want to fork up the cash for the following items, but spending twenty bucks on a good test kit will help keep that 80 dollar coral alive.

1) High quality alk, calcium, and mag test kit
2) high quality thermometer
3) High quality heater
4) refractometer
5) plan to manage alk, calcium, and magnesium when demand becomes high
6) turkey baster (maybe a luxury but one of the best low cost investments)
7) tongs
8) salt mixing container
9) rodi
10) RO storage

Required equipment that isn't overlooked and is required
1) lighting
2) powerhead

Equipment that is almost a must
1) skimmer
2) carbon gfo reactor

Equipment almost a must for sps
1) ATO
2) dosers (or calcium reactor)
3) temp controller


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[Dowtish]

When starting this hobby everybody always wants to go out and buy the best equipment but are never told about the most important things they will need. I think before anybody starts adding any inhabitants to a REEF tank they should have purchased and understand how to use the following underrated items. It is next to impossible to have a successful tank with the following, when I meet people interested in starting a reef tank I tell them to get all of this stuff up front because once you start buying livestock you won't want to fork up the cash for the following items, but spending twenty bucks on a good test kit will help keep that 80 dollar coral alive.

1) High quality alk, calcium, and mag test kit
2) high quality thermometer
3) High quality heater
4) refractometer
5) plan to manage alk, calcium, and magnesium when demand becomes high
6) turkey baster (maybe a luxury but one of the best low cost investments)
7) tongs
8) salt mixing container
9) rodi
10) RO storage

Required equipment that isn't overlooked and is required
1) lighting
2) powerhead

Equipment that is almost a must
1) skimmer
2) carbon gfo reactor

Equipment almost a must for sps
1) ATO
2) dosers (or calcium reactor)
3) temp controller


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Excellent post! I agree 100%

 

[schooleyosis]

Must have = GFI of some sort. Need to protect your equipment.


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[dwilliams87]

Must have = GFI of some sort. Need to protect your equipment.


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I agree, where possible.

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[dwilliams87]

One thing you cant buy that this hobby requires is patience. Nothing good happens in this hobby quick, and that is where so many problems start. So, Zanax.

 

[navila06]

what about a generator?

 

[schooleyosis]

We bought a generator a few months back specifically for the aquarium! Good call!!!