So I'm not new to the hobby, although it's probably been about 8 years since I had a tank. Moving into an apartment at the end of this month and it looks like I'll be getting a Reefer 250 (54G). I would much prefer a larger tank, and used to have a 175 bowfront, but the leasing company said I wouldn't have any issues with 50 gallons and I don't really want to push my luck too much.
My first question is what you guys would do in my situation. I have 28 days before I move, should I set up a tupperware container and start cycling rock immediately so that I can add the rock, some live sand, and fish/corals without much delay after moving day? I'm torn between not wanting the hassle now and not wanting to stare at a lifeless tank for a month after I move. Leaning towards starting to cycle now, but curious to hear some input.
I'm excited to be getting back into this and a lot has changed. Not needing halides is exciting, LED's seem like a dream. And powerheads have come so far. I'm not sure what I want to gear the tank towards yet. I have a soft spot for carpet anemones, but that restricts my fish options a lot. Maybe a clown harem tank with a few colorful carpets and some LPS.
Planning on black sand and I want an interesting rockscape. I also plan on ordering or building a 6" platform to go between the stand and floor to raise the whole system. I hate how low most tanks sit these days.
Last question (for now), do most people who get the reefer systems go with the "deluxe" setup? I haven't started to dive into equipment research yet.
My first question is what you guys would do in my situation. I have 28 days before I move, should I set up a tupperware container and start cycling rock immediately so that I can add the rock, some live sand, and fish/corals without much delay after moving day? I'm torn between not wanting the hassle now and not wanting to stare at a lifeless tank for a month after I move. Leaning towards starting to cycle now, but curious to hear some input.
I'm excited to be getting back into this and a lot has changed. Not needing halides is exciting, LED's seem like a dream. And powerheads have come so far. I'm not sure what I want to gear the tank towards yet. I have a soft spot for carpet anemones, but that restricts my fish options a lot. Maybe a clown harem tank with a few colorful carpets and some LPS.
Planning on black sand and I want an interesting rockscape. I also plan on ordering or building a 6" platform to go between the stand and floor to raise the whole system. I hate how low most tanks sit these days.
Last question (for now), do most people who get the reefer systems go with the "deluxe" setup? I haven't started to dive into equipment research yet.