New Reef Aquarium need help!

[SoeLinn]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the world of reef aquariums. I've had a freshwater tank for quite a while, but now that I have a stable place to setup, I'm excited to dive into reef keeping, which is something I've never tried before. I have a 47-gallon half-cylinder tank, and my current budget is under $200 (I can invest in more equipment later on). I would love to hear your advice on the best way to get started and what essential equipment I should purchase. Thanks so much!

 

[AlyciaMarie Verified Admin]

Welcome to R2R and the salty world!

As for equipment, an RO/DI unit is a must-have, in my opinion. :)

 

[shakacuz]

filtration, heating, and a wave pump would be the first things to focus on. light is irrelevant until you're ready for fish/corals. aside from the tank itself, what do you have on hand already?

 

[fishywishy]

Watch one of those beginner reef videos. It will tell you everything you need.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

unfortunately I would suggest to wait and save more money. Just buying the rock will take up your full budget, need a light, a rodi unit, test kits (not API), protein skimmer is always helpful, powerheads, etc...

this is a very complex hobby compared to freshwater, and so much more expensive. Take your time do some research and go slow.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[SoeLinn]

filtration, heating, and a wave pump would be the first things to focus on. light is irrelevant until you're ready for fish/corals. aside from the tank itself, what do you have on hand already?

I received a tank from my friend just yesterday! I'm not sure where to begin. I spent some time online last night watching videos, and while they seem straightforward, each one offers different opinions, which has left me feeling quite confused.

 

[SoeLinn]

unfortunately I would suggest to wait and save more money. Just buying the rock will take up your full budget, need a light, a rodi unit, test kits (not API), protein skimmer is always helpful, powerheads, etc...

this is a very complex hobby compared to freshwater, and so much more expensive. Take your time do some research and go slow.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

Thank you.

 

[SoeLinn]

Watch one of those beginner reef videos. It will tell you everything you need.

I’ve seen a few videos myself, and while they’re really helpful, it can be a bit frustrating since everyone has their own take on things.

 

[dbroncos]

unfortunately I would suggest to wait and save more money. Just buying the rock will take up your full budget, need a light, a rodi unit, test kits (not API), protein skimmer is always helpful, powerheads, etc...

this is a very complex hobby compared to freshwater, and so much more expensive. Take your time do some research and go slow.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

under $200 is not much wiggle room.

 

[SoeLinn]

Welcome to R2R and the salty world!

As for equipment, an RO/DI unit is a must-have, in my opinion. :)

Thanks for bringing up the RO/DI unit! I watched some videos online last night, but I'm a bit confused about the process. I get that RO/DI purifies the water by eliminating harmful contaminants, making it safer for the aquarium. However, do I need to connect the RO/DI unit directly to the tank, or can I just use it to clean the water, collect it, and then fill the tank?

 

[SoeLinn]

under $200 is not much wiggle room.

What’s the minimum amount I need to spend? I’m just trying to get a sense of my budget.

 

[shakacuz]

I received a tank from my friend just yesterday! I'm not sure where to begin. I spent some time online last night watching videos, and while they seem straightforward, each one offers different opinions, which has left me feeling quite confused.

i would still suggest to look into my suggestions moving forward. continue watching those videos not just for the sake of learning, but to see what options people use so you can use your own research for your decisions. you'll get the same results here on R2R where some input is straightforward whilst others may seem farfetched or confusing. so take your time, and no not rush into anything especially now when all you have is just a tank.

filtration - will you be plumbing your own tank? if so, you must take into account plumbing, the tools for it, etc. if not, will you be running a HOB or canister filter? or will you use a HOB skimmer? are you going to run a sump?
heating - your fish and corals will need this.
wavepump - needed to move water in the tank. stagnant water is "bad" water.

additionally, as someone already mentioned, you'll need sand/rocks. this will be easy to source/obtain. so don't worry about this as well as lighting for now.

edit: did the tank come with a stand?

What’s the minimum amount I need to spend? I’m just trying to get a sense of my budget.

a healthy budget for that 45G could be anywhere from 0$-2,000$+ to get it running. of course it can be less, or more depending how you obtain the equipment (free, used, new, etc). the original 200$ you mentioned would likely only get you a used skimmer with some left over money for whatever else you'll save up for next.

 

[dbroncos]

So that’s kind of hard to answer depending upon what you want to do and have. As a previous poster mentioned you do not want to use tap water RODI is the best and those units can cost a bit, lighting, your going to need water movement (powerheads), biological filtration (live or seeded rock), etc. It does add up fast depending upon your end goal.

 

[SoeLinn]

Welcome to R2R and the salty world!

As for equipment, an RO/DI unit is a must-have, in my opinion.

i would still suggest to look into my suggestions moving forward. continue watching those videos not just for the sake of learning, but to see what options people use so you can use your own research for your decisions. you'll get the same results here on R2R where some input is straightforward whilst others may seem farfetched or confusing. so take your time, and no not rush into anything especially now when all you have is just a tank.

filtration - will you be plumbing your own tank? if so, you must take into account plumbing, the tools for it, etc. if not, will you be running a HOB or canister filter? or will you use a HOB skimmer? are you going to run a sump?
heating - your fish and corals will need this.
wavepump - needed to move water in the tank. stagnant water is "bad" water.

additionally, as someone already mentioned, you'll need sand/rocks. this will be easy to source/obtain. so don't worry about this as well as lighting for now.

edit: did the tank come with a stand?


a healthy budget for that 45G could be anywhere from 0$-2,000$+ to get it running. of course it can be less, or more depending how you obtain the equipment (free, used, new, etc). the original 200$ you mentioned would likely only get you a used skimmer with some left over money for whatever else you'll save up for next.

Sure! The tank does include a stand. I'm considering setting up a sump. How much sand and rock would I need for a basic setup in a 45-gallon tank?

 

[shakacuz]

Sure! The tank does include a stand. I'm considering setting up a sump. How much sand and rock would I need for a basic setup in a 45-gallon tank?

it depends on how much depth you want. 1-2" is ideal and more is unnecessary unless required for the fish. 2 bags of 20lb live sand should do the trick. rock is purely situational. as every rock has a different shape and weight. you can buy 45lb of rock, but end up with 3-4 pieces of rock to work with, or 45lb worth of very small rock that give you more options. buy this in person, and maybe have the LFS help set up a rock scape based on the dimensions of your tank.

 

[SoeLinn]

So that’s kind of hard to answer depending upon what you want to do and have. As a previous poster mentioned you do not want to use tap water RODI is the best and those units can cost a bit, lighting, your going to need water movement (powerheads), biological filtration (live or seeded rock), etc. It does add up fast depending upon your end goal.

it depends on how much depth you want. 1-2" is ideal and more is unnecessary unless required for the fish. 2 bags of 20lb live sand should do the trick. rock is purely situational. as every rock has a different shape and weight. you can buy 45lb of rock, but end up with 3-4 pieces of rock to work with, or 45lb worth of very small rock that give you more options. buy this in person, and maybe have the LFS help set up a rock scape based on the dimensions of your tank.

Which kind of sand should I buy? Is there any specific sand needed for reef tank?

 

[shakacuz]

Which kind of sand should I buy? Is there any specific sand needed for reef tank?

caribsea fiji pink or special grade is the commonly used from what i've read/seen on R2R.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

What’s the minimum amount I need to spend? I’m just trying to get a sense of my budget.

In my own opinion, $1000 for a 15-20 gallon tank. (sorry, just being realistic)

EDIT: and if you have no aquarium accessories at all, like buckets, heaters, nets, etc.... then you can add another $200-$300.