I have been doing freshwater for about 5 years now and decided to switch it up a bit and try a reef tank in my fluval spec V. I understand the size restraints for fish etc already but I was wondering what I would need to get this thing running to grow corals. It's been cycling for about 2 weeks with live sand, live rock and also added bacteria. I am mainly curious about which lighting for a small tank is reasonable for preferably one that can handle most if not all corals. Also any other recommendations as it is only running the built in filter now. Lastly what is your favorite test kit I was hoping to get something like a master kit. Thanks for your time!!
New to reefing need some suggestions please!!
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Hey there,
I personally use salifert test kits, they've always been accurate and I've never had issues with them.
So as it goes for lighting it basically depends upon what corals you'll be getting as SPS should probably have a bit brighter or better lighting then say Zoas or other soft coral. I know a lot of people have the AI Prime and they keep a wide variety of corals. It has a price tag of $225, which is fairly reasonable for lighting in this hobby:).
Other than that make sure all your levels in the tank are where they should be before adding any livestock (coral/fish/ inverts).
Once you levels are where they should be and stable your good to go... don't add to much at once or at least in the beginning.
For your filtration you should be good with the "standard" filtration that comes along. Just make sure you keep up with cleaning it out and doing your water changes so you can keep you water parameters stable and keep all your livestock happy and thriving:p
Hopefully this helps you out.
Also I'd suggest starting with more basic corals that don't need as much care/ time such as soft coral(zoas mushrooms). Or some basic LPS. Then once you've felt you can keep those alive and thriving... add some more difficult corals such as some of the SPS and LPS.
I personally use salifert test kits, they've always been accurate and I've never had issues with them.
So as it goes for lighting it basically depends upon what corals you'll be getting as SPS should probably have a bit brighter or better lighting then say Zoas or other soft coral. I know a lot of people have the AI Prime and they keep a wide variety of corals. It has a price tag of $225, which is fairly reasonable for lighting in this hobby:).
Other than that make sure all your levels in the tank are where they should be before adding any livestock (coral/fish/ inverts).
Once you levels are where they should be and stable your good to go... don't add to much at once or at least in the beginning.
For your filtration you should be good with the "standard" filtration that comes along. Just make sure you keep up with cleaning it out and doing your water changes so you can keep you water parameters stable and keep all your livestock happy and thriving:p
Hopefully this helps you out.
Also I'd suggest starting with more basic corals that don't need as much care/ time such as soft coral(zoas mushrooms). Or some basic LPS. Then once you've felt you can keep those alive and thriving... add some more difficult corals such as some of the SPS and LPS.
awesome thanks i had looked at the AI Prime before when reading suggestions so that will probably ultimately be what i get unless i find something better cheaper. will the salifert test kits look at everything i need to test for for the coral too? I also was wondering what you have in your filters for filtration i just have some porus filtration media wasnt sure if carbon is used as much in saltwater or not so i didnt add it.
AI prime is probably your best choice. I have all the salifert kits I need for my water parameters. In your type of filter you can use some filter floss, carbon and other types of resins that aim at keeping your water levels in check are great too.
But I'd say your fine with filter floss, some carbon, and whatever else you have right now!!!
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