I am in the process of setting up my first reef tank, and there seems to be a mixed consensus on every aspect. Looking at sand and rock, I was leaning towards live for both, but I'm told this is outdated and would result in a slower cycle than bottled bacteria, online I read the opposite. I am based in Scotland and wouldn't have options to get live rock or sand from lfs, and they are also quite expensive for reef rock. Any UK people have a good online source for live or reef rock? Substrate recommendations? The tank doesn't have a sump, it's 110l, after reading online I was looking at something like a Fluval AC70 or 110 HOB filter as I read the maintenance would be easier than an external and would have less risk of becoming a nitrate bomb. I am also being told I don't require a filter at all, that the rock and wave maker will be enough until I add inhabitants, at which point a skimmer (any recommendations?) would be beneficial and/or all that's necessary. Thanks for any advice :)
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#WelcometoR2R
There's definitely more than one way to setup a tank. I'd strongly suggest using real, wet live rock (and sand) if you can find it. I know there's members here from your area, I would think there's a local shop you can get some from. You can also look for another local reefer who is breaking down their tank.
Real live rock is already cycled, there is no cycle needed, it it is far, far faster than trying to use bottled bacteria.
If you really can't find live rock and sand, you can start with dry rock and sand and bottled bacteria, or even a piece of shrimp form the seafood market to cycle your tank. If you can find Fritz Turbostart, that product specifically can cycle a tank in a few days. All other methods typically take about 3 weeks or so.
If you're brand new to reef keeping I like to suggest this guide:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/
As well as this video series:
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/cont...Eew7ul5fNoUL38rEKJSnrjdT-tsHLWqO5fvj5GO5psCK2
Good luck!
#WelcometoR2R
There's definitely more than one way to setup a tank. I'd strongly suggest using real, wet live rock (and sand) if you can find it. I know there's members here from your area, I would think there's a local shop you can get some from. You can also look for another local reefer who is breaking down their tank.
Real live rock is already cycled, there is no cycle needed, it it is far, far faster than trying to use bottled bacteria.
If you really can't find live rock and sand, you can start with dry rock and sand and bottled bacteria, or even a piece of shrimp form the seafood market to cycle your tank. If you can find Fritz Turbostart, that product specifically can cycle a tank in a few days. All other methods typically take about 3 weeks or so.
If you're brand new to reef keeping I like to suggest this guide:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/
As well as this video series:
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/cont...Eew7ul5fNoUL38rEKJSnrjdT-tsHLWqO5fvj5GO5psCK2
Good luck!
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