Good afternoon! I am new to saltwater and eager to get started. I always enjoyed my cichlid tanks but after moving into a split level home I got tired of the seperation and terrible layout. I had intentions of starting a saltwater aquarium but ended up having to sell off the equipment before I got it running. Fast forward 5 years and we have a much more ideal home layout so I took "the dive".
After speaking with the nice folks at Southwest Reef and watching many reviews along with reading many threads and articles, I settled on a Redsea Max Nano XL G2. I was looking for something larger initially but I think I will be fine with the smaller tank as a starter so long as my attention to detail plan pans out! I also purchased the necessary startup items such as Aquatop Titanium heater, AI Nero 3 pump, Redsea Nanomat, Fritz RPM salt, API salt water test kit, a few Salifert test kits, refractometer, some CS Liferock and Prime/Stability for startup.
I couldn't wait to get everything home and get started! Unfortunatly, the nearest LFS is over an hour away so I found a local spot to get ro/di water. I was able to grab a Norwesco storage tank from a local store to transport enough water and now I have the tank up and running! Temp is stable at 78F and salinity is sitting at 35ppm. Hoping to see some ammonia in the next few days but only time will tell!
While I wait on the tank to cycle, I have ordered an RO/DI setup for the house along with the 3 in 1 ReefATO setup. I'm hoping to get the water conditioner plumbed in and setup along with the ATO this weekend.
I am greatful to have found this community and the amazing amount of knowledge that it contains. I look forward to learning, sharing and growing with all of you!
Cheers,
Aaron
After speaking with the nice folks at Southwest Reef and watching many reviews along with reading many threads and articles, I settled on a Redsea Max Nano XL G2. I was looking for something larger initially but I think I will be fine with the smaller tank as a starter so long as my attention to detail plan pans out! I also purchased the necessary startup items such as Aquatop Titanium heater, AI Nero 3 pump, Redsea Nanomat, Fritz RPM salt, API salt water test kit, a few Salifert test kits, refractometer, some CS Liferock and Prime/Stability for startup.
I couldn't wait to get everything home and get started! Unfortunatly, the nearest LFS is over an hour away so I found a local spot to get ro/di water. I was able to grab a Norwesco storage tank from a local store to transport enough water and now I have the tank up and running! Temp is stable at 78F and salinity is sitting at 35ppm. Hoping to see some ammonia in the next few days but only time will tell!
While I wait on the tank to cycle, I have ordered an RO/DI setup for the house along with the 3 in 1 ReefATO setup. I'm hoping to get the water conditioner plumbed in and setup along with the ATO this weekend.
I am greatful to have found this community and the amazing amount of knowledge that it contains. I look forward to learning, sharing and growing with all of you!
Cheers,
Aaron
