Reefer Newbie

[rjknoch]

Reefer newbie looking to setup my first tank. I've had plenty of fresh water setups over the years but I think I'm ready to make the leap. Initially I was looking at Redsea as the LFS was pushing them pretty hard, but I've steered clear and have my eyes set on a UNS R150. I'm at the early stages of gathering information, so any pointers are welcome. I see there are so many more pieces to the saltwater systems that its almost overwhelming at times as to what is needed or just an accessory. I'm also located in the Las Vegas greater area and haven't found a good local option, so things will probably be ordered online.

Anyways, I'm grateful to be here and hope to learn alot. Cant wait to get my reef up and running.

-rjknoch

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Good idea to get something other than a Red Sea tank right now, I think you'll like the UNS R150.

Any particular questions about any of the equipment you're considering, or questioning whether or not it's needed?

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome, glad you are here!

 

[get-salty]

Howdy and welcome!

Stay clear from RS if you're planning on having a reef tank for more than a couple of years.

 

[exnisstech]

Redsea as the LFS was pushing them pretty hard, but I've steered clear and have my eyes set on a UNS R150.

This could be the most important correct decision you'll make.
Welcome aboard. I'm an ex freshwater guy moved to salt about 10 years ago. One thing I've found out is things can be as simple or as complicated as a person chooses to make it. I like simple so I run simple systems. There's also many different pathes to success. There's no cookie cutter plan, every tank is different and what works for one does not always work for all.

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef and to saltwater tanks!

#WelcometoR2R

R2R member @Troylee is in your area and he runs a maintenance business, maybe he can help you if you need it, or possibly let you know of any good local shops.

If you're brand new to saltwater tanks, I like to suggest this guide and video series as a good way to learn more:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/cont...34yhTzDRFXoYKcmXDWg-1NS9EUUDzVxq4dnpumD7nytRH

Good luck!

 

[Troylee]

Welcome! Yes I’m a Vegas native and have a maintenance business and a local store opening soon! If you have any questions feel free to hit me up!

 

[Mid_Reefkeeper]

i would start with just what’s needed. There is a lot of equipment and things out there but a lot can be put off and not worried about initially. Skimmers and dosing pumps fall into this category for example. Until you have enough livestock you have nothing for them to do.

Things that fall into the needed equipment categories (this is probably not all inclusive) are heater, pump for water movement, a refractometer, and a few test kits (usually a basic ammonia kit, nitrate and phosphate. All, Ca and Mg could wait until you have a couple of corals taking them in. Nitrite isn’t needed for SW).

RO/DI system I also put into the strongly encouraged range for any decent sized tank like you have. You’re going to need enough water that it isn’t practical to carry it around from a shop.

A heater controller is also a good idea as heaters fail a lot and the backup is very helpful. Lights are needed once you get corals. An ATO is really nice to have as well.

So you can take your time and expand what you have as it becomes needed. You don’t have to have the perfect answer day 1 and can slowly build up to it as you get experience and the need.