I have two tanks and my frag tank would be a good example of must have equipment for me vs luxuries. So on it I have a lot of used equipment but it’s still nice and functioning. So here’s the list of must haves:
1. Herbie drain with gate valve on overflow.
2. Vortech (old white control box mp 10 from circa 2010 on my frag tank.)
3. Name brand established lighting. Kessil on my frag tank is from my display after lighting upgrade. I also have other used Kessils I need to sell or just save
4. Tunze ato, just buy and be done with it. I splurged for the newer nano 3 and it’s been awesome.
5. Sump, I have a very old simple acrylic sump on my frag tank.
6. Efficient name brand skimmer. Tunze 9004 on the frag tank has been hanging around since 2017.
7. Switchable outlets. This is a must have. Also must have an open outlet with switch to utilize utility pump as needed.
8. Simple dosing- I love the simplicity of Tropic Marin AFR and dosing diluted kalk in my ato.
9. Tropic Marin salt. It works great. My systems are small so no need to compromise.
10. New must have unlocked… now that I’ve had a controller on the main display… I’m definitely going to eventually cave on the frag tank. I have the hydrosx4 xp8 combo on the display. I’ll likely spring for the launch for the frag tank. The peace of mind the controller gives me on holiday or at work really helps my anxiety about the tanks. I also plan to add some cameras in the near future.
Cool think 10 is enough… I’ve gotten boogie apparently. Must have a controller…
That’s why we can’t have nice things at my house bc then it becomes a “must have.”
I don’t really care about certain fish in tanks but I do believe larger tang species need to be planned for… powder blue, dussumieri, naso, unicorn, etc.
I will never own a reef and a modified 4x4. Love both hobbies but can’t afford both at this time!
I think alkalinity, phosphate, and nitrate should be tested at least weekly.
I’m not one to discourage people from trying challenging things. I think this hobby creates a lot of fear and false borders for people. I’m not saying to not do your research, but I think we try to gate-keep certain species or progress. I also think some people are built for success in this hobby and other’s are not. Lots of people trying hard things that are above their head get weeded out and were probably not meant for this hobby to begin with.
), and it got me thinking... What are your reefing "non-negotiables"... Those few things that you believe to your core, and you will never compromise on. For example:
