Semi new reefer looking for feedback

bradydavis67 · Feb 21, 2025

Whatsup guys. Semi new to saltwater. I’ve had a salt fish only tank and quite a few freshwater planted tanks, but haven’t had a tank in a few yrs so might be a lil rusty, but I’ve been doing a lot of reading. Tank has been up and running for about 3 days now. Doing a fish less cycle with some grocery store shrimp. And have dosed it twice with bacteria.

So here’s what I’m working with so far and looking for some feedback.

75 gal tank
Penguin HOB filter temporarily till I can build a sump or buy a canister

2 circulation fans. One rated for 75 gal and one rated for 55 gal

Salinity is just a tad high but not bad.
1.5ppm ammonia
No sign of nitrites yet
80 lbs dry sand and dry rock
Heater set at 78-79

Went to the LFS and got a few empty snail shells with some corralline algae on them to seed the tank. Got some purple up ready to go once the cycle is finished.

Plan on not running lights for about two months or maybe turn them on after the cycle and drop in a tang and a lawnmower blenny.

Suggestions on good lighting that won’t break the bank? Extra points for ones that simulate dusk and dawn. Plan on starting with softies, but also getting stonys later on down the road

Thanks for the help!