I’m a Paramedic looking for a mentor! This might be a little long but trying to give as much detail of what I will need assistance with.
Starting first reef tank with a 65G (pictured attached)
1) i do have a sump but after doing further research the one was discontinued for an unknown reason. Because of this and the fear of flooding my house on newbie mistakes, I might go with a canister filter with frequent changes unless I can find a good mentor to either DIY a sump or get the one I have operational. Which is most likely all I need!
2) I have about 90lbs of dry rock available for scaping and just need to pick up sand.
3) I plan on buying a better RODI unit from BRS
Once I decide on my filtration and pick get the RODI, I feel I should be getting close to start my cycle. I was going to just start with a typical clownfish for a few months. I am planning to go with a softie / LPS tank. I figure I would hold off on buying a light for the first few months.
My problem is going to be figuring out what pumps to get, overflows, enough light but keep it at a decent budget. I don’t want to spend thousands within the first month but I know I’ll double that within the first year easily. Willing to buy equipment piece by piece. I know protein skimmers are optional and not needed right away, just like the lights.
So With what I have so far I’m looking for a $500.00 budget to get my cycle going. Then I’ll increase budget once I introduce corals, more fish etc.
Here is my list so far
1) Tank 65G with stand
2) 20G sump (presumed, attempting to relocate the brand/model for easier guided instruction for install) I know I’ll need plumbing supplies and an overhang.
3) 90Lbs of dry rock (how much should I put into tank)
hoping I find someone I could have frequent conversation with as I’m really interested in this hobby.
Starting first reef tank with a 65G (pictured attached)
1) i do have a sump but after doing further research the one was discontinued for an unknown reason. Because of this and the fear of flooding my house on newbie mistakes, I might go with a canister filter with frequent changes unless I can find a good mentor to either DIY a sump or get the one I have operational. Which is most likely all I need!
2) I have about 90lbs of dry rock available for scaping and just need to pick up sand.
3) I plan on buying a better RODI unit from BRS
Once I decide on my filtration and pick get the RODI, I feel I should be getting close to start my cycle. I was going to just start with a typical clownfish for a few months. I am planning to go with a softie / LPS tank. I figure I would hold off on buying a light for the first few months.
My problem is going to be figuring out what pumps to get, overflows, enough light but keep it at a decent budget. I don’t want to spend thousands within the first month but I know I’ll double that within the first year easily. Willing to buy equipment piece by piece. I know protein skimmers are optional and not needed right away, just like the lights.
So With what I have so far I’m looking for a $500.00 budget to get my cycle going. Then I’ll increase budget once I introduce corals, more fish etc.
Here is my list so far
1) Tank 65G with stand
2) 20G sump (presumed, attempting to relocate the brand/model for easier guided instruction for install) I know I’ll need plumbing supplies and an overhang.
3) 90Lbs of dry rock (how much should I put into tank)
hoping I find someone I could have frequent conversation with as I’m really interested in this hobby.