Very new to the game

[reefhunter]

Hello everyone. I am just starting from scratch on this. I am brand spanking new to this hobby. I grew up around the ocean and love everything about it. I am finally able to start my own up. I just bought my 75g tank and now need to get everything else. I plan on doing a mix reef system of some sort. I was also reading alot about the wet/dry filteration systems. But now I am totally lost from all the info. Can someone please break down the simple process on setting up a reef sytem. What exactly do i need from the get go and what is nice to have but not needed type deal things. I plan on going to Aquarium designs and Alamo Acquatics this afternoon to start getting some things and just need a little direction on what to look for or not to fall for. Thanks in advance for responses.

[alton]

A year of patience and money. If you go with a wet/dry system turn part of into a refugium or attach a refugium to it. In your wet/dry you can use bio balls or live rock. I use bio balls in one tank and live rock in the other. Pan world makes the best return pumps. I think most local stores sell Coral life which I believe is a Pan World painted red? Before you purchase anything read, read, and read some more. Remember live rock can be light and can weigh like concrete, so price per pd is not always what it seems.

[Jeff]

you do not these items but they make things a LOT easier, skimmer,ro/di, sump,sump- refugium combo,test kits, minimum of 2 powerheads. you will hear many things like you have to get this or that but the only thing you truly need is patients. add things slowly and you can achieve great results. keep it simple and you will have less problems later.

[coraline79]

Whatever you buy, remember that you are learning this hobby, and buyingthe most expensive items might be the right move yet. Sooner than later you will, a) determine where the hobby is for you, and b) find you might not want to use some of the products that other people do to sustain your system. When I started out about 2 years ago I bought a used tank, a PC light and a traditional filter and a hang on the back protien skimmer. My total investment on dry goods was right at 200 bucks. I did it that way to make sure I liked what I was doing.

As far as starting you 75 out I would go with a simple 3 chamber sump/ refugium combo, and return in the middle. As a return pump you could go with about 700gph according to Melev's Reef's Mark Levinson. I would get a insump prtien skimmer from Aquarium Designs. They have a PM skimmer for about 100-125 that would work perfect for you.

If you don't have the money for a custom acrylic sump, get a submersible pump and a dinged up old 30 gallon tank off of this forum or Craigslist. Then you can get some glass for baffles.

For lighting, go for what you can afford, but try to go T5ho or Metal Halide

Unless you are buying a highpriced wavemaker, 2 Koralia 3's will do get things moving. Be sure when you are plumbing to use spaflex PVC or flexible hose lines, black or clear from HD/Lowes.

Oh, RO/DI unit is a must unless you like driving to the fish store every 2 days for top off water.

[aquasport24]

Welcome to MAAST...is your tank reef ready or drill? if not it would be a good idea to that first . If you can't drill it by youself then someone here will do it for a reasonable price. You also will find alot of good deal in the Forsale forum.

[mozartkt]

Best of luck to you and welcome - check the forums for great stuff!

[sharkboy]

I agree with most around here regarding taking it slow....buying used quality stuff is probably the way to go...get more bang for you buck!!! in my opinion, along with a protein skimmer......doing frequent water changes is probably the single most important thing to sustaining a reef tank!

[texmex]

Welcome to MAAST...is your tank reef ready or drill? if not it would be a good idea to that first . If you can't drill it by youself then someone here will do it for a reasonable price. You also will find alot of good deal in the Forsale forum.

I agree with this drill it if its not already. Also make sure you get sufficient lighting for whatever you plan on keeping.RO/DI another must. Good luck and remember that if there is anything that you are unsure of you can always ask sombody on here. Welcome

[Kristy]

Go on the tank tours later this month if you can, take notes on the stuff that you like so you can get a clearer idea of what you are trying to achieve. Ask questions. I still learn something new with just about every tank I see by asking "why did you attach it this way?" or similar question.

Our biggest rookie mistake was spending good money on brand new PC lights. Once you've got a better idea of just what you are looking for, you can keep an eye on the for sale forums here and look for some good deals. People put great quality lighting systems up for sale here every day and they are much cheaper than a new system. Might need some bulbs replaced, but still a much better deal.

Patience x 10.

[reefhunter]

Thanks for everyone who responded back so far. As far as my tank drilled or not? It is not and it is tempard as well, which I have been told you can not drill those unfortunely.
When is the next tank tour?