About to buy my tank equipment and substrate, couple questions.

[exodus]

So I work at my LFS. I'm good friends with my manager who also has a 110 discus tank and 30 nano reef, so he's been rather helpful. I get a super sweet discount so I'm trying to do things right the first time. I'm going to be starting up my first reef tank after mastering my 55 freshwater planted tank. Not to mention freshwater is getting boring.

I plan on doing a 40 breeder with 20L sump, built in fuge too. I already have the tanks, built the stand, and bought a skimmer. I'm working on a DIY hood with a 250MH warehouse light that I'm retrofitting to the hood. Is this too much light?

Today I priced my equipment and I'm wondering about a few things. Here's the list-

aquaclear 50g powerhead x2 - $23.05/ea
Mag7 - $56.96 (Do I really need a Mag7? The Mag5 is only $3 less though..)
CaribSea White Marine Sand, 20lb x2 - $11.34/ea
Live Seawater, 4.4g - $10.19/ea
Oceanic Salt, 90g mix - $21.79/ea
Jager 250w heater - $20.35/ea
CaribSea Live Aragonite Sand 20lb x2 - $14.45/ea


Total for all that is $219.39 including tax.

Now, I'm really wondering if its worth it for the live ocean water and the live sand. Should I even bother with it? I plan on starting the tank on tap (well) water and buying an RO unit before I put anything in the tank. Just can't afford an RO unit this paycheck

Also on the list for the future:
Turbo Twist 6x UV Sterilizer 18w - $122.06
Reef Lab - $21.74
60lbs live rock @ $4.25/lb - $255 (Is this a deal, or should I look online for the live rock?)


And one more thing.. I was thinking about going with a CPR overflow box, but they're kinda pricey (store can't get them), is it worth the money for the CPR or is there a cheaper yet just as effective alternative?

Any help would be great, I tried posting this several times over at aquariumadvice and have yet to recieve a response.

Thanks!

[jenajet]

I myself have just a aquapod so I cant help much with your setup but wanted to say Welcome to TRT!

[dobejazz]

Welcome to TRT!
I would pass on the live water and sand and get the RO/DI unit first the heater could probably wait as well but RO/DI up front will save you many hassles later.

[exodus]

Anyone else?

[Loverotties]

Welcome to TRT!Well the sand and sea water would speed the cycle up,but you'll hert eveything with tap water,so I agree with Kelly!Get the RO/DI unit instead.

[whatevva]

Welcome to TRT!!

I think I'd pass on the live sand, too, if money is an issue. I'd be looking at an RO/DI unit RIGHT AWAY, certainly before the UV. I'm not sure as to what you meant when you said "warehouse light" but I think if it was that easy we'd all be doing it . Someone more fluent in lighting will chime in. I'm also not too crazy about Oceanic salt because of the very low Alk. Me personally, I'd be looking at a salt designed for reefs so that you can avoid all the additives. Two smaller heaters are always better than a single in case of failure, and a heating controller is always a good thought. Also, try and start out with Salifert test kits, because you'll end up with them anyway. Good Luck!! It's a lot of work, but a lot of fun!

[partobe]

Welcome to trt. I made the mistake of using tap water and am now trying to find a ro unit. So like th folks said buy the ro unit now if you can. Also unlike freashwater you have to go really slow with saltwater.

[Hardhead Cat]

Welcome to TRT - I agree, the RO/DI unit has been BY FAR the best investment in my reef tanks' health. I would get one of those before anything else - - use only one or two bags of live sand to seed the rest, and then buy "dead" play sand for the rest of the sand bed. It will seed from the live sand in no time. Same with the live ocean water, I wouldn't waste money on that, only on the RO unit.

I use Kent Marine reef salt, works well for me.

Best of luck!
HHC

[zxcv123]

use Ro/ Di water to fill up the tank and mix it with tropic marine pro, instant ocean, or reef crystals. Oceanic salt is garbage.

If there is nothing in the tank yet, have it drilled for an internal overflow. overflow boxes like the CPR or any tube overflow can be dangerous if not set up correctly.

Live rock is a must. it should not be on your future list. You should put all of the live rock in about a week after you have saltwater and sand in the tank. It will cycle the tank. 4.25/ lb is a great deal, My LFS sells it for 8.oo/lb

[skeety]

All great advice so far. In agreement.

RO/DI unit is a must, as is the Live rock.

Adding it later will, as mentioned, kick off a new cycle...which more than likely will devistate everything in the tank.

Welcome aboard, and keep the questions coming! These guys are steering you in the right direction!