Starting my first Saltwater

[Defect808]

First off, I would like to say hello to everyone, there are a lot of you here . Im going to be starting up my first saltwater tank in about a week. I need some advice on what I would need for the tank to be the best I can make it. Its going to be a 47 gallon reef tank 30x18x23 if i remember correctly. I know im going to need about 50 lbs of live rock, and 50 lbs of live sand. I know i need a sump/fuge, dont know how to set that up or how big it needs to be, I know i need lighting, but do i need the lighting right away? I wanna get Mh lights, but is it ok to not have them while it is cycling? I know I also need a skimmer of some sort if someone could point me in the direction of a good skimmer. If any1 could tell me what else i would need, I need a pump of some sort to pump the water from the fuge back into the tank right? Im tottaly new to this . If any1 could help me get this start I would greatly appriciate it.

Thank you

[Leverage Lad]

Welcome to TRT and I don't think you need the lights yet. Pretty sure most will agree with me. Just ask questions and those on here that have been keeping saltwater aquariums for a long time will be more than glad to help. PatiencePatience, Patience, Patience, Patience…. Oh and one more thing Patience.

[Defect808]

Thank for my first reply =). Did you set-up your tank yourself or did someone help you out the first time? I guess what im really wanting is someone to list all the things I would need to start the tank up, and have everything optimal for the fish.

[dobejazz]

Welcome to TRT !
Have you purchased anything yet?
If not I would start with the tank and plumbing then add the sand and rock once that is all set
I would also purchase a RO/DI unit at this stage it is more important than lights

[Defect808]

I have about $1000 to spend right off the bat, so Tanks usually run about 300, for a 47 acrylic? Plumbing includes what....I have no idea the plumbing part is the part that im scared of messing up . How much is a RO/DI unit?

[YLChik]

as one whoh just set up myself here is what I offer:
Buy the dodads first
skimmer - the best you can
ro/di - it iwill pay you back very shortly after you buy it and water quality is too important in this hobby
do your research on sand beds and sumps and the like
DO NOT START UNTIL YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
I thought I had all my info when I started even after lots of research adn lurking and would already have done things differently
For me I would have been best NOT to buy live stock until I had all the other "stuff" who wants to buy a ri/do system when I can put fish in the tank... you see the dilema here ... unless you have unlimited funds... then go for it
WElcome adn good for you for asking questions!

[Defect808]

How much did it cost you to start up a tank and what size did you get YLchik, And thanks for all the help so far guys =)

[Twitterbait]

Welcome to TRT! here is another thread that may help with some of your questions.

http://thereeftank.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81931

[Defect808]

Heh, thanks I read that thread already, but you just posted that new stuff in there. =)

[Defect808]

I have $300 for tank?
$200 for skimmer
$200 for LR,LS
$200 for ro/di unit
What else do I need right away?

[zxcv123]

I dont like refugiums, better bet to use a 20 gallon glasss tank or so as a sump where you can put your heater, skimmer, test probes, drips, etc.

Are you planning on using a hang on U tube or drilling your tank to get plumbing to the sump.
I do not reccommend U tube, han on style overflows.

[zxcv123]

yes you need a pump to put inside the sump that will push water back u p to the tank.

[david mash]

Originally Posted by zxcv123

I dont like refugiums, better bet to use a 20 gallon glasss tank or so as a sump where you can put your heater, skimmer, test probes, drips, etc.

Are you planning on using a hang on U tube or drilling your tank to get plumbing to the sump.
I do not reccommend U tube, han on style overflows.

Whats wrong with hang on over flows. I was planning aon a glass 75gal with a over flow on the back. Seems like having a built in bulkhead for a over flow would be a PIA and expensive.

Thanks

[theplatypus]

Originally Posted by david mash

Whats wrong with hang on over flows. I was planning aon a glass 75gal with a over flow on the back. Seems like having a built in bulkhead for a over flow would be a PIA and expensive.

Thanks

The HOB overflows have a tendancy to lose siphon and cause floods. You should be able to find a good used reef ready tank for well under $300. Check to see if there are any reef clubs in your area. There are always great deals to be found if you look hard enough. The best way to get live rock is from someone breaking down a tank. You should be able to get close to 100lbs for your $200 as opposed to $6-8 per lb from the LFS. You can use an old tank or a rubbermaid tub for a sump/ This should set you back $20-$30. Grab a mag pump for the sump return another $60 or so. I like closed loop systems for water movement so a good external pump is in order here(around $200). Lighting is dependant on what you want to keep. Personally I would go with a used fixture here as well. Lights could run you several hundred or $100. It really depends on what you're trying to keep. Salt mix and test kits another $100. An ro/di unit can be found used for $100 or less. Just replace the filter membranes for $10-20 and your good as new.

[zxcv123]

Have you experience with hang on overflows? They are a nightmare. The collect air and slow down flow becuase it relys on syphonage, so if that syphon breaks then your tank will overflow. They sometimes losse syphon in poweroutages. You need a strong return pump to push bubbles through. They are horrible.

Who said haveing a bulk head built in is expensive? I have a 29 gallon glasss tank that I am working on. To drill the 1" hole My LFS charges 15.00. 6.00 for a bulkhead, all you got to do is grate the intake with gutter guard.
for my tank, to install a 1" overflow hole it would cost about 30.00. (not including the price of the tank itself or the drainline, which you have to by even with a HOT overeflwwo