new and need advice

[hayduke]

About 10 years ago I was really into my 55 gallon community tank, but always wanted a reef. After school and lots of moving around I've finally bought a house and feel that's it's about time that I get myself a reef tank.

Obviously money is my number one issue (houses cost a lot), so going the nano route seems smart. A lot of things have changes in those 10 years so I'm wondering if someone might be able to give me some starting pointers:

1) aside from my local dealer, what is a good online resource for equipment?
2) assuming I get a 5-7 gal tank, what basic components should I consider (light type and wattage, filter, sump, pumps, etc.)?
3) in the end, does anyone have a rough estimate as to how much a complete setup costs w/liverock and sand (I plan to DIY as much as possible)?

Any good newbie FAQ's or guides would also be very welcome. Thanks a bunch.

[dhoffroad]

I would sugest a simple 10 gal throw a coralife 96 watt PC on it maby a diy AC 300 of 500 fuge,power head(s), heater and that should get you going on equip well for a little bit any way. 10 gal tank = $10 (wallmart) light $90-$100, fuge $25-$35,power heads $15-$35,heater =$15.that is just basicl on equip. I am always changing my stuff as I am learning and wanting a better system.for good info I sugest go to nano-reef.com there is all kind of good info there.

[dhoffroad]

oh yea rough guess i prob have $350-$400 into my 10 gal not including coral. and I am currently working on a 10gal sump/fuge set up. hope this dos'nt scare you away form doing this it is something I wish i had done soner.here is a link to my tank
http://http://www.nano-reef.com/foru...threadid=36195

[hayduke]

That's good advice, but whate is a fuge?

[Lotus53]

fuge = refugium, place for pods and other small beings to hide out, good place for mangroves, macro alge, mineral mud, etc. provides additional "natural" filtration for the main tank

[dhoffroad]

also do a lot of looking arround read all you can, get info and don't be affraid to ask questions most forums have beginer question forums ask questions there. remember diffirent corals require diff stuff so get a idea of what you would like to have in your tank and go from there.I have learned allot from just surfin arround forums and checking things out. good luck

[tabwyo]

Yes, the internet is a great resource. I got into tne SW side of the hobby about 5 months ago and I surf net net for info on a daily basis. Do not skimp on the lights, it is the most important piece of equipment you'll have. Second is water circulation. The amount you will need depends on what you wish to keep. As for filtration it is up to you and your whims. I use only the live rock and sand in my nano. Water quality is maintained by weekly water changes. When I get settled in my new home I wish to restart my 29g nano on a 10g sump and a 10g refugium. You can spend a fortune on equipment or you can go a skinny as possible but don't skimp on the lights.

[Lutzracing]

I have a small nano reef up for way less than that. I bought a 12g. JBJ nano cube for $100.00.I also bought 20lbs. of live sand and 9lbs of live rock. I also have a heater and thermometer and test kits. I only have about $200.00 in mine. If you ask me a JBJ nano cube is the way to go.