Quote:
Originally Posted by starf1shpr1me
... FYI This kind of thread is exactly what first time reefers are looking for. We spend a lot of time trying to figure out what brands of equipment are good and what retailers are reputable. We are coming into this hobby as total noobs and everything can be overwhelming! If you have experience, I implore you to share your knowledge! I have searched the forums for questions similar to my own, and I would not post if the answers were readily apparent. Any reply you give to my post will do extra service in answering the questions of all who follow me! ...
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I can understand your problem. There are a lot of choices to make, and, regretfully, there is also a lot of bad information out there. However, it is often not possible to give a hard, firm answer to every question. This is a hobby where there are may correct ways to get "from point a to point b". Some methods are better than others. Some methods only work when done with absolute precision. Still others only work well when use in combination with another method.
While it is quite possible to give advice on equipment, set up, livestock and so on, the key element is that the person receiving the advice needs to understand why something is done. Failure to understand the why behind the advice often results in a tank of very dead livestock.
Usually when some one new posts, the very first thing I tell them is to get several good books on state of the art reef systems, and then read and understand the material. This gives you the basics needed to make reasonably correct choices in equipment and livestock.
The next most important thing to figure out is what do you want to keep in your reff system? This will determine a lot of other choices you make. Keep in mind that "a little bit of everything" really is no plan at all.
As of now, you have the tank, and that is a very good choice in size for a first reef. Before you get anything else, give some thought as to what you intend to keep. This will govern the choices you make for lighting, filtration, and other equipment.
Just to give you and idea. The lighting system you are interested in should be excellent if you want to keep SPS corals. However, it's gross over kill if you want to keep soft corals, and not needed at all if your goal is keeping mostly fish.
Another example, you want a 2-3 inch layer of live sand. This may be ok, but it depends upon what's being kept. Reef systems can be kept with anything from no sandbed to a deep sandbed of 4 inches or more. My personal preference is either a deep sand bed of 4 inches or just enough sand to cover the bottom.
A couple of final points. Always purchase top quality equipment. You need not get the most expensive thing out there, but do make sure it's going to last. Quality will cost more to start with, but pays for itself long term.
Lastly, take your time, and don't try to rush things. The great looking tanks you see are the result of maintaining a stable system for years. As we sometimes say, nothing good ever happens quickly in a reef system.