So what next?

[E-rock]

I got the framing built on the stand and the pluming is run. I didn't glue it together yet. And I still need to put my baffles in. Obviously I want to finish the stand asap so I can get it into the right room. But I was wondering what you guys thought I should with my next pay check? I still need skimmer, rodi, lighting, etc.

 

[carey]

If I had a choice I would vote for the ro/di and a refractometer. About $100 total. The lighting will be a big expense so you might wanna start saving for it.

How big is your tank? Are you intending on corals and if so when?

 

[E-rock]

Well I have had salt water before so I do have some of testing stuff. I am not entirely sure what kind of livestock I wanna do yet and that will determine if I go reef or not. It's a 90 gallon... Whoops I forgot to post the pics. But if I do go reef it won't be for at least a few months. But where could I find an rodi unit for $100

 

[E-rock]

There we go. I plan on do a dsb on the right and the skimmer in between the pump and intake

 

[carey]

This is the one I and many others use
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

It;s only $69 free shipping too. The thing I like about it is it's portable so you can hook it up to your garden hose or faucet, make the amount you need and then stow it away til next time.

I have the $30 refractometer which I have found invaluable, not sure if you still have one or not.

 

[E-rock]

Perfect. That's a big help. Are there all the replaceable filters and what not availible for it. Have you had any luck other eBay items?? Powerheads lighting things like that? I do have a hydrometer would like get a better one though

 

[carey]

The company on ebay for the ro/di units sells replacement filters for each of their units. They run from $19 up to $34 I think. A tds meter for like $15 willt ell you when you have to replace your filters. the website says the time frame you get from each filter cartridge.

I bought this refractometer and it has proven to be very accurate and I've seen the same model on websites for $50.

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

I've bought things here and there on ebay, just be sure to use a credit card in case of a shady seller. i havent been out any money in years. depedningon what you are looking for I can probably find a online store for it so just ask. I spend hours each day browsing and researching as I have 9 tanks now.

 

[E-rock]

Well you certainly know what your doing. It helps alot. But what do you use for salt mix?

 

[carey]

When I started I used regular instant ocean. Since I have a lot of corals now I use instant ocean reef crystals. Everyone has their own favorites, so the best advice is to start simple and maybe try other kinds til you find the one you like. I buy in 200g boxes as it's only $47 adn it gives you enough time to determine if you like it or not.

 

[E-rock]

Sounds good. Any recommendations on a good skimmer that's not $500? Thanks again

 

[carey]

Octopus skimmers come very highly rated and arent $500 for the regular ones. check out this. Has most models and even has the footprint of it so you can be sure it fits.

Protein Skimmer, Protein Skimmers, Aquarium Marine Reef Foam Fractionators

 

[E-rock]

Awesome I just ordered the rodi filter. And I think I decided on the reef octopus 6" skimmer. Now I just need to decide what I wanna do for rock. Any recommendations? I was most gonna go with dry rock of some sort then seed with live rock?

 

[Kio707]

reefcleaners.org

 

[E-rock]

How does this rock compare to bulk reef supply rock?

 

[Kio707]

I have pics of it on my profile, when I 1st got it till now. I love it. Awesome color, porous, and plenty of places for fish, inverts to hide and move around. Plus easy to put frags on. It's more rock for ur buck too.

 

[carey]

You can;t beat reefcleaners rock for quality or price. My highest recommendation

 

[E-rock]

How much rock is in that tank kio. Tanks again

 

[Kio707]

I got 15 from reefcleaners... It was a lot... Lol... Rest is Fiji from lfs, adds up to about 80-90lbs... So total of 105 or so...

 

[E-rock]

Do I need my skimmer day 1 or can I start cycling without it?

 

[carey]

You can start without it, it will take a few weeks to break in anyways.