What Equpiment

[nathan01]

hi what would i need for a setup of a new marine aquarium,apart form the tank obviously,like would i need extra filters pumps etc.
thanks

 

[Chac]

For a start lots of Research

Tank
Refractometer or Hydrometer
Test Kits (Ammonia, Nitrate, Nirtite, pH, Phos- Salifert are generally considered the best)
Thermometer (Digital are better)
Skimmer
Powerheads/Streams (20x tank volume)
Lighting (Dependant on what coral species you keep)
Liverock
RO Water/Unit (DO NOT USE TAP WATER)
Mixture of Foods
Books
Nets
Salt
5g RO Containers
Water Change Equipment (Buckets, Hose, Spare Powerhead & Heater)
& a lot more Research

I am sure I will think of more items

 

[nathan01]

ok thanks what exaclty does R.O mean or what is it.And how long would it take before i can add fish 2 my tank, i have moticed people walking out of my lfs with large containers of water is this ready made slat water.Is a skimmer really neccesary.I am geting pelnty of research now i wont be getting the tank until early next year.and what is a RO unit
Thank you

 

[Chac]

RO - Reverse Osmosis Water

You can either buy a unit & hook up to your Tap or buy from your LFS

Skimmers are one of the most important factors of a Reef

As for adding livestock this should only be done when your tank reading are correct & you know enough to keep the livestock healthy

 

[Chac]

Forgot to say - Have a lookie on Fleabay for Skimmers but IMO I would stay clear of Seaclones & Prizms - but Defo go for Deltec or Aquamedics

Also I have seen some good deals for Seios powerheads there as well

Ebay Deltec MCE 600

Ebay Deltec MCE600 2

 

[nathan01]

Does the RO unit do the filter job or would i need to get an external filter aswell

 

[Chac]

An RO unit is nothing to do with tank filtration basically it purifies Tap Water

An external filter is an option but not really a necessity for a Mairne setup, you can use it to house live rock rubble or phosphate remover etc

TFF RO Sponser

 

[Ter]

perhaps you should start with fresh?

 

[Chac]

tut tut - no need for that



Better asked now rather than what some people do & ask after the point

I was once asked if Table Salt could be used in a reef

 

[nathan01]

LOL i have got a freshwater tank now i just wana be sure of what to do with marine because i know that it can cost a lot if things go wrong