Supply List

Double D · 08/02/2010, 11:30 AM

Alright, this will be my first actual post (I introduced my self in the Introduction Thread). I am just getting started and I wanted to ask a few questions about the basics. I plan on starting with either a 40 gallon or 55 gallon tank. What else to I need? Just from my reading, I'm thinking a sump (what size tank?), a skimmer (do I need one for a fish-only tank of this size?), a filtration system (I would like to use live rock)

Would somebody just list the things I need to buy to get started with this size tank? That would be easier probably. I want to start with fish only, but would like the ability to add rock later. If someone could make me a shopping list, that would be great. Thanks and have a nice day!

shifty51008 · 08/02/2010, 11:42 AM

To Reef Central
for a fish only tank:
test kits, amonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH
refractometer
heater
salt
I would start out with live rock from the beginning as that will be your filtration.
sand
rodi (not nessacary for fish only but would be great)
sump (as big as you can fit in the stand)
skimmer (don't need one as long as you keep up with water changes, but great to have later down the road)
auto top off (not needed but makes things easier)
power heads for water movement
return pump
overflow
lights

LeGaCYWinZ · 08/02/2010, 11:53 AM

Agreeing with what shifty said, you should really consider starting out with LR as it is much easier than adding it after the tank is established and will provide most all of the filtration you need for a FOWLR tank.

A sump is a great idea, go as big as your stand allows/your budget allows. You don't necessarily need a skimmer for a FOWLR, but it would be a good addition anyways if you ever decide to go reef(which you will!)

Other than that:
RO/DI unit
Return Pump
Powerheads
Heater
Test kits for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph
Refractometer/hydrometer
Lights - the normal strip light that comes with the tank will be fine for a FOWLR
overflow box
substrate
salt

Hope this helps.

Double D · 08/02/2010, 02:05 PM

Thanks alot. This will give me a good starting point. I've been reading around and understand the basics, but there is so much to know and it is hard to keep straight. I'll use this as a starting point and continue my research before asking anymore rookie questions lol. I have started looking more at the sump. It seems like it has alot of benefits, but could I have a good tank without one (but with everything else on the list)? I'm probably gonna get one anyways, but just wondering.

Thanks alot for ya'lls help.

MCary · 08/02/2010, 03:40 PM

If I may suggest, if you are thinking of a 55 gallon tank, the dimensions are 48"x12"x20" or something like that. A 75 is 48x18x20, an 80 is an inch taller and a 90 is 3 inches taller. The cost difference in minimal, the footprint difference in minimal, and they all use basically the same equipment. 48 inch lights, same sumps, same pump basically. Sooooooo, why not get the bigger tank?

Aquascaping is easier in a wider tank.
More water volume makes the water more stable and less prone to sudden changes.
There is more room for equipment in the stand.

When you buy your starter stuff, get the best you can afford, something that will expand with you. Everything will cost more money if your buy it twice.

In other words, don't buy equipment that doesn't work or cannot be used later if you decide on full blown reef and has to be thrown away if there is any possible option to avoid it.

08/02/2010, 11:30 AM	#1
Double D Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 3	Supply List Alright, this will be my first actual post (I introduced my self in the Introduction Thread). I am just getting started and I wanted to ask a few questions about the basics. I plan on starting with either a 40 gallon or 55 gallon tank. What else to I need? Just from my reading, I'm thinking a sump (what size tank?), a skimmer (do I need one for a fish-only tank of this size?), a filtration system (I would like to use live rock) Would somebody just list the things I need to buy to get started with this size tank? That would be easier probably. I want to start with fish only, but would like the ability to add rock later. If someone could make me a shopping list, that would be great. Thanks and have a nice day!

08/02/2010, 11:53 AM	#3
LeGaCYWinZ Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Canton, OH Posts: 151	Agreeing with what shifty said, you should really consider starting out with LR as it is much easier than adding it after the tank is established and will provide most all of the filtration you need for a FOWLR tank. A sump is a great idea, go as big as your stand allows/your budget allows. You don't necessarily need a skimmer for a FOWLR, but it would be a good addition anyways if you ever decide to go reef(which you will!) Other than that: RO/DI unit Return Pump Powerheads Heater Test kits for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph Refractometer/hydrometer Lights - the normal strip light that comes with the tank will be fine for a FOWLR overflow box substrate salt Hope this helps. __________________ "To try to please people is an endless chasing of one's own tail. That's not very satisfying, so we do what we like and that satisfies us. When it does work out, its a bonus, really." ~ Wayne Coyne Current Tank Info: 29g, 20L sump/fuge, 175w MH, E-shopps PSK - 75 skimmer, SEN500 return pump

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08/02/2010, 11:42 AM	#2
shifty51008 12-5 Chiefs record Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 10,134	*To Reef Central* for a fish only tank: test kits, amonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH refractometer heater salt I would start out with live rock from the beginning as that will be your filtration. sand rodi (not nessacary for fish only but would be great) sump (as big as you can fit in the stand) skimmer (don't need one as long as you keep up with water changes, but great to have later down the road) auto top off (not needed but makes things easier) power heads for water movement return pump overflow lights

08/02/2010, 02:05 PM	#4
Double D Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 3	Thanks alot. This will give me a good starting point. I've been reading around and understand the basics, but there is so much to know and it is hard to keep straight. I'll use this as a starting point and continue my research before asking anymore rookie questions lol. I have started looking more at the sump. It seems like it has alot of benefits, but could I have a good tank without one (but with everything else on the list)? I'm probably gonna get one anyways, but just wondering. Thanks alot for ya'lls help.

08/02/2010, 03:40 PM	#5
MCary Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hardin, Montana Posts: 3,142	If I may suggest, if you are thinking of a 55 gallon tank, the dimensions are 48"x12"x20" or something like that. A 75 is 48x18x20, an 80 is an inch taller and a 90 is 3 inches taller. The cost difference in minimal, the footprint difference in minimal, and they all use basically the same equipment. 48 inch lights, same sumps, same pump basically. Sooooooo, why not get the bigger tank? Aquascaping is easier in a wider tank. More water volume makes the water more stable and less prone to sudden changes. There is more room for equipment in the stand. When you buy your starter stuff, get the best you can afford, something that will expand with you. Everything will cost more money if your buy it twice. In other words, don't buy equipment that doesn't work or cannot be used later if you decide on full blown reef and has to be thrown away if there is any possible option to avoid it.