Need tips

[Anthonyjensen]

I have had freshwater tank for about a year now. We just bought another 75 gallon tank and rena filstar xp3 going to make the tank a reef tank have no idea of what kind of media to put in read so many different things going to also have an eshopps hang on back protien skimmer a refractometer an ato system. I know I need to check for salinity and ph what else do I need to check for and what instruments do I use to check them what minerals do I need to add I plan on using strictly distilled water I know I'll need reef crystals just need some tips I want an amazing reef tank and don't have money to have tank drilled and sump system and already bought the filstar

[Rybren]

I don't want to sound like a jerk, but my number 1 tip is to stop spending money now and do a heck of a lot more reading before you go any further.

The New to the Hobby forum is a great place to start reading, especially with this thread.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1031074

If you can, return the filstar and get your money back. You don't need it. It can be used to house some rock rubble or maybe some GAC or GFO later down the road, but IMHO, you don't want it full of filter material.

If you can't afford a sump right now, I'd consider buying a glass bit off of ebay and drill the tank now. Put in some bulkheads and cap them off. Then when you can afford a sump later on, it will already be drilled. For a sump, you could take advantage of Petco's $1/gallon sale or you could pick up a used tank for $20 or so. Drilling is easy and there's no need to pay someone to do it for you.

Rather than distilled water, you want to use RO/DI water. You don't know what you're getting with store bought distilled water. Just because it is safe for human consumption, that doesn't mean that it is safe for your aquarium.

You certainly don't NEED Reef Crystals. Many reefers, myself included, use plain old Instant Ocean. There are many brands of salt out there. Again, IMHO, you don't need any particular one to have a successful tank.

I really don't want to discourage you, but please do yourself a favor and keep reading before spending any more money that you don't need to spend.

Good luck and keep asking lots of questions.

[Anthonyjensen]

Alright I have a sump picked out is there anyway to hook it up with out drilling the tank?

[WiDataTech]

Short answer is yes, you could use a hang on overflow, but there is more risk involved.
You'll find many folks here happy to help ya out. But Rybren is 100% right. You have alot of research ahead of you if you're serious about this. Do ALOT of reading. Then ask your questions,(which will be much better questions because you'll have a clue as to what you're talking about) THEN spend your money. Otherwise you wallet and tank will suffer.

[csb123]

Check out the 52 weeks of reefing video series at bulkreefsupply.com

[Bpb]

☝️+1...take a week or however long you need and watch the bulk reef supply 52 weeks of reefing video series in its entirety.

Bulk reef supply is a massive saltwater aquaria product retailer that carries some of the best gear at the best prices. There are many others like them, yes, but their videos are a cut above.

The 52 weeks of reefing is an incredibly comprehensive set of information from the very basic to the advanced in just about every aspect of setting up and running a tank there is, yet very concise. Before you spent a single penny watch every one of those videos. Your eyes will be opened on a lot of subjects and it will introduce you to major concepts you hadn't even considered


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[xREEFINaintEZx]

If you wanna get your tank/water set up and cycled go for it. Other then that that I'd slow down. Like the above stated, tear thru those 52 weeks of reefing. It's going to be a little overwhelming but that's when the threads will come in handy. keep reading and things will start.making sense.

[Braves95]

The BRS 52 weeks of reefing is very informative.