What Next

Saltyundertow · 08/26/2017, 06:25 PM

I'm new to reefing, having purchased a 32G biocube at the beginning of August.

I've done the following:

Cycled it,
Installed 100W heater
Put in one Green Chromis
5 Snails
4 Hermit Crabs
1 Porcelain Crab

All are doing well.

I've also done my first 10% water change.

I'm considering adding some SPS coral and a couple of clown fish, but I'm wondering if i shouldn't invest in an RO/DI water filtration system first.

I made the cardinal mistake of mixing salt with tap water

and I'd like to not do that again.

Thoughts?

Jon0807 · 08/26/2017, 06:47 PM

An RO/DI unit is probably the best thing I've gotten due to convenience. It was a huge hassle lugging buckets back and forth to the LFS or grocery store for RO water. Especially when an emergency or unexpected need for a quick water change arises.

top shelf · 08/26/2017, 06:48 PM

Before you go any further get the RODI unit. It can cut down a lot on nuisance algae plus you don't know what those dissolved solids are comprised of or what you could be adding to your tank.

Saltyundertow · 08/26/2017, 07:12 PM

Thanks.

I was leaning towards the RO/DI system. Just seemed like the logical step. That of course leads to other questions.

Storage, Volume, ect.

top shelf · 08/26/2017, 07:33 PM

A 50g brute trash can seems to be the standard for most folks. While some get really fancy storage tanks and if you have the money by all means whatever's clever but a brute trash can will suffice just fine if you wanna keep.it simple.

mcgyvr · 08/27/2017, 06:59 AM

Do not go for SPS corals until the tank is more mature..
In general they are more difficult and not for "newbies" .. no offense..
Stick with the easy stuff for now while you get your feet wet..

Saltyundertow · 08/27/2017, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by top shelf

A 50g brute trash can seems to be the standard for most folks. While some get really fancy storage tanks and if you have the money by all means whatever's clever but a brute trash can will suffice just fine if you wanna keep.it simple.

Sounds like a plan.

Saltyundertow · 08/27/2017, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

Do not go for SPS corals until the tank is more mature..
In general they are more difficult and not for "newbies" .. no offense..
Stick with the easy stuff for now while you get your feet wet..

None taken.

I'd like to limit my early mistakes to adding tap water and over feeding.

This is a slow and go game for sure.

Jakers88 · 08/29/2017, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saltyundertow

Sounds like a plan.

For that size idk if a 50g brute is necessary. I have 24G tank and I got a 25g brute and only used it for first filling. Think about it, if you do a 10% weekly change that's only 4gallons. You can EASILY use a cheaper 5g bucket from Lowe's or home Depot for about $3. I use one for RODI water and one for salt water. Now, if your doing less frequent changes for larger volume then it might be worth it. Lowes as the 25g brutes with lid for I think about $20-$25

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08/26/2017, 06:25 PM	#1
Saltyundertow Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 4	What Next I'm new to reefing, having purchased a 32G biocube at the beginning of August. I've done the following: Cycled it, Installed 100W heater Put in one Green Chromis 5 Snails 4 Hermit Crabs 1 Porcelain Crab All are doing well. I've also done my first 10% water change. I'm considering adding some SPS coral and a couple of clown fish, but I'm wondering if i shouldn't invest in an RO/DI water filtration system first. I made the cardinal mistake of mixing salt with tap water and I'd like to not do that again. Thoughts?

08/26/2017, 06:47 PM	#2
Jon0807 Registered Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 293	An RO/DI unit is probably the best thing I've gotten due to convenience. It was a huge hassle lugging buckets back and forth to the LFS or grocery store for RO water. Especially when an emergency or unexpected need for a quick water change arises. __________________ 40g breeder DT, 40g breeder sump

08/26/2017, 06:48 PM	#3
top shelf Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,022	Before you go any further get the RODI unit. It can cut down a lot on nuisance algae plus you don't know what those dissolved solids are comprised of or what you could be adding to your tank. __________________ Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it into a fruit salad. Philosophy is wondering if that means ketchup is a smoothie. Current tank info: 45g SCA Cube

08/26/2017, 07:33 PM	#5
top shelf Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,022	A 50g brute trash can seems to be the standard for most folks. While some get really fancy storage tanks and if you have the money by all means whatever's clever but a brute trash can will suffice just fine if you wanna keep.it simple. __________________ Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it into a fruit salad. Philosophy is wondering if that means ketchup is a smoothie. Current tank info: 45g SCA Cube

08/27/2017, 06:59 AM	#6
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Do not go for SPS corals until the tank is more mature.. In general they are more difficult and not for "newbies" .. no offense.. Stick with the easy stuff for now while you get your feet wet.. __________________ Who me?

08/26/2017, 07:12 PM	#4
Saltyundertow Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 4	Thanks. I was leaning towards the RO/DI system. Just seemed like the logical step. That of course leads to other questions. Storage, Volume, ect.