Starting a reef

Om@r · 06/04/2007, 12:08 PM

Hi,

I'm finally have decided to start building my reef. Before I get all jumpy and start buying precious inverts I would like to get as much info and pointers available. I got a light and some iodine, Calcium and Ph buffers. What else do I need.

I have set up a 60 gl with two clowns, two cleaner shrimp, and 5 crabs and about three snails.

As much info would be appreciated.

hmello@bermexin · 06/04/2007, 12:18 PM

Go to this link on the first page of New to the Hobby and read as much as you can, then go back and read again\some more.
* New-First Time on RC-Look Here for Answers

kevin2000 · 06/04/2007, 01:02 PM

My 02

Number one rule in "reefing" ... research before you break open the wallet. RC and Reefs.org have decent libraries which may help.

The Chemisty forum has some excellent articles where you can learn the basics of water chemistry which will help you master the fundamentals of maintaining appropriate levels of alkalinity, calcium and other important items.

Do some research on skimmers ... pretty common investment for most reefers and often one of the more spendy choices.

Invest in a decent test kit .. particularly alkalinity & calcium. Salifert and Seachem are both good choices .. plenty of others will do the job as well. Lots of threads discussing pro's/con's on various test kits.

Most new reefers labor under the belief that they need to invest in alot of additives (like iodine) .. many would argue that most of the marketed additives are a waste of money. Common mistake so don't take any offense.

Good luck.

06/04/2007, 12:08 PM	#1
Om@r Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 4	Starting a reef Hi, I'm finally have decided to start building my reef. Before I get all jumpy and start buying precious inverts I would like to get as much info and pointers available. I got a light and some iodine, Calcium and Ph buffers. What else do I need. I have set up a 60 gl with two clowns, two cleaner shrimp, and 5 crabs and about three snails. As much info would be appreciated.

06/04/2007, 12:18 PM	#2
hmello@bermexin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,205	Go to this link on the first page of New to the Hobby and read as much as you can, then go back and read again\some more. * New-First Time on RC-Look Here for Answers __________________ Henry Somewhere something incredible is waiting to be known. Current Tank Info: 29g BioCube, AI SOL 12" Super Blue

06/04/2007, 01:02 PM	#3
kevin2000 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,805	My 02 Number one rule in "reefing" ... research before you break open the wallet. RC and Reefs.org have decent libraries which may help. The Chemisty forum has some excellent articles where you can learn the basics of water chemistry which will help you master the fundamentals of maintaining appropriate levels of alkalinity, calcium and other important items. Do some research on skimmers ... pretty common investment for most reefers and often one of the more spendy choices. Invest in a decent test kit .. particularly alkalinity & calcium. Salifert and Seachem are both good choices .. plenty of others will do the job as well. Lots of threads discussing pro's/con's on various test kits. Most new reefers labor under the belief that they need to invest in alot of additives (like iodine) .. many would argue that most of the marketed additives are a waste of money. Common mistake so don't take any offense. Good luck.