3 foot reef tank build

helios123 · 07/15/2017, 11:43 PM

HI i'm new to saltwater. I plan on getting a 3 feet cade aquarium that comes with sump and stuff. Its similar to Red Sea Reefer 250. My aim is mixed reef tank, mainly LPS and a bit of SPS. So far I've come with up the following items listed in Australian dollars:

* CADE REEF - HLP900-BP $2,010.00
* MAXSPECT GYRE 200 XF230 PUMPS $470.00
* Bubble Magus BM Curve 5 $180.00
* Nyos Viper 5.0 Return Pump $200.00
* CaribSea South Seas Base Rock 18.2kg $150.00
* CaribSea Special Grade Reef Sand 18kg $90.00
* 1000 L natural sea water $120.00
* Marine Pure 1.5" Spheres 5 litre $97.50
* Aqua Illumination AI PRIME HD $325.00
* Aqua Illumination AI PRIME HD $325.00
* Aqua Illumination AI PRIME - Black Tank Mounting Kit $60.00
* Aqua Illumination AI PRIME - Black Tank Mounting Kit $60.00
* Nyos Reefer Calcium Test Kit $27.00
* Nyos Reefer Magnesium Test Kit $28.00

What other key items am I missing to get started? Do I still need a refractometer f I use natural sea water? Any comments on the build would be great.

mcgyvr · 07/16/2017, 04:49 AM

Yes I would still want a refractometer even if using premixed SW just to check it..

You still would want these test kits too..
ammonia/nitrite/nitrate/alkalinity (the first 2 are really only used during initial cycling of the tank)

I also don't see a heater.

Nor do I see anything about ATO kit (auto top off to replenish evaporated fresh water automatically).. Just an FYI.. The salt does not evaporate so you only need to replace whats evaporated with fresh water not saltwater)..
An ATO is not a necessity but sure is nice to have..
And how do you plan on "clean" fresh water for top-offs? Most typically use/buy an RO/DI filtration system as typical "tap" water in most places is really not suitable without filtration..

helios123 · 07/16/2017, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

Yes I would still want a refractometer even if using premixed SW just to check it..

You still would want these test kits too..
ammonia/nitrite/nitrate/alkalinity (the first 2 are really only used during initial cycling of the tank)

I also don't see a heater.

Nor do I see anything about ATO kit (auto top off to replenish evaporated fresh water automatically).. Just an FYI.. The salt does not evaporate so you only need to replace whats evaporated with fresh water not saltwater)..
An ATO is not a necessity but sure is nice to have..
And how do you plan on "clean" fresh water for top-offs? Most typically use/buy an RO/DI filtration system as typical "tap" water in most places is really not suitable without filtration..

Yes Im aware of the need for RODI, and forgot to include the heater I have from my freshwater. I think ATO comes with tank not sure. In any case thats pretty much it to get started yeah?

Pitt84 · 07/27/2017, 12:13 PM

yeah definitely need a refractometer, but should be enough to get it up and cycling.

SALTYwaterDOG · 07/27/2017, 12:55 PM

Ato??

Sharkkeeper · 07/27/2017, 06:00 PM

auto top off

07/15/2017, 11:43 PM	#1
helios123 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 2	3 foot reef tank build HI i'm new to saltwater. I plan on getting a 3 feet cade aquarium that comes with sump and stuff. Its similar to Red Sea Reefer 250. My aim is mixed reef tank, mainly LPS and a bit of SPS. So far I've come with up the following items listed in Australian dollars: * CADE REEF - HLP900-BP $2,010.00 * MAXSPECT GYRE 200 XF230 PUMPS $470.00 * Bubble Magus BM Curve 5 $180.00 * Nyos Viper 5.0 Return Pump $200.00 * CaribSea South Seas Base Rock 18.2kg $150.00 * CaribSea Special Grade Reef Sand 18kg $90.00 * 1000 L natural sea water $120.00 * Marine Pure 1.5" Spheres 5 litre $97.50 * Aqua Illumination AI PRIME HD $325.00 * Aqua Illumination AI PRIME HD $325.00 * Aqua Illumination AI PRIME - Black Tank Mounting Kit $60.00 * Aqua Illumination AI PRIME - Black Tank Mounting Kit $60.00 * Nyos Reefer Calcium Test Kit $27.00 * Nyos Reefer Magnesium Test Kit $28.00 What other key items am I missing to get started? Do I still need a refractometer f I use natural sea water? Any comments on the build would be great.

07/16/2017, 04:49 AM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Yes I would still want a refractometer even if using premixed SW just to check it.. You still would want these test kits too.. ammonia/nitrite/nitrate/alkalinity (the first 2 are really only used during initial cycling of the tank) I also don't see a heater. Nor do I see anything about ATO kit (auto top off to replenish evaporated fresh water automatically).. Just an FYI.. The salt does not evaporate so you only need to replace whats evaporated with fresh water not saltwater).. An ATO is not a necessity but sure is nice to have.. And how do you plan on "clean" fresh water for top-offs? Most typically use/buy an RO/DI filtration system as typical "tap" water in most places is really not suitable without filtration.. __________________ Who me?

07/27/2017, 12:55 PM	#5
SALTYwaterDOG Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: New Ulm Minnesota Posts: 477	Ato?? __________________ BLOOM WHERE YOUR PLANTED Current Tank Info: 40gal breeder 22 miniature pygmy tangs

07/27/2017, 12:13 PM	#4
Pitt84 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 13	yeah definitely need a refractometer, but should be enough to get it up and cycling.

07/27/2017, 06:00 PM	#6
Sharkkeeper Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 137	auto top off