Just getting into the hobby and need some advice!

[chaz1714]

Hello everyone,

 

I'm just getting into the Saltwater aquarium hobby. I have been wanting to do this for years now and decided to go ahead and get started. I grew up with my dad doing the freshwater aquariums, but I always wanted saltwater. He kind of put the fear in me saying that saltwater was too expensive and much more difficult to maintain. Anyways, with the advent of the internet there is alot of info readily available. I see alot of people who say read, read, read before getting started and I have done alot but I still would like some advice on a couple of things to get. I have already got the items listed below.

 

Red Sea Max 130d

Tunze 9002

InTank filter cup

InTank media basket

Chem Pure Elite

Purigen 100Ml in bag

Filter floss

Hydor deflector

fixing to have the Hydor Koralia 750

 

I really don't know what testing equipment I need and what brands work best. I want to do it right from the beginning so any advice would be appreciated. I don't have any type of testing equipment yet so if electronic testers are better I'm open to any ideas. The items listed above is literally all I have thus far.

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

[nibor]

An API Saltwater Master Test Kit is a good kit to get you going, testing during the cycle and during the early stocking of your aquarium. Once you get going and start with hard corals such as frogspawn, hammer or even some easier SPS like some montipora species, you will want to test for alkalinity and calcium. Salifert test kits are well repected but you don't need to spend so much money to start with. (I am assuming you are in North America, if you are in Europe buy Salifert from the start as they are much less expensive than in the US or Canada).

 

API Saltwater Master $23.99 at marine Depot

[Edelmango]

Hello everyone,

 

I'm just getting into the Saltwater aquarium hobby. I have been wanting to do this for years now and decided to go ahead and get started. I grew up with my dad doing the freshwater aquariums, but I always wanted saltwater. He kind of put the fear in me saying that saltwater was too expensive and much more difficult to maintain. Anyways, with the advent of the internet there is alot of info readily available. I see alot of people who say read, read, read before getting started and I have done alot but I still would like some advice on a couple of things to get. I have already got the items listed below.

 

Red Sea Max 130d

Tunze 9002

InTank filter cup

InTank media basket

Chem Pure Elite

Purigen 100Ml in bag

Filter floss

Hydor deflector

fixing to have the Hydor Koralia 750

 

I really don't know what testing equipment I need and what brands work best. I want to do it right from the beginning so any advice would be appreciated. I don't have any type of testing equipment yet so if electronic testers are better I'm open to any ideas. The items listed above is literally all I have thus far.

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

I was with you till the Koralia 750.....I have one. It currently sits in my spare parts box. If you can swing it, step up to an MP10 or MP20. I know it is MUCH more expensive but it looks so much better....less heat issues, more flow control, it's cooler..... . The koralia 750 is not small and when I had it in my BC29 for about 6 weeks, it was an eyesore. I bought both...first the 750, then the MP10....should have just bought the MP10 first and I would have had another $40 for some other gizmo. IMO....if you are going to drop the kind of cash you have listed above....what is another $150?? Do it right the first time. Good luck.

[chaz1714]

I was with you till the Koralia 750.....I have one. It currently sits in my spare parts box. If you can swing it, step up to an MP10 or MP20. I know it is MUCH more expensive but it looks so much better....less heat issues, more flow control, it's cooler..... . The koralia 750 is not small and when I had it in my BC29 for about 6 weeks, it was an eyesore. I bought both...first the 750, then the MP10....should have just bought the MP10 first and I would have had another $40 for some other gizmo. IMO....if you are going to drop the kind of cash you have listed above....what is another $150?? Do it right the first time. Good luck.

 

I know what you mean about the 750. I did look at the vortechs and I know they would make a great addition to the tank, but I haven't even had water in the tank other than to see if it leaks. I already paid for the 750 and maybe i'll go to the Vortech shortly. I really want this tank to be nice and from what i see, I'm going to drop about the same amount I already have in it to get where I would like to be. Also, I don't want my wife to get jealous with my time and money in this tank. lmo! I can't wait to get going though. Thanks for the advice.

 

An API Saltwater Master Test Kit is a good kit to get you going, testing during the cycle and during the early stocking of your aquarium. Once you get going and start with hard corals such as frogspawn, hammer or even some easier SPS like some montipora species, you will want to test for alkalinity and calcium. Salifert test kits are well repected but you don't need to spend so much money to start with. (I am assuming you are in North America, if you are in Europe buy Salifert from the start as they are much less expensive than in the US or Canada).

 

API Saltwater Master $23.99 at marine Depot

 

Thanks for the info. What about a refractometer. I was looking at the one on the InTank website. There are alot of excellent deals on there. I had also thought about the digital testers but didn't know if the price was going to benefit me. Large initial cost, but I feel like it may be better over time. Let me know if that would be a better option or just go with the API master reef test kit.

[reef-luva]

Hello everyone,

 

He kind of put the fear in me saying that saltwater was too expensive and much more difficult to maintain.

 

Back then, trust me, it was harder, more expensive and there was less knowledge,

meaning compared to FW tanks and compared to SW tanks now as well.

 

Go slow, plan well, research A LOT and don't ever be afraid to ask questions....

These cats will help you TONS!!!

Happy Reefin'!!

[austinp]

I think at bigalsonline.com they have the API saltwater test kits for 16.99$