200 Gallon Startup...Help Needed

[jmoore928]

I am purchasing a 200 gallon soon to be reef tank...I need some suggestions on what I need to get it up and running any information would be helpful...thank you

 

[mike660r]

You need to start researching. There are hundreds of possibilities depending on what you plan to keep. This forum is a good spot to start learning based on what your plans are. Find a similar system and go from there. Since you say you are a newb i'll put this bit of information out there for you. This hobby isn't cheap and it is very time consuming. Getting into a large tank increases the costs exponentially. So with that said, do as much research and homework as you can before you start buying your hardware. If you don't do your due diligence you could end up buying something twice. I am not trying to be condesending. I am only trying to offer you some advice on a subject that I have seen so many beginner hobbiest struggle with. Making poor, rash and uninformed decisions can cost you a lot of money in this hobby. With that said here are a few questions to get you started:

What do you intend to keep? Fish, Coral (what type soft, stony or LPS)

What are your plans for filtration? Is this going to be in a sump room, under the tank, etc, etc..?

I hope this helps get the ball rolling for you.

Good luck!

Mike C.