3 foot reef tank build

helios123

New member
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.
 
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 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?
 
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