An important NewBie Question

[thefuture]

does it matter what time you purchase the essential equipment for your SPS reef? is it better to purchase all of the best equipment (in your eyes) before you initialy setup your system or is it ok to buy it as you go without having tremendous effects on your tank. what certain items are better to get first intitially before setting up your tank and what are idealy not all that important and can be purchased down the road. i am asking because i am so so eager to set up my tank now!!! and i dont really have all my equipment like the skimmmer and etc but i dont want to do it if my system will suffer for it later.

 

[Konadog]

I took two years to purchas everything for my tank.
The last purchase was the tank, I upgradded!

IMO, the most important thing is a quality skimmer. Next is lighting, then flow, so pick out your pumps(s) wisely. I have also learned that for me, it was best to put it all together at once. I changed my original design so many times before assembly, that it would have cost me a fortune had I done it in pieces. Things just don't fit together like you think sometimes.

 

[PITSTOP]

I strongly recommend you buy over time instead of all at once. There are many pieces of expensive equipement that you do not and will never need depending on your individual situation.

For example, I made the mistake of buying a $900 chiller as one of my first purchases, needless to say it never turned on in 2 years - my heaters are always on....I do run 2x250 metal halides...

So wait and see what you need over time...

 

[ricks]

I agree with konadog... Purchase all your equipment first and the tank last. My first tank years ago, was purchased first set up and then fought through all the add equipment. Don't try to fool yourself, into thinking you can cut corners. Also this will give you more time on RC and reading. About this wonderful hobby. I'm on my fourth large tank, over 20 years. And this one took the longest to build. Over a year and 30,000 - 35,000 ??? I don't really know the exact cost. What the hell, it's only money. Your system will suffer. And a protein skimmer is a must!!! Find out what you want to keep. This will give you some insight as to equipment needs.....

Good Luck.

 

[twon8]

i think if you set up your tank now with only live rock, water movement and a little lighting you could let that run for as long as you can. not the prettiest to look at, but it will give you a stable ecosystem for when you do start adding livestock.