All-
First off, let me introduce myself. My name is Kylie (klwade), and my husband and I currently reside in the cold state of North Dakota. I have dreamed of a saltwater aquarium for years, and I finally took the plunge and bought a tank/stand (while my husband is in the corner, shaking his head).
My intentions are to start out with a FOWLR set-up. As I love coral, I do NOT intend to go that direction until I can get the fish portion under my belt, and become comfortable with the requirements that this new eco-system will require of me.
Here is where I am sitting:
What are your thoughts on these purchases? I realize 2 heaters may be over doing it, however, I can always use one for a quarantine tank right?
I intend to use live sand, live rock, and regular (not live) rock. Is the live sand overkill? Or can I "save" money going with regular?
Also, I've heard mixed opinions from MANY sources about a few things:
- Protein Skimmer. Some say that I don't really need one until I venture out into the corals. Is this correct?
- Tap Water vs. RO/DI Water. I've heard about 50/50 on this. Some have told me to use tap, but treat it. Some have said NEVER tap.
- Circulation pumps. I've been looking at a few, but again, some say yes - some say wait for coral.
So, besides sand, rock, skimmer, circulation pumps, and water - am I missing anything that jumps to your attention?
I am on information overload, and although I've been going through the forum and reading up and educating myself - I still feel so lost on a few things, so I figured I would just post...
Thanks in advance for any help that you might be able to provide.
klwade
First off, let me introduce myself. My name is Kylie (klwade), and my husband and I currently reside in the cold state of North Dakota. I have dreamed of a saltwater aquarium for years, and I finally took the plunge and bought a tank/stand (while my husband is in the corner, shaking his head).
My intentions are to start out with a FOWLR set-up. As I love coral, I do NOT intend to go that direction until I can get the fish portion under my belt, and become comfortable with the requirements that this new eco-system will require of me.
Here is where I am sitting:
- 60 gallon tank with stand (http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3804465&lmdn=Brand&f=PAD/psNotAvailInUS/No)
- (2) Aqueon 150 Pro Aquarium Heaters
- MarineLand Bio-Wheel Pengiun Filter 350
- Thermometer
- Hydrometer
- 30 gallon garbage can for water mixing
What are your thoughts on these purchases? I realize 2 heaters may be over doing it, however, I can always use one for a quarantine tank right?
I intend to use live sand, live rock, and regular (not live) rock. Is the live sand overkill? Or can I "save" money going with regular?
Also, I've heard mixed opinions from MANY sources about a few things:
- Protein Skimmer. Some say that I don't really need one until I venture out into the corals. Is this correct?
- Tap Water vs. RO/DI Water. I've heard about 50/50 on this. Some have told me to use tap, but treat it. Some have said NEVER tap.
- Circulation pumps. I've been looking at a few, but again, some say yes - some say wait for coral.
So, besides sand, rock, skimmer, circulation pumps, and water - am I missing anything that jumps to your attention?
I am on information overload, and although I've been going through the forum and reading up and educating myself - I still feel so lost on a few things, so I figured I would just post...
Thanks in advance for any help that you might be able to provide.
klwade