Coming back in and lots questions

[rrr757]

So after 2 kids, and leaving the hobby for a while I am coming back..

I just bought the CAD Lights 42 gallon versa kit w/16 gallons sump and ATO. Should be here next week.

So after spending over my wifes allocated budget already I had some questions and wanted help/advice.

RO(DI) - So currently I have a drinking a watts 4 stage RO system, can I just add a DI attachment with a splitter before the storage tank to the drinking water? My assumption is someone on a budget has done this. I am trying to keep costs down so dont want to get a new RODI system if I can do the job even if its slow. I think I have an extra line that goes outside to my patio.

Rocks: Make my own, by dry rock and seed, main goal is I dont want something to leach and I get hair algea etc for months, I dont want any pests on LR - had to deal with this before. Heard good and bad things about making your own rock. Right now thinking by dry rock, get sand and something to see the LR with. Do I have to cure "dry rock" I will only have my DT.

Sand: about how many lbs should I put in, I like sand but not a deep sand bed should I put rocks, sand, and chaeto in the sump or just chaeto?

Flow: So will have standard pump it comes with, i will probably put a locline y adapter if it doesnt have it. How much flow should I put in this type of tank.. I really dont want power heads on the side if possible unless there are no cables showing was thinking to put the powerhead(s) in the back. Suggestions? Was thinking used mp10, jaebo, or 15 gyre or any other options and how many i might need?

Light: buying probably 2 ai sols (white/blue) yes 2 different, but the guy is nice enough to give me a good deal, said I can control and make them look the same with a controller. What controller (dont want to spend an arm and leg but want the timer, ramp up down,etc). If I dont get the 2 ai sols thinking 2 used kessil 150w - suggestions? was even thinking to get a used MH t5 combo, replace the mh with an led system. I still dont understand though on t5 which colors, what wattage is needed. but the colors seem so nice under t5's I want to supplement if i can.

Skimmer : for now thinking of used sca 301-303 depending on the deal. Anything else you might suggest that I could find similar deals on pricing for a used one?

I got the auto top off it came with, I need to get a sock holder and micron socks

Test kits: best bang for the buck? I used to have API kit

Reef Salt: which ones do you use for reef tank setup. I used to do instant ocean back when.

Controller: Control lights, read temp, maybe ph, power heads cheapest/easiest option something I can buy on the used market eventually?

I am not planning on rushing and getting water in it, besides testing it. So I can wait till i find deals on everything.

Sorry I know its alot so any help is appreciated. I am sure I forgot stuff as well.

 

[mcgyvr]

-Yes you can add a DI stage to any RO only system..
-Buy dry rock and the process of cycling the tank will take care of it from there..
-sand bed calculator here http://www.reefcentral.com/index.php/sand-bed-calculator
-Total flow in a tank is usually recommended from 30-75 or more times display tank size.. Higher multiples for higher flow loving corals (SPS,etc..) On average 30x is a good starting point.. I like multiple powerheads for more control..
-Skimmer.. too many choices..
-Regular instant ocean is just fine.. Reef Crystals if you want cal/alk,etc.. a bit higher than IO levels..
-Controllers always make life easier..

 

[thegrun]

1. Assuming your RO system has an automatic shut off, yes you can add a DI canister to your system, check Bulk Reef Supply for installation instructions.
2. I've had very good luck with using dry rock (I used Marco Rock). Home made rock tends to be a lot less porous than reef rock so I would recommend purchasing the rock rather than make it. You need to cycle the new rock by adding an ammonia source, there is no need to seed the rock unless you want add some bio-diversity but doing so also adds a risk of introducing pests.
3. To figure out how much sand you need multiply the width of the tank by the depth (front to back) times the depth of sand you want, then divide that number by 20. I like rocks but not sand in my sump, it makes it easier to clean.
4. Flow requirements depends on what you plan on keeping in the tank. For fish only about 20 times your display tank in total flow (840 GPH), for soft corals 30 times (1260 GPH), for SPS corals a minimum of 40 times the display (1680 GPG minimum).
5. I would recommend you do some research on the lighting, there are numerous lengthy posts here on this forum on the subject. Lighting requirements are largely driven by the corals you plan on keeping, so that decision is critical to your planning. The last thing you want to do is purchase lighting that does not meet your future needs. If you can find LED lighting that is only a couple of years old you may want to consider that since you will easily save 50% or more on the lighting costs.
5. Consider a used skimmer if you are looking to save money. The sca 301-303 skimmers are good, but there are several good options available.
6. API test kits are fine especially when you are starting out. If you move into keeping stony corals you should upgrade to either Red Sea Pro or Salifert (my favorite).
7. I use Instant Ocean, if you plan on keeping a few stony corals you may need to upgrade to a reef salt that is higher in calcium and alkalinity, but initially IO is fine.
8. Controllers are not cheap and you tend to get what you pay for. A full Neptune Apex controller would likely cost you as much as the rest of your system combined, but they are well worth the cost (to me).

Lastly you will get more and better answers to your questions if you limit them to one or two per post. When you have a lot of questions simply break them down into several individual posts.
Best of luck!
-Mike