Good starter kit?

[ReefJOJ]

Hi guys,

I've been keeping tropical for a while but completely new to marine / reef so a little overwhelmed.

I've been looking at the Red Sea Reefer 170 as a starter tank with the following:

AI Hydra 25 Light
Reef Octopus 110 SSS Skimmer
Vortech MP10 Powerhead
Eheim Compact Plus 2000 Return Pump
Eheim Jäger 150w Heater (x2?)

Just a few questions for you all!:

Does that sound like a sensible (and lasting) setup? Any changes you would recommend?

Do I need Reactors / Dosing pumps? A lot of people seem to have them but others seem fine without so not sure on these. If yes, what do you recommend?

Will I be okay without a controller? Or should I just go all in and get an Apex?

Please bear in mind I'm in the UK so some of the popular kit is hard to come by!

Big thanks in advance!




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[Edz2891]

Looks like a pretty solid setup. I would love to have that.
Reactor, dosing pumps and controllers are definitely not needed but may make life easier. But they can all be added later once you get going.

 

[CarrieB]

You certainly don't need reactors/ dosing pumps or a controller to get started. You can always add later if you find them useful.

Read the stickies at the top of the section. I also recommend the BRS 52 weeks of reefing series on you tube.


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[ReefJOJ]

Thanks both!

At what point would you expect me to need controller / dosing / reactors?


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[Butch01]

I was looking at the RSR systems too, but the more people I talk to about their quality control (since they were apparently bought out by someone), the less impressed I am. I've had a couple of experienced LFS people describe the stands as "crap". I know some people really like them, but given the amount of money we're talking about, I don't think I'm going to risk getting something I don't want once I take the plunge.

 

[DePinchGonze]

I would personally not set up another tank without a controller. As for dosing, you should be fine until you start adding coral. Reactors are a different story depending on what you want to put in them, you could get the BRS deluxe single and run GFO and carbon at the same time with a tank that size, though I wouldn't add it until you see your phosphates above .05