Help with BRS buy

[FreakingReefing]

Hey,
I was hoping someone could help me sort out what I should get for this group buy, I am signed up and have about $250 to spend.
All that I really have at this point is a light, RO/DI, skimmer, and sump. I know its not much. But I was hoping I could get some advice on what I need. Some background, I'm setting up a 75g reef with a 30g sump. Planning on buying a 75g drilled from saltwater paradise (cheapest quote I got) but the group buy is now and it will save me the extra money.

- Mag 9 pump. Seems to be the most popular
- Refratometer - should I just take the hit and get this over a Hydrometer?
- Koralia pumps - But I am not sure what GPH I should be looking for, was thinking of getting 2 and down the line buying a Reefkeeper for the wavemaker also

These are a few big items. As I am new to salty's I was hoping somebody could recommend something else for my list that would be a better buy like maybe not the refractometer and substitute something else? Any advise would be greatly appreciated. I know other people dont post their lists so I hope I am not asking too much. Thank you so much for your replies

 

[NirvanaFan]

I use three Koralia 3 in my 75 and like it. I would definitely recommend getting a refractometer over a hydrometer.

 

[Tonynlo]

Grab your test kits. I prefer salifert.

 

[cardiffgiant]

I was also going to recommend the refractometer and salifert test kits for Ca, Kh, Mg, PO4, and NO3. Calibration fluid for the refractometer is a good thing to pickup during a bulk purchase. BRS's eco-rock seems to be a good buy. I'm going to get a few pounds of their tonga.

BRS's carbon chambers are a pretty decent buy, and the ROX activated carbon that they sell is top of the line. If you go that route, you might even want to go up 1 size on your return pump and tee the carbon chamber off of the return.

If you haven't done your plumbing yet, you could save some money on things like gate valves and true unions.

If you have anything left over, extra bulbs for your fixture might not be a bad idea.

 

[jfl14609]

i agree test kits and refracto immediately

 

[FreakingReefing]

Great ideas! thanks everyone I really appreciate all the help.