I'm back, but still a newbie

[sunni]

Hello,
Just an intro.
I started setting up a lg reef tank about 8 years ago but life rapidly got in the way (both kiddos DX with autism). Since then my dream for a reef tank has been on hold (120 tank and 40 breeder is still sitting in garage). I am amazed at the changes in technology and practices since 2006 or so. :spin2:

Hubby surprised me with a 30 gallon custom acrylic with stand (36x15x15) and lmk that I could set up a nano. :inlove: I know bigger tank would be better for beginner but without a good place to put tank, needing a stand and all equipment would be more than we can financially handle right now.

I am in the planning phase and taking my time. Not sure what corals I want to keep, I know I eventually want SPS but that will be in the future. I am much more interested in corals than fish for this tank. I currently am planning a 20L sump and I just got hold of a Bubble Magnus 3.5. I would like to start out with dry rock from BRS.

Any and all advice welcome.
Susan :wavehand:

 

[pyithar]

welcome back to the hobby, and good luck! i also started with all dry rocks. they are cheaper and pest free.

 

[sunni]

Are you adding any life rock or sand?

 

[scott71]

Also started with dry rock. Picked up 2 pieces of live rock from my lfs to seed and used live sand (Caribsea). Then added bacteria as we'll.

 

[Titans_Reef]

When I set up my 125g I used 120lbs of dry rock and added 20lbs of live rock thoughout a year. I just went that route since it was a lot cheaper. 100lbs of dry sand and 40lbs of live sand also which I got some mud from the bottom of my LFS live rock holding tank to seed my tank. If you are wanting to upgrade in the future, dont. It is better to get the equipment you are wanting vs buying stuff for "just now". I spent $400 on lights when I started which were enough for zoas and mushrooms and some LPS like frogspawns but not enough for anemones. I later realized I could of saved $200 more and got 3 oceanrevive LEDs for $200 a piece. Same thing with my wavemakers. I currently have hydors but I should of saved for some vortex pumps. You can make the stand how you want also which is cheaper if you know how to make one which its not that hard to do. Good test kits are a must or even getting a controller is better.