New to reefing

[SilverAvia]

Hi all I live in Johnson city ny and am working toward converting my 55 gallon tank to a soft coral tank I am going slow researching like crazy and driving my husband nuts telling him about everything I've been learning. This is my learning tank as well as a display tank after I feel like I have a good handle on everything we are going to put in a large 180 gallon or larger ( trying to convince my hubby that bigger is better) peninsula tank in our living room that will be stony corals. Does anyone have any local tips tricks money savors?

I have been window shopping at Amazon and dr foster and smith. So far I am looking at getting an octopus skimmer and a barracuda ro/di. I don't mind getting used if anyone knows where to get reliable used items.

So basically I'm a noob who would love to join the club and learn as much as I can

 

[bently23]

Welcome to rc, sounds like your starting out right good water and skimmer are a must in reef tanks make sure you research lighting a lot too for whatever route you plan on going down,, as far as finding deals just keep posting on here there's lots of locals that will always help out

 

[SilverAvia]

My husband is pretty handy he is building me a a lighting set up if 4 48" t5ho bulbs.

The only downfall right now is that money flow is way slow so I am only putting away 25 to 50 bucks a week for my set up which sucks. First thing we are aiming for is to get the funds to build a sump, fuge.

I keep looking at my empty tank and lusting to begin

 

[tommyz44]

Welcome!! Sounds like you've started off on the right path. This is a database full of awesome knowledge. Good choice on skimmer. As for the RODI, everyone has their oppinion, but i recommend purewaterclub.com. The baraccuda is only a 4 stage system and the cheapest one onsale at DRFS is 1143.99, http://www.purewaterclub.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=513 here is a 6 stage system with 2 DI filters so when the first one runs out, you still have a second. Right now it is 122$ and also comes with an additional 5 filters, 3 carbon and 2 DI. If you are ever short some parts of things you may need just post here, sometimes many of us have stuff just sitting around. Always best advice is take things slow.

Again welcome!!

 

[SilverAvia]

Thank you! I really appreciate that link. I will definatly be looking into that system.

 

[tommyz44]

no prob, they have really nice ones, some have RO outputs and DI, So you can run a drinking line and a DI line. I know a little while back a few people were asking opinions on different DI systems. So i took some pics for anyone interested. Comes with system pre-installed carbon and DI resin. The RO membrane is packaged seprate. If you find a weekly special some come with additional carbon and DI filters. The only thing i added extra was a pressure guage since i moved from a well to in town so i have no idea how much pressure there is.

 

[skidoctor]

As far as a fuge- Your best and cheapest bet is to purchase a tank from Petco's $1/ gallon sale, pieces of glass cut from lowes or hd, some aquarium safe silicone, and build it yourself. There are many threads on this site in the DIY section, and you can build it to your specific needs while saving hundreds of $s. Yes, hundreds.
From personal experience, you will be much happier if you do everything right the first time as opposed to piecemealing thing together or going the cheap route on filtration, pumps, etc. At this point, keep doing research, and keep in mind that you are learning the best practice of this hobby right now- patience.

 

[Breakbeats2334]

Welcome to STRS as everyone has mention feel free to ask any questions you may have and well do our best to guide you in the right direction.

 

[justthewife]

If you need a simple 4 stage RO/DI unit 35 gpd. I have a Captive Purity one I will give to you. It is used as we just upgraded. It is a year old.

 

[SilverAvia]

Sure that would be great pm me with info?