Purchase schedule

[Hawkingcolorado]

Hi All,
I'm trying to split my puchases for my new 15 gal set up so I'm not broke for a month! First delivery:
Tank
Light
RO-DI unit
test kits
Skimmer (i have already)
heater
salt
substrate
return pump......Any other "mandatory" things I need right away?

 

[JasonBJones]

For the first month, and trying to save money, I would forego the lights in exchange for another pump or two in the tank. The tank will be fine with only ambient light for the first month. This will also slow the introduction of any fish and allow the tank to become established and a pod population to grow.

For the first month, if it were me, I would also forego the substrate and the test kits and get the rock. Use this time to let the rock cure and stabilize. If you are buying it from another reefer, you will have this time to cook it or to just let beneficial bacteria establish in the tank. There is little reason to have a substrate during this time, and you will likely only seed it with detritus sloughing off the rocks. As far as test kits, there really isn't much you need to test for during this time that patience won't alleviate concerns of. Ammonia is your greatest concern, and you do not need to test it daily. Give the tank a month, then take the water to you LFS and have them test it.

Best of luck and keep us updated.