Testing Kits, Lighting, and RO units

[ct_vol]

Hello Everyone,
Well, I'm a Reefer newbie... I've messaged back and forth with Mel a bit, and have finally worked up the nerve to post my own thread to get a few opinions... I look forward to meeting everyone and joining the club whenever an April meeting place is decided upon...

Ok, so background info... I have had a 125 gal fish only tank for about 4 months now and unlike my first SW attempt 10 yrs ago, I've informed myself a bit more and my mortality rate has drastically improved... I'd like to start a reef tank and get some corals, but I want to go about it on the right foot so I don't go around killing needlessly...

So looking at the salt discussion and from my own reading, trace elements seem to be of greater importance in reef tanks than fish only... I currently have the Saltwater Master Liquid Test Kit put out by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, INC... It only tests for pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate... I was wondering what other elements I should be testing for, and if there are any test kits better than the next???

Ok, now for lighting... I currently have a 72" light fixture holding 2 fluorescents... Adequate for a fish only tank or perhaps a FW tank, but lacking for Reefdom... Is it necessary to go out and get a MH combo fixture??? Or would a VHO or compact fluorescent fixture do??? I don't really mind to spend the extra $$$ just want to make sure that its necessary...

Lastly, how important is a RO unit??? Is the RO/DI unit that much better??? Which brands are best??? I've been looking at the Kent Maxxima RO/DI unit, but again, don't really care to waste my money on something not really necessary... There's also Coralife and Seachem... I'm currently just using my PUR water filter, but won't even drink that water from the tap... lol

Anyways, I've written enough... Any help would be appreciated... Thanks everyone!!!

 

[cee]

Firstly, welcome! You've come to the right place to get advice and avoid spending money unnecessarily. Here are my responses to your questions, your mileage may vary:

For keeping hard corals (LPS/SPS), alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium are probably the most important things you'll want to measure. Nitrate and phosphates are important, too, but don't get measured as frequently. I like LaMotte or Salifert for alkalinity, Seachem for calcium, and Salifert for Mg. Phosphate test kits aren't very good for measuring low levels we're interested in unless you want to spend $100+ IMO.

Lighting really depends on what type of corals you want to keep, and opinions differ, so I won't even attempt to answer that one without additional info.

RO/DI is very important for long-term success. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times people have gotten out of the hobby due to water quality problems attributable to poor fresh water quality issues. There are good units to be had on ebay and also at buckeyefieldsupply.com and waterandice.com (I think that's correct on the last one) which aren't "name brand". You'll save some serious $$ by buying stuff w/o an "aquarium" brand on it, but you need to know what to look for. It's best to visit a club or fellow reefer to see what they have and seek their advice.

HTH.

Dave

 

[ReefRacer]

Filterdirect off ebay RODI $100. 2 Parts per million (PPM) after a year.
If I had to do it over I would decide what i want to keep before designing the tank. I went with MH light pendants and a decent skimmer (ASM g2) because I wanted to be able to keep anenomes, clams and corals. I spent most of my time researching systems and equipment so I wouldn't have the dreaded algae problems. Only after I had the tank set up I started to learn about different corals. My lights are too much for some things. When I stocked my tank I kind of went with whatever frags were available since I am new. I have a mixed reef which may turn into a chemical warfare testing facility.
Good luck and welcome.
Mike

 

[imsqueak]

Matt is slacking on the "welcome thing". He must be busy since we havent heard from him lately.

RO/DI is a necessity with a 125. It will pay for itself in 6 mos vs buying from LFS. Even if you buy a cheap one on ebay they are all (mostly) universal fitting filters so when you go to replace the cheap filters that came with it, you can use better ones which you can also find online.

Lighting generalities says 1 MH per 2' tank length - some people are successful at 1 per 3' (Mel for example but she's running 400s) Intensity depends on your desired corals. There is definitely a point of too much or not enough depending on the coral you want to keep.