newbie to saltwater

[mcmillen82]

was looking for the best tips on getting started. I dont think i wanna get into coral just yet. I wanna get live rock and coral friendly fish set up and maybe down the road add some in. I have a 75 gallon. tank and stand... thats basically it... what would be a list of things i should get... is t5 that important and better than compact for what im doing to start... should i get a refugium... what pumps... proteine skimmer... thanks for the help much appreciated

[EvMiBo]

Welcome to RC!

Honestly. I would read up on these forums for a month or two and start saving. But, I think you should definitely have a sump/refugium. Two pumps that are popular and reliable I would say are OceanRunner and Eheim. As far as a protein skimmer there are so many options, but maybe something like an Octopus. Keep reading on here!

[tmcgaughey]

I would recommend a sump/refugium. Skimmer - msx 200 or 160
go with the t-5's. mag drive pump - i have a 9.5 but I have turned down the power a bit.
Where to start???

[WaterKeeper]

Hi McMillan
[welcome]

Here is a whole series of articles on starting a marine tank-

Water (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-10/newbie/index.php)
Tank Selection (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-11/newbie/index.php)
Lighting (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-12/newbie/index.php)
Sumps (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-01/newbie/index.php)
Completing The Set-up (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-02/newbie/index.php)
Natural Filtration I (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-04/newbie/index.php)
Natural Filtration II (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-05/newbie/index.php)
Natural Filtration III (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-06/newbie/index.php)

That should get you started. :D

[reefworm]

welcome on board RC!:D Ditto to waterkeeper - make use of his "new to RC" thread at the top of the forum - invaluable info, even years later as online reference

[glenns]

Welcome. You'll love this hobby. But, I hope you have plenty of money for everything else.

If your tank is reef ready, my first suggestion would be to get a sump. If it is not reef ready, find out if your LFS can drill it and install an overflow. Adding the sump can offer many benefits. A sump increases the water volume of the total system, offers a place to hide equipment and a place to setup a refugium. In addition it offers a greater selection of protein skimmers for you to choose from.

As for skimmers, EuroReef, ASM and Reef Octopus are some good choices.
Live Rock is important. Plan on 75lbs.

If you plan on keeping most corals, then lighting is essential. I personally use 6 54W T5's.

Circulation is also important. Use a closed loop or a Tunze stream or steam clones.

[mcmillen82]

thanks guys that will get me started... keep it coming... and tips on getting it up and running... and anything else you think i should know

[EvMiBo]

To start out I don't think you'll need to get tunze powerheads, just go with some koralias for a start. Just my opinion.