View Full Version : New to the Hobby Need advice
RaphaelReef
03/26/2013, 12:46 PM
So I just bought a 150gal tank. I want to do live coral and fish. So I got the tank what do I need next to get this thing started? I know I need lighting which i'm getting but before I go and buy water and live sand what else do I need to purchase?:frog:
pool guy
03/26/2013, 03:17 PM
Welcome,
First let me say that there are some really good stickies at the top of the page that offer a TON of valuable information on a lot of different issues to help you make decisions.
I will offer you this advice, Take your time !!!! This is not a rush into it hobby. The more time you take to learn and plan your system, the more you will enjoy it! Ask a lot of questions, and there are many senior members on here that will help you along the way.
But the first step is to learn. After you read the stickies, post more specific questions (ie.. sump set up, or plubming, or cycling your tank....) That will make giving you advise easier.
Did I say go slow, and take your time ???
Its better to plan and ask questions along the way, than to jump in, and post a lot of questions on "why did my fish die"? Good luck on the reading !!!
P.s. Did I say go slow ??? :smurf:
dthorn
03/26/2013, 03:43 PM
As mentioned read, read, read, and take it slow. Aside from a tank you will need heaters, powerheads, a sump, skimmer, test kits, a refractometer, thermometers, patience, etc.
dthorn
03/26/2013, 03:50 PM
Oh and the most important thing you will need... a really well thought out and detailed plan of the whole system and what you want before you get started. This will help make getting started much easier and save you a lot of wasted money on equipment that is inappropriate for your tank or not good enough now or later. Buying the right stuff the 1st time takes a lot of planning and consideration.
SushiGirl
03/26/2013, 03:58 PM
You need rock too, not just sand, to start up. A heater & powerheads. At some point a skimmer. And patience. A lot of it. This hobby is a waiting game, everything about it requires the ability to wait once you put that water in there.
As mentioned, start with the stickies at the top of the page on how to set up a tank & what to expect.
mgrmax
03/26/2013, 08:50 PM
I will echo the previous posts and also add that most answers can be found with the search feature. I spend hours researching on this site and learn something new each time I visit.
Another thing. Prior to dropping tons of cash at your local fish store (this hobby is not cheap!) check these forums to see if you really need what they are attempting to sell. Plan ahead and don't skimp on cheap equipment. Get the best you can afford. It will save a money and headaches in the end.
Good luck and enjoy!
cap032
03/26/2013, 09:06 PM
I agree with the Pool Guy. My 125 has been over a year in the making. Before I bought the tank, I did a lot of research on skimmers and DIY sumps.(see Melevs Reef) I bought my skimmer first and then a 55g tank for my sump. Once I had the sump finished I bought the 125 and began reading up on plumbing and how to properly seal the cabinet (my cabinet was a custom and untreated and unstained). Once I had those done I began reading up on rock types and sand. After I got those I began researching return pumps and powerheads. After I bought those I researched controllers and then bought one. I had been researching lighting the whole time but had held off awaiting the release of Vega color..........then Maxspect put the Razor out and I was sold. I then revisited powerheads and began saving for MP40s because I went ahead and used the ones I bought previously in another tank. Then I researched biopellets and biopellet reactors and got that done. The last thing I researched was cycling methods.......and now an adventure that began in Dec 2011 is nearly complete...........or rather..........about to begin!:)
RaphaelReef
03/27/2013, 07:33 PM
ok will t5 ho lighting work for coral? and if so does anyone have any DIY instructions on making the lights?
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