What gear for a SW?

[Dwarf Puffers]

What gear do I need for a SW tank? I've never done it before, and I figure AC is one of the best places to get it going

[Reefscape]

Well....here is a quick basic list of the things your going to be needing...

1) Live rock - 1 - 1.5lbs per gallon of water
2) Sand - Aragonite sugar grade sand (bags of live sand are a waste of money)
3) Powerheads - Used for water circulation..How much will depend on tank type ( Reef or FOWLR )
4) Thermometer - not the stick on type.
5) Lighting - again, will depend on tank type
6) Protien Skimmer - rated at twice your tank size
7) Heater
8) Ro Unit - Unless you have very high quality tap water
9) Test kits - Ammonia, nitrITE, nitrATE, pH at least. If its going to be a reef, you will also need Calcium, Alk and Mag
10) Salt water mixing container - A container with a powerhead and heater in it for mixing the salt water. Mix for 48 hours before use...
11) Anything else to help you along like nets, buckets, pipes and pump for water changes..

That is by no means a precise list but it will give you an indication of the bear minimum of things required..

Niko

[Dwarf Puffers]

Anyone wanna add on anything he might have forgotten?

[Riverserver]

Anyone wanna add on anything he might have forgotten?

Yes! He forgot the most important thing! Fish! :duh:

If you're interested go to a book store and pick out a couple books. From personal experience, stay away from the "pocket reference" style books and go for an encyclopedia sized one!

[Reefscape]

Yes! He forgot the most important thing! Fish! :duh:

If you're interested go to a book store and pick out a couple books. From personal experience, stay away from the "pocket reference" style books and go for an encyclopedia sized one!

ha ha ha ha ha...Awsome River...i am impressed you spotted my deliberate mistake....

Niko

[Catpicklesdog]

He also forgot the big bank balance. But you can do what the rest of us do and ask for Niko's credit card!!!

[Germanman]

He also forgot the big bank balance. But you can do what the rest of us do and ask for Niko's credit card!!!
hahha yea u really need one of those. and use reef crystals...lol i need to put that in my sig...
and always read up and dont impulse buy cool things...lol
other wise good luck! oh and i hightly recomend titanium heaters due to the fact that they cant crak open and heat faster and seem to be more reliable.

[Yash]

One thing people forgot to mention, and something which is EXTREMELY important ... lots and lots of PATIENCE :thm:

[Reefscape]

ha ha ha ha...spot on, the only magic ingredient in marine keeping..!!

Niko

[Germanman]

One thing people forgot to mention, and something which is EXTREMELY important ... lots and lots of PATIENCE :thm:
hahahhah wow yea i seemed to over look that...hummm but i do lack that at times...

[Dwarf Puffers]

ummm... what are reef crystals?

And if my house is usually in the early 70s in temp, do I need a heater??

I keep tropical fish without one, It's cold down here so we need heat year-round :rolleyes:

[Germanman]

reef crystals is a salt brand. one of the best if not the best.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4856&cm_mmc=LiveAquaria_DFS_Links-_-Fish_Supplies-_-LiveAquaria_Gen_Page-_-Salt_Mixes&ref=3969&subref=AA&N=2004+113009

and typical tropical reef temperature range is 76-81 most choosing 79 or 80

[Longinus]

And if my house is usually in the early 70s in temp, do I need a heater??
I keep tropical fish without one, It's cold down here so we need heat year-round :rolleyes:


its worth it to pick one up, if your house is usually warm you could probably get away with a smaller heater for the size of your tank. Thats just my opinion anyway, and along with that, listen to the guys here, they have really helped me out in getting started.

[Yash]

I too would most definitely recommend getting a heater ... early 70s is a little too low IMHO for most marine livestock.