><> What's in my tank

This is most of the things that are in my tank or that went into setting it up. The newest batch of live rock and some more advanced testing chmeicals are not included below.

125 Gallon Aquarium w/ Stand

Purchased from my local fish store (LFS), this Perfecto brand aquarium came with a stand, tank, lid, and light fixture.

LFS

(2) CAP 2200 Underwater Pumps

I used two pumps. This way if one of my pumps quits on me, I am not scrambling to find a new one. With two I have time to wait until my LFS opens or even to order one online. Make sure your pump is cycling enough times per hour for your tank size. You can read more information about this on our research page.

www.aquariumprofessionals.com

(3) Ten Gallon Aquariums

I used three ten-gallon aquariums as part of my sump and refugium. This is a cheaper option than buying a sump already assembled. I think it also provides for a bigger and easier to access refugium. These run $10 at Wal-Mart or about $14 at your LFS.

Wal-Mart

(2) 75-Count Box of 1.25" Bio-Balls

I bought my bio-balls on Ebay. Some people say bioballs are a significant part of any biological filtration system. Bacteria builds up on the balls and acts as a natural filter. You don't use them up, so if you find a good deal somewhere get them, rinse them off, and use them. (We have taken these out of our system.)

Ebay

Chemicals

The chemicals included in the above total should be what you need to get your tank up and running. They are Liquid Calcium ($12.24); Iron/Magnesium ($9.95); Super Iodine ($9.95); Purple Up [for coral] ($26.95); Sea Salt ($64.95); Water Dechlorinater ($2.88).

LFS

GE Silicone I

To seal the glass I added to my homemade sump I used GE brand Clear Window and Door Silicone I. Do not get the Silicone II, Bathroom and Tile Silicone, or anything that has any kind of bacteria or mold control in it. Other types are not safe for your aquarium. It should say on the back that it is not safe for aquariums. So check before you buy

Lowes

Jungle Brand 5 in 1 Test Strips

My LFS didn't have any test strips in stock, so I got mine from Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart

Jungle Brand Ammonia Test Strips

Make sure to stay on top of your levels. Especially Ammonia. Otherwise you'll end up kill your expensive fish.

Wal-Mart

ETSS Reef Devil Skimmer

A good skimmer is one of the main things that manages the bio-load in aquariums. Don't get one that just barely meets your needs. If you get a skimmer that is too small, you'll end up having to upgrade later. It's cheaper to get it right the first time.

Forum Member

Premium Figi Live Rock

I bought 25lbs of premium figi live rock from my LFS. It already had good coralline coverage and had been in their tanks for months.

LFS

Base Figi Live Rock

I bought 50lbs of premium figi live rock from my LFS. It didn't have any coralline algae, but it had been in their tanks for a few months and was truly fully cured. Eventually this will look like the premium rock.

LFS

Nature's Ocean Live Sand

I bought 140lbs of Nature's Ocean live sand at $1/lb from my LFS. Eventually all your sand will become live sand. You don't have to buy it all live, but this is a good way to ensure you are getting aquarium quality sand. Some (non-aquarium) sand has been treated with chemicals that will harm your tank.

LFS

Refractometer

My hydrometer broke, so I replaced it with a refractometer. People say these are the best way to do, so it was probably a good move. I got this from a fellow reefer that was braking down his tank.

Forum Member

Visi-Therm Deluxe Heater

I ordered three 300W Visi-Therm Heaters from Drs. Foster Smith at $20/ea. I put two in my sump and use the extra one to heat my water change water. I initially order two heaters that were not fully submersible and had to replace them with these heaters. Anytime you don't get something right on the first try and have to replace the item will cost you a little extra money. Try to get it right the first time around.

DrsFosterSmith.com

Miscellaneous Cheap Items

I'm sure there are things I am forgetting. This section is to group a bunch of things that where cheap. I picked up a two pair of plastic tongs ($2/ea), a strip thermometer for my fuge ($2), acclimation tube ($3), Netting ($1), Net ($2), rubber kitchen gloves ($2). I'll add more misc things here as I think about them. .

DrsFosterSmith.com