Artificial salt-(carrib..sea etc.)Different types have different amounts of minerals and such, so pay attention. Some brands are really crappy, but I won't bash them.
Live sand - there are different types, so choose yours with consideration of your future stock.
Live rock - essential for building your reef, and great for cycling
Lighting - PC will work for FO, but if you are considering corals - MH is your best option!! And make sure you get the spectrums right, and don't forget actinic.
Supplements - All I can say is "Kent Marine" - they have every type, and they are the best IMO. You will need them for not only water supp., but also for inver foods and such.
Tools - Hydrometer, salt water test kit, Manual siphon, 5 gal. buckets, extra tubing, cleaning pads, or even the magnetic cleaning tools ( I love those), all the usuall "trimming tools" such as tweezers, small scissors, and so on - (for once you have all your plants, corals, etc.) Just make sure they are high grade, and that you rinse them after each use so the salt does not corrode and rust them!
Submersible Heater - you can buy these anywhere
Protien Skimmer - as far as these are concerned, IMO you get what you pay for. One however that is pretty good, and wont break your bank is a "back pak" brand. I use these, and have never had any real problems.
Bio filter - I use a double Bio-wheel. Typically with a PS, you don't need it to get results, but I always use both.
Power Heads - make sure you get one that exceeds the "gal. flow/hr." of gallons you already have - so if you have a 55 gal. tank, opt for a 75gal/hr or higher flow rate.
Wave Maker - these are pricey, and you can do without one if you have two or so power heads, but I use them, and love 'em.
There is more but I am having a brain-fart right now, LOL sorry.
--Emi
Live sand - there are different types, so choose yours with consideration of your future stock.
Live rock - essential for building your reef, and great for cycling
Lighting - PC will work for FO, but if you are considering corals - MH is your best option!! And make sure you get the spectrums right, and don't forget actinic.
Supplements - All I can say is "Kent Marine" - they have every type, and they are the best IMO. You will need them for not only water supp., but also for inver foods and such.
Tools - Hydrometer, salt water test kit, Manual siphon, 5 gal. buckets, extra tubing, cleaning pads, or even the magnetic cleaning tools ( I love those), all the usuall "trimming tools" such as tweezers, small scissors, and so on - (for once you have all your plants, corals, etc.) Just make sure they are high grade, and that you rinse them after each use so the salt does not corrode and rust them!
Submersible Heater - you can buy these anywhere
Protien Skimmer - as far as these are concerned, IMO you get what you pay for. One however that is pretty good, and wont break your bank is a "back pak" brand. I use these, and have never had any real problems.
Bio filter - I use a double Bio-wheel. Typically with a PS, you don't need it to get results, but I always use both.
Power Heads - make sure you get one that exceeds the "gal. flow/hr." of gallons you already have - so if you have a 55 gal. tank, opt for a 75gal/hr or higher flow rate.
Wave Maker - these are pricey, and you can do without one if you have two or so power heads, but I use them, and love 'em.
There is more but I am having a brain-fart right now, LOL sorry.
--Emi
Some hobbyist would mention lion fish, but I like groupers, but most of them get really big, not overnight though, but they do grow fast. But before all of these, the water test kit you will need is for ammonia, and nitrite. Make sure they are for marine testing. During the cycle, your ammonia will peak, which is about the first or second week into the cycle. I used a piece of raw shrimp to jumpstart the bacteria. I watched it deteriorate in a few days. Next test, after about 3-4 weeks is for nitrite testing. You cannot rush this cycle, just wait it out. I was impatient, and lost all the fish I placed in there before the cycle was complete.
