Staying in on a Saturday night to build my new tank! Need a bit of advice.

[Paranoiattack91]

I have been EXTREMELY interested in starting a reef tank for quite some time and I finally decided to take the plunge. (I even bought a fresh water tank to keep in my room for the last six months just to make sure that this just wasn't a phase I was going through before I made the commitment). I don't have anyone I know that is in the hobby, I just kind of got fixated on it by myself. So I am going into this hobby completely blind, I am doing as much reading as absolutely possible.
Yesterday I picked up my first saltwater aquarium.
I really like the look of cubes so I picked up the full 50 gallon cube setup from sc aquariums ( tank, sump, pump, skimmer, cabinet). I do understand that this setup may not have the greatest components, but I don't know much about everything and I can upgrade as I go if need be.
I know that I still need a heater and lights. If anyone can please guide me in the right direction ( new or used) I would really appreciate it. I built the cabinet last night, and am putting the tank and sump together tonight.

 

[pgr11]

Welcome to SCR Jacob. You will get all the answers you need here and make friends that can help you build a thriving reef. For a 50 gal cube a nice t5 light setup would work great. How about posting some pics of what you have so far. Oh and be warned this hobby is addicting so this message don't be the last night you give up going out just to mess with your tank.

 

[Assyrian fish guy]

welcome to SCRK. ask whatever question u may have. never feel as if any question is stupid.

heater is something that is important. dont buy something thats cheap just to save a few bucks. in this hobby being cheap when it comes to skimmer,pumps, lights ext will only cost u more in the long run. also if your not in a rush theres FST ( for sale thread) here all the time. you might even get lucky and get something for free. for lights it all matter on what you plan on keeping. myself i have used MH all my life in reefing, but now am trying t5/led hybrid. MH run very hot and use alot of power which mean. t5 give great color and growth. led give great color but dont grow corals to well. if i was you i would go with a ati sunpower with a controller. if you plan on growing sps ( even if u say u dont want to now you will later down the line) i would get ati sunpower 8x39. you will have more than u need in cover and par for a 50 gal. let me know if you need anything, anything at all.

Good luck, and remember have fun with it. your going to have bad days we all do, but theres always tom

 

[Paranoiattack91]

I will try to post pictures as soon as I have the tank sitting on the cabinet. Right now I am trying to figure out all of these **** fittings, hoses, pipes and parts that I have no clue about

 

[Rrocky]

Research research research on whatever it is before you buy! As for lights I love kessil but until their controller comes out I like the AI hydra. Have you thought out your cycle process? The "right" way or bacteria? I used dr tims with success. Good luck! I must warn you this new hobby of yours is verrrrry addicting!

 

[Paranoiattack91]

Research research research on whatever it is before you buy! As for lights I love kessil but until their controller comes out I like the AI hydra. Have you thought out your cycle process? The "right" way or bacteria? I used dr tims with success. Good luck! I must warn you this new hobby of yours is verrrrry addicting!

I have looked into the cycle process, I want to use Tim's to get the process started quicker but I was told just to have patience and do the full cycle. It's all really overwhelming right now, I'm still having trouble on putting my skimmer together and the right way to set up the sump.

 

[pgr11]

I have looked into the cycle process, I want to use Tim's to get the process started quicker but I was told just to have patience and do the full cycle. It's all really overwhelming right now, I'm still having trouble on putting my skimmer together and the right way to set up the sump.

Well your in rancho cucamonga which is not far from me at all. Lmk if you need any help setting things up

 

[twomuch42004]

Man chris I told you I need help why didn't you come to my rescue lol

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[pgr11]

Man chris I told you I need help why didn't you come to my rescue lol

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

You have eric to help lol

 

[twomuch42004]

Lol come on emac lol enough said he always busy he didn't even want to come pick up the part meter he needed lol j/k Eric

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[Six2seven]

Welcome to the forum Jacob! This is a great place to learn. There are so many knowledgeable reefers here and also people who don't know anything lol j/k. We love pictures. Even of empty tanks. Don't worry about not having the best equipment yet. You'll learn what you like and whether you paid top dollar or got something for free, everyone upgrades!

 

[pgr11]

I have been EXTREMELY interested in starting a reef tank for quite some time and I finally decided to take the plunge. (I even bought a fresh water tank to keep in my room for the last six months just to make sure that this just wasn't a phase I was going through before I made the commitment). I don't have anyone I know that is in the hobby, I just kind of got fixated on it by myself. So I am going into this hobby completely blind, I am doing as much reading as absolutely possible.
Yesterday I picked up my first saltwater aquarium.
I really like the look of cubes so I picked up the full 50 gallon cube setup from sc aquariums ( tank, sump, pump, skimmer, cabinet). I do understand that this setup may not have the greatest components, but I don't know much about everything and I can upgrade as I go if need be.
I know that I still need a heater and lights. If anyone can please guide me in the right direction ( new or used) I would really appreciate it. I built the cabinet last night, and am putting the tank and sump together tonight.

And BTW you have Jason at tropical reef fish store in your area. You should go in and have him help you out also. He's always been a great help to me and can get you whatever you need.

 

[Emac909]

And BTW you have Jason at tropical reef fish store in your area. You should go in and have him help you out also. He's always been a great help to me and can get you whatever you need.

Look at u pimping out your whore.

 

[mkfmedic]

Welcome to the forums! Do research and don't be afraid to ask questions! Oh, and you nailed it on the head when you mentioned "Patience!" Be patient, do it right the first time and there will be no need for any stress. This is a great forum and I'm sure that there will be many to help you make your tank the best it can be! Good luck with the project and post lots of pictures!

Mike

 

[pgr11]

Look at u pimping out your whore.

I never put you out on the streets

 

[Paranoiattack91]

And BTW you have Jason at tropical reef fish store in your area. You should go in and have him help you out also. He's always been a great help to me and can get you whatever you need.

I did stop by and he gave me some good pointers, I live a mile away from him so I'll definitely be there quite a bit. And Chris, if you are available, I'll take you up on that offer of helping me. I have the cabinet built and the tank about ready but I'm absolutely clueless on how to put the skimmer together and all of the sump/ filtration, so that is preventing me from starting the cycle. Are there any days that you are down in my area? I'll kick you down with $20 for gas and beer of your choice!

 

[pgr11]

I did stop by and he gave me some good pointers, I live a mile away from him so I'll definitely be there quite a bit. And Chris, if you are available, I'll take you up on that offer of helping me. I have the cabinet built and the tank about ready but I'm absolutely clueless on how to put the skimmer together and all of the sump/ filtration, so that is preventing me from starting the cycle. Are there any days that you are down in my area? I'll kick you down with $20 for gas and beer of your choice!

I might be able to go down tomorrow afternoon and help out but I will not accept your money. I will however accept a beer. I'd come down today but I already have dinner plans. Jason can also show you how to put it together and get you the water to get you going. Pm me if you want to set something up

 

[Paranoiattack91]

I might be able to go down tomorrow afternoon and help out but I will not accept your money. I will however accept a beer. I'd come down today but I already have dinner plans. Jason can also show you how to put it together and get you the water to get you going. Pm me if you want to set something up

Pm sent

 

[Tropical Reef Fish Store]

I did stop by and he gave me some good pointers, I live a mile away from him so I'll definitely be there quite a bit. And Chris, if you are available, I'll take you up on that offer of helping me. I have the cabinet built and the tank about ready but I'm absolutely clueless on how to put the skimmer together and all of the sump/ filtration, so that is preventing me from starting the cycle. Are there any days that you are down in my area? I'll kick you down with $20 for gas and beer of your choice!

thx chris
hi jacob
im off today (shop is open tho)and i got to go to la in the morning but ill be back to the shop around 2pm.
i got all the water/sand/rock,ect... you will need i all so have 3 or 4 water jug you can barrow to help fill up your tank.
hope to seeya soon.

 

[Paranoiattack91]

thx chris
hi jacob
im off today (shop is open tho)and i got to go to la in the morning but ill be back to the shop around 2pm.
i got all the water/sand/rock,ect... you will need i all so have 3 or 4 water jug you can barrow to help fill up your tank.
hope to seeya soon.

I had work tonight but I will definitely be by in the next few days because I really want to get this tank started! I only live 1 mile away on baseline. I just have to figure out how to get the plumbing and skimmer put together before I come get everything.