New setup/new to the hobby

[Tooboot]

Starting this thread to document my progress as I start up in the hobby. Did tones of research so far, started my search for equipment (tank) through used sites and found a deal faster then expected. I understand the benefit of larger tanks, fewer swings, but couldn't pass up the opportunity of the 40 gallon bow front and custom stand I ended with.

I also have a 20 gallon tank that's has baffles added as custom sump. The overflow and return is very simple plumbing with a single 2 inch hole in the back draining to the sump where I'll include a micron sock. A Jebao 3000 is used as my return pump, and a used bubble magus 3.5 as protein skimmer. I'll also keep a eheim 100w heater in the sump as a back up to the neotherm 150 I'll keep in the tanks overflow.

Recently picked up 30 lbs of Marco rock, 20 lbs of some other reef rock, and a fan shape pukani rock. I glued some pieces together and did up my aqua scaping, and added the sand (about 2" sand bed). I made theasy decision to start with all dry rock, I'll add some shrimp in a cheese cloth to start my cycle, i'very got the time.

As for flow, I picked up an rwe jebao power head and aqualink wireless controller. Been fun using and trying different settings when doing a water test to check for leaks (was all good).

As for lighting, going andown have been wanting LEDs. Instead of shelling out 500+ for quality LEDs off the start, I'll be building my own. It a bit I timid a ting as my first foray into electronics/soldering. I'love be hooking up some forms of controller for the lights, either a Strom controller or find some guides for an Aduino setup.

Anyway, here are some picks, not sure what else to report. Waiting on a refractometer then I'll pick up salt and for the first batch I'll mix it in the tank. Any salt brand recommendations ?

[babnika]

bulkheads look backwards to me flange goes on the inside with nut on the outside to keep water from traveling down threads & mite be a bit loud

[dino]

yes what he/she said

[Tooboot]

It is a tad loud, but no leaks. I guess that's something I can fix, have a coupler on my down pipe

[tang daddy]

Instant ocean seems to be the most common salt used by hobbyist here, becareful with those LEDs while they don't seem bright they will burn and bleach your Lps, if you get some wide angled lenses it will help spread the light abit better.

[Tooboot]

I have a few lenses on the way, not enough for all but will test them with a few. I thought that if I didn't have any lenses I the light would be spread out, and the lenses would focus the light better.
And as of yesterday I got some Red Sea coral pro salt mix (along with a Hanna calcium checker and red sea marine test kit)
Thanks for the advice, keep it coming as I welcome different views