Starting a saltwater tank

[Dearth]

Originally Posted by Aikidoka

So sorry for all the questions guys. Again, thanks for replying.

That is what we are here for to help you along if you don't ask you won't know

RO/RODI this is a basic need most cities/regions the water has tons of chemicals and nasties in it RO/RODI water will save you a ton of grief

Food safe garbage cans never have enough around for fresh water and per made salt water

Salt most buckets come with the instructions for mixing

Sand this one is tricky and can be controversial some swear by the 3" rule others are happy with an inch and a half I am in the latter part

Egg crate this again is controversial with many in the SW hobby I have it on the bottom of my tank for extra protection in case a rock falls others think it is a waste of space it is totally up to you

Lighting most are going for LEDs expensive to buy but cheap to run and provide good light choices and spectrum few run metal halides anymore T5s are still popular

Test kits all have their pluses and minuses some people are downright anal about testing their water others go for days or weeks before testing once your more confident its your choice

Live rock lots of choices and variations out there this is actually one of the more expensive bits to get for your tank a hundred pounds can set you back several hundred dollars I would try to see if anyone is selling their rock save you some money