Noobie needing tips

[Proteus]

Originally Posted by jason604

Hi there I'm planning to get my first saltwater aquarium set up and I have a few questions. I'm most likely planning to get a pre-owned set up about 75+ gal with hopefully led lights as I am having coral. I'm from Vancouver so I'm wondering would I need to also get a chiller or will the led light not make it that hot during summer compared to a MH light? Do I need a sump and what is it for? If I get used live rock/coral/ fish if possible do I have to do anything to them first to disinfect them just in case previous owner had bad things living on them? Also if I end up buying live rock that's been out of the water for a long time would they come alive again? Can I add fish and coral right away if live rock is established but totally new salt water?

Sorry for all the noob questions but I want to get everything right the first time so I won't have to make horrible mistakes n lose massive $$ and time. Thanks in advance

Welcome to Canreef. Ill try to help but there lots of info and experienced people here. Don't rush. That will cost you
A sump holds all your unsightly equip, plus a fuge and more rock for bacterial filtration.
I would suggest you start with a fish only tank and add corals as your tank matures so you can learn to understand water parameters and how they affect the tank. If you start with a tank full of coral and not understanding how you tank works and what the params mean you will end up with tank full of deadness

Live rock that is out of water for a long time is now dead rock and full of dead organics. It needs to be "cooked" to rid of the organics. ( soaking in water to pull nutrients out)
Even a established tank can give you problems after a move as it gets all stirred up. So

Buy a tank sump and stand that you like. Set it up with desired rock and sand.
Buy your lights what ever you choose. There are benifits and drawback to each
A good skimmer and media reactors will need to come.
IMO buying cheap equipment will cost more in long run so reaserch before you buy

Look in to carbon dosing of some sort

Fish should be quarantine to treat for parasites before adding to DT
Coral can be dipped with coral rx, revive to rid pest

Read read read and lots of Q's if it wasn't for Canreef I wouldn't be in the hobby anymore.

Oh and plan on being broke. Lol