If I do get the Solaris, I will post pics along with updates. As of right now, I have not bought a thing. This is what some of my overtime is going buy. I think it would be great for the family to get involved in. I guess this is what you can call "sweat equity" just in a different rehlm. lol
I think I am going to get the equipment first, then go for the tank last. I want to be able to have everything together and set up so, once I start, I don't have to run here and there for things I need to get it up and running.
This is going to take me more than a year to get together, IF all goes well, I will get the skimmer first, build or buy a sump,(really want to give building one a try), then onto the heaters, tunze unit w/controller, return pump, plumbing, ro/di unit, salt, test kits, various other testing equipment(hydrometer), top off kit, various items such as new garbage cans and buckets to hold premixed salt water, and finaly the tank and stand.
I plan on cycling the tank with the live rock. Is there a time that is best to put the live rock in the tank, or, do I just put it all in at the verry beginning? I also plan on useing the live sand at the same time, is that safe as well? And, is the smell too overwhelming? This will be in my Family room(basemet). If is to too bad, I will cure it in garbage cans and transfer it to the tank. I do plan on useing cured liverock, from what I have read, there will still be die off.
Will I also need a calcium reactor? I do plan on a few easy to keep corals after I get a good feel and knowledge base for the hobby. Lotta things have changed in the last 13-14 years lol.
What kind of salt do you reccomend? I see that there are some that have trace elements and some don't. I am planning on going with the ones that do. I used Instant Ocean in the past, they seemed to be about the beast at that time.  |