Items needed for new tank setup

[curator]

I am gathering items needed to set up my new Biocube 29 this weekend. I'd be very appreciative if some of you would assist me in compiling a list of the essentials needed to begin. Here is what I am aware of thus far:

Live rock and sand
Salt
Hydrometer
Heater
pH/alkalinity test kit
Thermometer

Any recommendations on specifics for any of these items (type, brand, etc.) or other items I should have (test kits, etc.) will be very helpful.

Thanks!

John

 

[victor626nj]

get an ammonia nitrate and nitrite test kit as well salfert like big d said best bang for the buck salt get io its pretty cheap and since your going to be cyleing might as well not use the expensive stuff sec the refractometer can get on ebay for 30 shipped a must in our hobby and theremometer go digital you will also need a ro/di unit but you can get your water from local fish store tell you get one and patience alot of it that is the key

 

[curator]

Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions. In regard to the refractometer, I notice they can be purchased for anywhere from $10 to $75. Would I be erring by going inexpensive?

John

 

[eandrews]

Curator;80984 wrote: Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions. In regard to the refractometer, I notice they can be purchased for anywhere from $10 to $75. Would I be erring by going inexpensive?

John

I just saw them but missed one that is a great deal on ebay. It ended for like 30.00 shipped. just go on there and search, you'll find them from one source and there's members here who say they never had one issue with calibrating them more then .05 off.

I just launched my 29 biocube this past weekend if you need any help in the north area let me know. I would suggest PMing Sal "horseziggy" for live rock and go to Optimum Aquarium to get the CaribSea (medium grain) live sand and pre-mixed water and support his LPS.

 

[george]

Curator;80984 wrote: Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions. In regard to the refractometer, I notice they can be purchased for anywhere from $10 to $75. Would I be erring by going inexpensive?

It's probably one of the few items that will work the same cheap or expensive, I think. Since it's measuring refraction, if it works at all, it'll work the same no matter what once you've calibrated it. You can also find them on home brewing sites which might be cheaper.

 

[eandrews]

George;80988 wrote: You can also find them on home brewing sites which might be cheaper.

Didn't even think about that... I need one still too.