[acer]

Upgrading a 55 fish only to a mixed reef. Need lights, hangon refugium, hangon skimmer, rock, etc. Info on equipment, where to puchase- what works best, all welcome. Have been out of the hobby, other than keeping the fish tank going for about ten years. So, never heard of PC or VHO lighting , or a refugium until about two weeks ago. Have learned alot, but feel like a rookie again. Thanks

[CoralHead]

I don't work for either of these companies, or own any part of them (I guess that's my disclaimer) I have purchased from Champion Lighting Supply out of PA, and Marine Depot out of CA.

Websites: www.championlighting.com and www.marinedepot.com

So far, all great buying experiences.

Originally Posted by acer

Upgrading a 55 fish only to a mixed reef. Need lights, hangon refugium, hangon skimmer, rock, etc. Info on equipment, where to puchase- what works best, all welcome. Have been out of the hobby, other than keeping the fish tank going for about ten years. So, never heard of PC or VHO lighting , or a refugium until about two weeks ago. Have learned alot, but feel like a rookie again. Thanks

[acer]

Originally Posted by CoralHead

I don't work for either of these companies, or own any part of them (I guess that's my disclaimer) I have purchased from Champion Lighting Supply out of PA, and Marine Depot out of CA.

Websites: www.championlighting.com and www.marinedepot.com

So far, all great buying experiences.

Thanks- for the info- have seen these companies on the web- but having someone with experience in dealing with them helps.

[CoralHead]

If I can help...just let me know

Originally Posted by acer

Thanks- for the info- have seen these companies on the web- but having someone with experience in dealing with them helps.

[cronicreef]

I would say get a good coral book and see what kinds of things you would like to keep in a reef tank and than look at getting any upgrades if you need them. You might find yourself spending less money if you do alot of planning!

Just my 2cents

[acer]

Originally Posted by cronicreef

I would say get a good coral book and see what kinds of things you would like to keep in a reef tank and than look at getting any upgrades if you need them. You might find yourself spending less money if you do alot of planning!

Just my 2cents

Love your two cents- I need all the two cents I can get. Any suggestions on the books? There are a million of them.

[cronicreef]

Reef Invertebrates is a great one (Anthony Calfo and Robert Fenner) Authors and big shots of the trade.

I would look at this book first and figure out what kinds of corals that your into. It also explains the basics of keeping them and things to look for in corals.
Aquarium Corals by Eric H. Borneman is a great one too. Anothere big shot

It shouldn't be hard to find eithere book. I see if I can get a link.


I'm not saying there isn't any better books out there but these are the 2 best out of my colletion of the 6 books I own.

[cronicreef]

Aquarium Corals
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...dproduct=BKACH

Reef Invertebrates
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...idproduct=BKRI

[Reefland]

Aquarium Corals is a better book for coral identification and care and would help you out on a more broad level. Reef Invertebrates isn't about corals, but the other non-coral and non-fish critters we might encounter. Here is a review I wrote on Aquarium Corals:
http://www.reefland.com/rho/1104/medprod.php

Another good book would be The Book of Coral Propagation by Calfo. This book only has a couple of pictures so if your looking for a good casual read, this is it. All of these books along with other excellent books can be found in our bookstore:
http://www.reefland.com/bookstore.php

[orion25]

Also:

Check out Premium Aquatics for Dry Goods.I have had nothing but good experiences there.

IPSF or Indo Pacific Sea Farms is a good place for Detrivores. I have got there 9 for $99 more than once. They had a screwy online ordering set up but they are trustworthy.

[acer]

Originally Posted by orion25

Also:

Check out Premium Aquatics for Dry Goods.I have had nothing but good experiences there.

IPSF or Indo Pacific Sea Farms is a good place for Detrivores. I have got there 9 for $99 more than once. They had a screwy online ordering set up but they are trustworthy.

Thanks for all info- it really helps as mistakes are costly and often end up killing something.