What not to buy?

[hillbilly]

There's so much "junk" on the market for the reefer
it's hard to list it all. I think the biggest rip-offs are
all the so called additives. Most are totally useless,
overpriced, and some could cause harm to critters.
If it not basic elements, and not found in seawater,
you don't need it!

 

[Anonymous]

The "Tap Water Purifier" DI catridge.. - Unless you know for certain that your "tap" water is low enough in TDS that a quick brush through a weak DI is going to polish it up nicely... :roll:

 

[DK]

I know Rio's were already mentioned, however, I feel that multiple entries are necessary DON'T EVER GET A RIO PUMP in any size. I will probably take 10 years for my wife to get over the problems those pumps generated. (she now hates my hobby).

I feel better now..............

 

[Anonymous]

Never ever purchase Limburger Cheese. Ok....never ever purchase an Iron Stand. Never!!!!!! Been ther done that. I should have learned the first time.

 

[middletonmark]

Why no metal stand [other than ugly?]

Highly in agreement with most additives. If you don't test for it, or they don't disclose it ... don't add it. Regular water changes, and Calcium/Alkalinity supplementation [after testing] have done me far better than `essential-vital' [not real name] bottles. Thanks, but that money is better spent on my skimmer, lights, a book, or livestock.

 

[Anonymous]

Metal.... Saltwater..... The only other 'additive' needed is time... :wink:

 

[BRose]

I'm sure I'll get flamed for this but here goes.
As with most things, understanding the limitations of the product can make a big difference. For 'New Reefkeepers' I agree with these posted. Just don't let it perminately sway your opinion on everything.
Skilters are a waste of time and money but better than absolutely nothing simply because they add some aeration. Do not buy one though - There's a lot out there people will give you!
I have used small RIO pumps in a couple micro tanks for years without any problems. Again, Not for New Reefkeepers. They require maintenance.
The Tap Water Purifiers can work if you run the water extremely slow. Less than a gallon per hour and they work for everything but the hardest of water. You can probably produce 15 gallons a day for 3 or 4 days, then you need a new cartridge. That's an expense DI water source but better than straight tap water if you can't get RO or DI water from another source.
As stated, for a New Reefkeepers Forum I agree with these posts. Just don't take it to heart for life. I started "Reef Keeping" with a 10 gallon tank held together with lead seals, an undergravel filter, play sand gravel, and 2 - 15 watt Cool White flourscent lights. That was 'State of the Art' in the Sixties. Yeah, I'm an old fart. I have some corals that are older than some of the readers of this forum.
Enjoy!

 

[Bill2]

Do not buy a flower pot or elegance coral.

Funny that that elegance was considered a "beginner's" coral and did very well and now it's hard to keep one alive. I suspect this is due to the cleanliness of our tanks more than anything.