Essential Reef set up equipment

[michika]

I also want to recommend either an excel worksheet, or a notebook to keep track of your parameters.

A couple of things I learned the hard way; test out the depth of your tank first before you buy it. Nothing like being unable to touch the bottom of your tank when something falls.

Lighting that either comes off or moves up and down is awesome. Lighting burns suck, and they take a long long time to heal.

Buy vinegar at some point. Its a great cleaning tool! Old toothbrushes, and those vegetable scrubber brushes are great too.

Consider the height of your stand, where the tank is going to sit. Make sure you have ample room for a sump/refugium (if you are going that route), storage, and room to move around.

Are you going to go with a standard 100g, or are you thinking of something custom? Consider what livestock you want in your tank, as it may dictate the best configuration for your tank. E.g. tangs like more length then height, yet seahorses like height.

Do you have any stocking ideas, anything you know is a must have for your tank?