A lot of people have the misconception that you can’t drink RO water but the reality is that absolutely can. This is the system I installed LiquaGen - Dual 6 Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Drinking & Aquarium Deionization (RO/DI) Water Filter System (Universal pH Alkaline 100 GPD) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FTCTX5P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YJVS955FZDZV97Q84MVJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It has a carbon filter that I connected to the spigot on the sink, and a de-ion filter that I use to fill a five gallon bucket for the fish tank. I misunderstood a part of the instructions and their customer service was insanely fast with help too
Polishing Filter Pad - Superior Polishing Pad for Aquarium - Cut to Fit 24" by 36" Media for Fresh Water & Saltwater Fish Tanks and Terrariums - Made in USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014G7WTRY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4JTZF99KCT0QRZV4231A?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You can use something like this, or look for a liquid that says water clarifier. 😁
Fluval 406 or 307 would be fine. Typically you can use the petsmart app to get a good discount. HOB is always a choice too. AquaClear
I am so sorry for your loss. I suspect it's a bit outdated but Martin Moe has a great starter book on saltwater aquariums: https://www.amazon.com/Marine-Aquarium-Handbook-Beginner-Breeder/dp/0982026218/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=8M3H2V2H2XWM&keywords=Martin+moe&qid=1659220741&sprefix=martin+moe%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1.
Just remember to keep your bio load low and water quality high and you'll do just fine.
I once ordered a magnetic acclimation box and left my fish in there for a few days and my clown seemed to recover. I find if they rest on bottom sometimes my hermits would get them when they’re sick.
Reefing Art Small Magnetic Acclimation Breeder Box Anemone Coral Strong N52 Magnets for 1/2" Glass (4.5" Cube) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RXMNYRP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VZ93E63GRD00Q3D4RG3D?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I was thinking the sensor may be dirty. But I am not familiar with that model. I know a lot of people, including myself, use a Tunez. I bought a used one because they aren't exactly inexpensive. I just had to clean it really well and it works fine.
Tunze 3155.000 Osmolator Auto Top Off System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007R52IYW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_0Q79GHZCG98Y3PQ63ZKX
Those sensors can fail for multiple reasons. I always drill a hole in the side and add a float valve like this one never had any issues. Good luck!
This tool is neat.
hygger Carbon Fiber 6 in 1 Aquarium Cleaning Tool Kit Algae Scraper Scrubber Pad Sponge Telescopic Handle Fish Tank Brush Cleaner Set for Saltwater Freshwater https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MB183VL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JG1TMCJJDE6ES37HZN32?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You can get a scraper on a long pole. Something like this
Algae Scraper Fish Tank Scraper Cleaner Tool Kit with 10 Blades for Glass Aquarium Cleaning 65cm Long Handle https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GFDGJJW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_WBBDS4NJ0F46R3BWBSSM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I did not use any live rock, I picked up 40lbs of dryrock from Amazon Canada and can recommend:
https://www.amazon.ca/CaribSea-Aquatics-South-Shelf-40-Pound/dp/B00TGQZSQU
But yourself a hammer and a Chisel so you can break the rock into smaller pieces and then use superglue with quick set spray to make some cool shapes with tunnels etc, that allow fish to swim through and water movement, then you can use epoxy putty to hide and reinforce all all the joints, suggest you use a piece of rock to press into the putty so it looks more natural. I used some cardboard and tape to layout the tank, try to keep the rock 2" away from any surfaces for easier cleaning, make sure the pieces aren't too big to handle, for this tank two or three pieces work well and if you do it right you won't see any breaks in the rock.
One mistake I made was to add sand first, put your rock in and then add the sand.
Cheers!
I would start with reading about the fishes needs for reproduction. They may be easier to breed but that could still prove to be difficult. I'm guessing something like thoes bait fish would do ok in a 100 gallon or larger tank you can get from tractor supply. That's where I would start size wise I think the 300 would be better. The temperature could also be a big issue fluctuations could easily kill or prevent breeding. A pond filter would be good until they spawn then you would have to figure out how to remove it so the babies don't get sucked up.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004H35IV2/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_88G7CC7AR7KPNG8DH65A
I use this one, cheap and easy to setup. Working great for about a year now.
From economy reef lights:
Like this. Applying it at proper angle, not catching the sand, staying away from silicone, using fresh blades.
I’d say neither and instead get a protein skimmer assuming a budget of $40 I’d get this one: https://www.amazon.com/Aquatic-Life-Internal-Protein-30-Gallon/dp/B0028BPRMA/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?crid=29RBUYV8FAUU1&keywords=hang+on+back+protein+skimmer&qid=1643322421&sprefix=hang+on+back%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-10
That with some live rock and maybe a power head would be a nice, beginning setup.
I think it’s at least 60 - 80 lbs of live rock. I’ve owned it for about 6 years but broke down the tank 18 months ago and kept with a heater and power heads (though in the dark so most everything died or turned white).
I purchased this originally in 2015: Carib Sea ACS00370 South Sea Base Rock for Aquarium, 40-Pound https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017JBX7M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4P4P4A8Q4BZM7TR9PPT4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The rest was live rock purchased at a local lfs.
I did get 40 lbs of live sand and 40 lbs of nonlive sand. Both were figi pink. My local lfs had some of the same sand live and not live so I got 50/50.
ESHOPPS Eclipse Slim Overflow Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I5VV57C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_M456J045CJH3YCFWSXJX You can use this to add an overflow and get a 20 gallon sump. Or any size sump really.
Oh. I see the live rock now. Do you should be pretty good. If you’re want to up your game get something like this considering your budget. Marine Color RDC 150 Hanging On Internal Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer 40 Gallon Saltwater Aquarium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6AIYPJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_941PMZKKK2KZCK69H0JJ
Nicrew Saltwater LED may work. Works for me for 5 gal tank.
ABI 24W PAR38 LED bulbs, white-blue, tuna blue or royal blue. Each of them has around 1 sq ft max coverage, with highest intensity in the middle. Looks more obtrusive than slim strip lights.
Any other light with white 7,000K or more (cold white) and a lot of blue (430-460 nm).
Thoughts on this light?
CURRENT USA Orbit Marine IC PRO Dual LED Reef Aquarium Light | Wireless Light and Pump Controller | Loop App - Bluetooth https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07KWH5HMV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_QWCD2M44Z60S47CF935S?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
What should the salinity be? Also this is the light I use. Limited-time deal: NICREW ClassicLED Gen 2 Aquarium Light, Dimmable LED Fish Tank Light with 2-Channel Control, White and Blue LEDs, High Output, Size 18 to 24 Inch, 15 Watts https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07V7DCCJB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_dl_7301XB65E5MV4EMN7P3D?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
NICREW Saltwater Aquarium Light, Marine LED Fish Tank Light for Coral Reef Tanks, 2-Channel Timer Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Q378RBY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_JCH8D9GJAKDG93DWQAQS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Also I used these to get about a 1/4 gap around the top to prevent too much condensation from building up. You might need taller or shorter though. Clear Tall Square Adhesive Rubber Bumper Pads - Rubber Feet for Speakers, Electronics, Furniture, Appliances, Audio Equipment - 20 Pieces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PHZZ436/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_PEXQFTX41FYXMR1PNRVV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The breeder boxes i use are open on top and hang in the tank so I would just put a little in. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005QRDCP2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_B7REZNKNEZEJ3B9YMJZA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I got a great deal on Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F8DVAO4
I suspect with COVID it's no longer available, but you could look for the brand from other sources, or get one of the more expensive brands still around. You can use as much good tank rock as someone will part with, the more, the faster it'll colonize, if you can find someone that needs bulk you can work out a trade rate, too. Getting active tank rock with the kind of color, growth, and critters you want helps get the tank look you're going for.