starting new reef tank

I wana start a New reef tank 20-26 gallons few question

First is a ro/Di.needed I have well water and run threw a fine particle carbon filter
What is.best testing testing set for the clacium and such, also looking at rapid led for lights what colors and such do I need and last how much circulation is really needed and wht are the best wave/power heads for this.

Any suggestion will be nice and plz remember I'm on a tight budget (ik arnt we all)

 

If you want a successful reef, than yes RO/DI is a must (IMHO, YMMV). The problem with well water is you will never really know what is in the water. There are always going to be minerals and you will not removed everything with a carbon filter. Are you planning on an SPS tank? Water quality is that much more important in that case.

You need to be able to test for calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, phosphate, as well as the givens (pH, temp, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) if not others as well. I think Red Sea or Salifert are most recommended for calc, alk & mag (I use Red Sea), and probably ammonia, nitrite, nitrate as well. Hanna Phosphate checkers are common to check phosphate obviously.

Not sure on lighting, someone else can respond to that.

That is a smaller tank, so you should be fine with some Hydor Koralias on a wavemaker.

And just know if you want a successful reef tank, it will not be cheap!

 

Ik it wont be cheap but I got a 29 gallon tank for 29 bucks at petco yup there dollar per gallon sale is back
Ok and what are the 2 types of coral sps and what else, ive always done fish only tank, and if so what is a good ro/di system.

 

Here's a great thread to start with:
http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/whats-important-successful-tank-108699.html

 

I think if it were me I'd try to hit Petco up for a slightly larger tank,maybe a fourty breeder,lots more room for corals not much more cost for equipment.

 

I think ill stick with artificial till I'm done with college. Don't have time full time student and full time work so on that note I'm sry to bother anyone

And does any one know were to get good inexpensive artificial coral or reef