Need a ton of advice, PLEASE

[bruce922]

Hello all,

I'm going to finally after years of wanting to, get a saltwater reef tank started. I have been reading about water chemistry among a bunch of other things also. I have had up to 55 gallons tanks in the past. Most recently had a 55 gallon african cichlid tank. I moved and broke the tank down and sold it.

I have been talking to the workers in the local aquarium stores. Many of them were very helpful, but told me many different things. My main question is what size tank to start with? I have been looking at the 34 gallon Solana tank, I like it cause it has all the necassary equipment needed all-in-one. I have also looked at a 40 gallon breeder tank, which I like alot also. I know with the breeder tank I need to have a seperate sump. Any ideas what do go with? I feel like if I get the 40 gallon breeder then I need to know a bit more about the overall system and what everything does as far as the sump, skimmer, and etc. More of a challenge I guess then going with a tank that has an all-in-one system.

Any adivce would be appreciated!

 

[hijinks]

my current is a 46g which I started salt with. I think that is a good size since I can put a small sump under the tank. I don't have to worry about water level drop on my display tank.. I can also hide everything in the sump so its on in the display.

Plus with salt.. bigger is always easier to keep but more expensive. The more water you have in your system the safer it will be in case something dies or such.

I would go as big as you can.. the 46 suited my budget nicely. Big enough to enjoy but but so big I'm poor.

 

[greggnyce]

All in one tanks can be good but you are stuck with what you have once you have it. If you go for the breeder you can taylor it to your needs. There are plenty of great people here to help you through the process just ask.

 

[James983]

I think before you buy anything you need to decide what type of reef tank you want. Softies only, LPS, SPS etc. That will have a big impact on what equipment you buy. That way you only buy once.

 

[NYreefNoob]

First Question To Me Would Be, In Reality What Total Price Range Are You Trying To Stay Around, This Will Help People Give Appropriate Opinions. There Are Also Several Systems For Sale On Here As Well

 

[bruce922]

To be honest with you I haven't thought about a price range yet. The reason is becasue it is somthing that I have been saving up for, for a long time. I guess under 2500.00 would be nice.

 

[bruce922]

I think before you buy anything you need to decide what type of reef tank you want. Softies only, LPS, SPS etc. That will have a big impact on what equipment you buy. That way you only buy once.

Probably both types of coral. If I can mange that then probably just LPS coral

 

[ZBT3091]

if 2500 is your budget you can probably do a really nice tank around 75 gallons. I have spent around 3,000 for my 75 and I will probably spend around 500 more to finish stocking it with corals and fish. I just recommend that you definitely spend the money and get certain basics that have high initial costs like drilling a tank, a phosphate reactor, sump, protein skimmer, lighting, live rock and live sand. It will be expensive initially but it will save you money in the end and make your job easier

 

[Keith P]

I would go with an all in one, with the plan of upgrading in the future. (Assuming an AIO will be a lot less $$ than a full build)
Spend a year with an AIO and you will have a much better idea of what you wants and needs are. This will leave you money for all the other gear you'll need, regardless to which tank you go with (RODI, Refractometer, Test Kits, ETC).

I mean, who expects their first tank to be their last? LOL

 

[MARCOANTONIOJR]

be patient and wait for someone to sell their whole setup, but first decide how big u wanna go, i say go as big as you can fit in your house cause sooner or later u r gonna wanna go bigger trust me.....so wait for a tank stand light skimmer sump with pumps and powerheads and of course most important is a rodi ....make sure u get 250 mh light too.just be patient

 

[NYreefNoob]

red sea max 250 that leaves ya a grand for rock corals and fish, 65g tank all in one with enough light for sps as well or you can come get my whole system for that :shhh:, leo has a nice set-up f\s also

 

[duke62]

2500 is more than enough.look on the 4 sale thread and u can find some greast deals and u might not even get close to 2500.i know with my set up i have a 50 gal breeder all together i probably only spent 1500

 

[18oreefer]

Definatly buy either here or try craigslist.org search fish tanks. You will get a lot more for your money. I once bought a whole 120 flat back hex with everything 200 lbs rock 6' 1200watt mh hood corals fish EVERYTHING for $1500 on craigs. Just look around. A good book i might recommend is The Marine Aquariest. Its perfect for getting started because it spells everything out. GOOD LUCK. Hope to see a tank thread of yours soon.

 

[KathyC]

How about this With the $ you have left you can get your rock/sand/and stock the tank with fish & corals!

http://www.petstore.com/ps_viewitem...rKitBlack&utm_campaign=pscse&site=google_base