First time

[dfoose]

Hi I'm Dakota, I have recently became interested in saltwater aquariums. I've kept reptiles in the past and want to change hobbies. I've been looking into a nano tank between the sizes 8-14 gallon. I'm still very new to things and need to know the basics before i pick the size. What should route should i pick for a first cheap setup? I want fish later down the road but really want a thriving reef with coral first. After the tank is setup I plan on getting some fish. My two combos I'm looking at right now are 2 clown fish with anemone or a watchman goby and a pistol shrimp. Whats your opinions or tips? Also can anyone give me a supply list for just the tank with coral.
Thanks,
Dakota

 

[al&burke]

Hi and welcome to swf. Lot's of good people here to help. Starting with a smaller tank may prove to be a bit more challenging. I would try to start with something at least 30 gallons. THis hobby is not cheap and it all depends on what you want in your tank. However not to be discouraged it is very rewarding. Starting off with a 30 or even a 55. THe most expensive parts are lights, live rock, and skimmer. So if you start out larger you won't have to upgrade when you really get hooked on this hobby. Read the great information provided on this site, if you start right you won't get discouraged. Nothing worse than setting up a tank then everything dieing on you. Honestly a sump - refugium is the way to go. Good luck and welcome again.

 

[pezenfuego]

It wasn't long ago that keeping a tank smaller than 30 gallons was considered irresponsible and taboo. It wasn't until relatively recently that people began to have success with the very small tanks. If you do go with small aquarium, then you really have to do things right. You can't worry about money or budgets or look for shortcuts (from my experience). I can start you off with an equipment list (I promise I'll forget a whole mess of things though). If you see an acronym or a word that you don't know, just google it. That should be helpful as it pertains to research.
Filtration options:
Protein Skimmer (CHECK REVIEWS)
Mechanical filter (canister, hang-on-back)
Biological filter (sump/refugium/turf scrubber/DSB)
Chemical filter (check phosban reactor)
Lighting:
LED/Metal Halide (high light corals eg: anemones and sps)
T5HO (Middle of the road corals eg: lps)
Most kit lighting (soft corals only)
Heating/Cooling
Chiller (cools the water-usually unnecessary)
Fans (cools the water through evaporation-may be necessary)
Heater (get one with a thermostat if you can)
Thermostat (may be unnecessary as well)
Thermometers (more than one)
Automatic Top Off (ATO)
Becomes increasingly necessary for smaller tanks (do not need on a 30 gallon/should have on an 8 gallon)
Cleaning/Maintenance
Buckets
Containers
Nets
glass cleaners
Magfloat
Test kits (titration or lab grade)
"Necessary" Biological Filtration
Live Rock
Live Sand
Miscellaneous:
A good source of RO or RO/DI or Distilled water
A salt mix (I prefer Reef Crystals, but the debate is endless)
Fish food (frozen is better)
Chemicals for dosing (not necessary in all cases)
Have Fun!

 

[dfoose]

Thanks for the information. I was thinking about a larger tank but im in the process of graduating high school and moving out. Im not sure how much room i will be moving into and don't want to have a huge tank to move, just yet. I really want a little reef tank with live coral. I've been reading and learned with smaller tanks its harder to build a stable temp. I live in so California, our tempts stay pretty stable, so this might make it easier. Also i was wondering if any of the nano tank kits are ready for a live reef, if not, what needs to upgraded? I'm not worried about having fish yet, maybe some shrimp for tank cleaning. Also is there anyway someone could give me a rundown on cost for a 12-30 gal tank with no fish and no led.
Thanks,
Dakota

 

[pezenfuego]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dfoose http:///t/394153/first-time#post_3507925
Thanks for the information. I was thinking about a larger tank but im in the process of graduating high school and moving out. Im not sure how much room i will be moving into and don't want to have a huge tank to move, just yet. I really want a little reef tank with live coral. I've been reading and learned with smaller tanks its harder to build a stable temp. I live in so California, our tempts stay pretty stable, so this might make it easier. Also i was wondering if any of the nano tank kits are ready for a live reef, if not, what needs to upgraded? I'm not worried about having fish yet, maybe some shrimp for tank cleaning. Also is there anyway someone could give me a rundown on cost for a 12-30 gal tank with no fish and no led.
Thanks,
Dakota
I am in college. If you are off to college and want to bring a tank with you, check out my thread. Link next to my name.

 

[zoie2]

Hi and Welcome!
I got my first saltwater tank about 8 years ago. I had a very small house so I had to go small. I chose the 12 gal. I started with an Aquapod and after about 5 years I switched to the JBJ nano-cube. These are nice tanks for me because I was new and everything I needed was included with the tank. Nothing fancy or too expensive. I also liked that everything (heater, pump, filters etc.) was hidden and the tank looked so nice. It cost me about $200.00 to buy the live sand, live rock, salt, test kits and instruments.
There are so many things yo can do; to suggest anything would be pointless, but research, read the posts on here, find out what you like and research more. The forum here is great for answering questions, they have saved my tank sooo many times!! People here are really nice and know a lot!
Have fun with it and post lots of pictures!!!

 

[dfoose]

Quote:
Originally Posted by PEZenfuego http:///t/394153/first-time#post_3507944
I am in college. If you are off to college and want to bring a tank with you, check out my thread. Link next to my name.
I was looking at your build last night. Looks nice and can't wait to see your fish next week.

 

[dfoose]

Quote:
Originally Posted by zoie2 http:///t/394153/first-time#post_3507947
Hi and Welcome!
I got my first saltwater tank about 8 years ago. I had a very small house so I had to go small. I chose the 12 gal. I started with an Aquapod and after about 5 years I switched to the JBJ nano-cube. These are nice tanks for me because I was new and everything I needed was included with the tank. Nothing fancy or too expensive. I also liked that everything (heater, pump, filters etc.) was hidden and the tank looked so nice. It cost me about $200.00 to buy the live sand, live rock, salt, test kits and instruments.
There are so many things yo can do; to suggest anything would be pointless, but research, read the posts on here, find out what you like and research more. The forum here is great for answering questions, they have saved my tank sooo many times!! People here are really nice and know a lot!
Have fun with it and post lots of pictures!!!
That's the reason i want to buy a kit. I know all the parts wont be best but it gives me time and experience to add things later. Thanks for the responce