Hello all! I'm preparing to get my 1st aquarium :D

[wartooth]

Hello everyone tax day has been good to me so I thought I'd do something that I've always wanted to do which is owning and maintaining a saltwater aquarium
Although I've read that it is recommended that a beginner use a 50 gallon tank or larger, I don't think space at my place allows it, so I'm going to have to settle for something smaller. Right now I'm looking at an Aqua Euro 34 gallon tank that my local fish store currently has on sale for $599. Since most places around the 'net seem to be asking $899 for this tank, I think I might want to take advantage of this sale.
Although I don't have the "stats" for this tank off the top of my head, the salesperson tells me that as far as aquariums that have its own filter, protein skimmer, fans, powerheads, and lights built in, it is one of the best. If anyone out there knows a thing or two about his tank please drop me a line since 600 bucks is a substantial investment (for me anyway)... I'd just like to hear the opinion of someone who is not the saleperson about this tank lol.
Also, how many fish/inverts can I expect to reasonably have in this tank? I was thinking of not including corals, but since I'm told (by the saleperson) that since the Aqua Euro 34 has all of the equipment needed for a reef tank built right in, I can add corals without needing to buy any extra equipment... so there's a slight chance I may plan on going reef style.
The only thing that is set in stone as far as fish/creatures go is that I want to include an Arrow Crab because they look awesome and my wife wants a fish that is purple and yellow (shes a Lakers fan lol)... I know there are several types of fish with those colors... their names escape me at the moment.
Anyway, thanks in advance and I look forward to future discussions about fish, tanks, and the hobby in general!

 

[blackjacktang]

purple and yellow fish are ones like the Bi-color dottyback and royal gramma basslett
I started my first SW tank as a 30g Eclipse system. Not very good for reef but i got by it.
I am not totaly sure what kind of tank you are looking at but it sounds nice. Depending on what kind of lighting it has on it will depend on what kind of corals it can keep.
The only down side i see about the tank is you didnt mention it had a refugium. Google "Saltwater Refugium" and you can learn a alot like i did.

 

[wartooth]

I just got the info from a random web site... this is the aquarium in question FYI:
Please do not post competitor sites
YOU CAN post a picture or a brand name

 

[blackjacktang]

be careful posting sites like that on these forums..mods will delete those

 

[btldreef]

I just did a little research on the Aqua Euro 34. It's a fairly new system and not too many people have it yet, but it looks like it's a great setup, especially if you are looking for an all-in-one system.
It looks comparable to the BioCube HQI system. In my opinion, you might want to look into the BioCube 29Gallon HQI setup. More people have them, so you'll get more help. I've always been happy with the BioCube systems. They're also cheaper, many sites sell them for $400-500.
Either way, I think the all in ones are great for people that are limited on space, especially if they're new to the hobby.
Welcome to the addiction!

 

[denniscoy420]

go to craigslist buy a used tank break it down with some rubbermaid tubs trade the fish to a local fish store if u dont want them ,
u will get credit, this way will save u the most $$$$

 

[wartooth1]

Woops there was an issue with my password so I had to create a new username... I assure I'm the original poster
Anyway my apologies I didn't mean to post a competitor's site it was just for informational purposes about the tank.. but I'll remember that moving forward.
I'm going to keep checking around but I think unless I find an offer I can't refuse, I think I'll be making this Aqua Euro my 1st tank
Got any recommendations for fish/inverts? I know I said I'll be looking into getting an Arrow Crab and/or a Bi Color Dottyback to start off with... so what would be something that gets along with these guys and also may not harm corals if I wish to go the reef route?

 

[blackjacktang]

Here is something i found online about the arow crab. NOT MY POST
It is a hardy, long-lived invertebrate, that can be housed in the reef aquarium. This crab has been known to attack crustaceans such as Banded Coral Shrimp, and may even attack small slow moving fish. All crabs are opportunistic feeders and if insufficient food is present they may pick at mushrooms or polyps searching for food. Breeding Arrow Crabs in the aquarium is not generally successful.

 

[gemmy]

I am not a fan of any type of crab in a reef tank. When it comes time to stock the tank, I would have a good idea of the type of fish that you want in the tank. You would want to add the most aggressive fish last and the least aggressive fish first. If you add the most aggressive fish (or more aggressive fish), there will be issues with dominance/aggression when you add the less aggressive fish.

 

[btldreef]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gemmy http:///forum/thread/384455/hello-all-i-m-preparing-to-get-my-1st-aquarium-d#post_3368042
I am not a fan of any type of crab in a reef tank. When it comes time to stock the tank, I would have a good idea of the type of fish that you want in the tank. You would want to add the most aggressive fish last and the least aggressive fish first. If you add the most aggressive fish (or more aggressive fish), there will be issues with dominance/aggression when you add the less aggressive fish.
+1 I've heard of arrow crabs eating corals and small crustaceans. IMO, they're not reef safe.