Originally Posted by
Cranberry
http:///forum/post/3094708
Do not start buying stuff until the tank is imminent. It's definity better to save the money. If you see a skimmer you like, put that much money away. Products will change in that much time. You may change your mind on the products you buy. I have a beautiful 4 way oceans motions (400+) and a big ole 1000 dollar HQI light, but things and plans changed and now I don't have a use for them... never mind the Reefkeeper elite (500). I'm putting the prices in there so you can see how much useless money I spent.
Listen to someone who did it.... do NOT start buying equipment now. It sounds nice on paper for those who have not done it, but it was one of the biggest mistakes I made.
But you can never go wrong with buying rock, IMO. I buy it when I see a deal or see a piece I really really like and put it in my tote (which is a 55 acrylic tank). I keep that thing cycled with leftover fish.
+1 to an extent. I think it's going to depend on where you want to go with the tank. If you just what a big FOWLR, you can start collecting some things, sump, heater(s), return pumps, but I would agree to hold off on the skimmer and any powerheads. We're all probably going to be using cone skimmers here in the next few years, pricing will come down on them and you'll be able to skim circles around that G4+. If you happen to score a great deal on lighting, since it's not really going to matter for a FO go for it. Even when I was fish only, I still had halides...
But I would also agree don't buy anything with a computer chip inside....
As far as tank size, why 8 footers? I think many of us aggressive guys' dream tank would be at least 10 feet. Give those tangs and wrasses some room.
. A 120"x30"x30" is only 467 gallons, so it wouldn't be that much more tank, but you increase the length by 25%.