i want to try REEF

[mikegray]

hello ladies and gentlemen.
i failed on my 80gallon marine tank about 3 years ago. (my first saltwater attempt). all u seen is green from algea. it was SOO bad. and i lost every fish i had in there except eels and damsels.. it was really bad.. so my dad threw it out and said i suck heeh.
but i wanna try again (3 years later: im 17 now) heh. i wanna start a reef tank. but not a HUGE one. i wanna master it first before i go big u know. i want like a 30gallon bowfront or watever. but i want it REEF ready i want to make it so its easier on me to take care of it so i need all the correct stuff. i kno they got the reef ready systems. from oceanic and stuff but only in 46gallon+ i heard.. well if i got that would that system work good for reef or do i need to update alot of it and get high power lights.. help me out guys thanks
Mike

 

[jtp18]

I have a 32 gallon tank and in my experience it isn't very hard to take care of. the only problem I have is a slight nitrate prob. which I'm taking care of w/ macro algae. I think that a smaller tank is good for starting out. For one its not that expensive to start up compared to a larger system. Also,it really also depends on the space you have.But for the reef setup you want, you will probably have to purchase the higher lighting needs.As most aquariums don't come w/ the strong lighting that is required for a reef. I know this isn't a good rule to follow,but as a general guideline,have at least 3 watts per gallon. With that you can keep most soft corals as I'm told. Hope this helps.

 

[badkharma]

Originally posted by MikeGray
hello ladies and gentlemen.
but i want it REEF ready i want to make it so its easier on me to take care of it so i need all the correct stuff. i kno they got the reef ready systems.
Just because it's "reef ready" doesn't mean it's easier to take care of at all. Reef tanks are much more involving when it comes to maintenance than FOWLR tanks - they are less forgiving also -mainly because of the inhabitants a reef tank has. When dealing with the low volume (30-40 gallons) that you want to deal with, it may even be more maintenance because you have less room for error compared to a system of higher volume. I'm sorry to say it, but if you are not ready to show proper maintenance, then you are not ready for a reef tank. If you are, then give it a shot! And don't get addicted...it's expensive. If you're ready to show the proper care, definitely get the smaller volume (30-40 gallons). They are much cheaper to set up, and if you decide it's not for you, you aren't out as much money compared to a larger system. :happyfish