Im setting up a new tank!

[wrassecal]

Aileena and reefnut are right on IMO. Buy your tank locally and buy it with a built in overflow if you can. To what they have already said, I'd add..... Make sure the wood stand and canopy are right. You will want your wood canopy to be at least 8 inches from the water. These are things you will keep for a very long time so get them the way you want them/need them to be from the beginning. If you are not ready to get into the sump/refugium etc. at the beginning I would recommend a Emperor 400 hang on filter. You can put carbon filters etc in there. Also, get a hang on skimmer once you start adding your livestock. If you were thinking about a 40 and it's going in your room then I'm thinking space may be an issue and that is what attracted you to that size. I think a 55 would be best, 48 inches long. If you are planning on fish and soft corals to begin with, I would recommend 440 watts of vho lighting. I use both hellolights (bought at my lfs but I think you can get them online) and icecap. On my 55 gal the 440 watts did a great job with the fish and the corals such as colt, mushrooms, brain, xenia....all the hardy starter type corals. I notice you are a student but don't mention whether college or high school or what? So maybe there is a move in the not to distant future for you. If you use the hang on filter (about $40) and the hang on skimmer (about $90) then you won't be getting in so deep in the beginning that you can't get out. You also won't be overwhelmed with all the ins and outs of plumbing etc for a sump. It will work well and ease you into the hobby. Also, once you are set up I strongly advise you to cycle as Wamp suggests. Good luck and welcome to the hobby

 

[yae4volcom]

Thanks a bunch for all the information. I think that Im gunna go with the Hang on skimmer and filter to start. Can you still hang them on with the canopy on the tank? If I did want to get a sump (I still dont even know what a sump is ) could I add one later? Well Thnx a bunch without you id still be just as lost as before

 

[beaslbob]

Originally posted by wamp
bob,
...

I don't want to start a debate here and confuse newcommers. If you have more questions email me at beaslbob@aol.com
Back to this thread: If you really want to save money consider local classified. You can sometime get tanks very inexpensively. also consider building your own stand and hood. Tank costs are mainly the cost of the glass itself whereas the stand and hood costs are primarily labor and transportation. I recommend you get the largest possible tank you can afford that fits in you home where you want the aquarium. then you can start adding stuff as funds become available. I have heard that if you take you time you can even make your own "rocks" yourself. Good luck and hope you enjoy whatever the outcome is.

 

[reefnut]

Can you still hang them on with the canopy on the tank?
Yes, they have open back canopies that would work fine.
If I did want to get a sump (I still dont even know what a sump is ) could I add one later?
Yes, you can add one later by utilizing a hang-on overflow box. IMO you would be much happier with internal overflows but that's up to you .

 

[yae4volcom]

Well now I have a somewhat good idea what Im going to buy. Just one thing........Where do I buy it I am moving and I wouldnt know any fish stores around. I would rather buy everything online anyway. I guess I should get the tank before anything. Is it a bad idea to get one online? Finding a good store would be hard in my situation. Any suggestions on how I should get my tank and which websites have a big selection.
Thnx again
P.S. I was wondering if its bad to order fish online and have them shipped.......Not that Im that far into my aquarium yet but just a thought.

 

[beaslbob]

I would wait until you have moved and have settled into you final residence. Moving a large aquarium is not an easy thing to do. Water weighs 8-9 pounds per gallon so a 50 g tank has 400-450 pounds of water in it. I simply do not want to move that after it is set up. As for on line or local read the prices and stuff here at SWF. There are pros and cons for on line verses local. I do recommend you get the tank locally as shipping can be expensive. email me if interested beaslbob@aol.com

 

[yae4volcom]

We have had the house as a vacaction house but were now acctually permanatley moving in it. I would be getting all the stuff to that house so I wouldnt have to move anything. Beaslbob do you work for SWF? I mean I have not looked at your stuff but Id love to order from this website anyway I love the forum and its where Im getting my live rocks and fish from anyway I might as well stick to one online store. One more thing.....Is it easy to get the exact tank you want? I might just have one shipped......Or look for a store somewhere.