Nano Reef Beginner: Help!?!

[jazzeh]

Finally an account on SWF.

Hi.
I guess what I'm wondering is what... er. Well. I'm not sure what I'm wondering.

I want a pretty aquarium with a large variety of color, texture, and fish. I understand that coral is expensive... Is there any way for them to grow quickly so I don't have to buy so much? Also, I realize my tank is small, but I've seen other 10 gallon tanks that look utterly FILLED with beautiful organisms. I'm planning on getting about 10 lbs. of cured LR and about the same amount of LS. I'm on the right track, right?
I have a nice, rectangular 10 gallon glass tank with a small Whisper filter system. Also, a thermometer, a small heater, and regular top with a light. There is nothing but water and my old freshwater decorations in there. I know I'm going to have to take all that yummy stuff out.

Is there any new equipment that I need to get? Obviously, I need a new light. But is the filter and heater okay? I'm trying to save a little money here.
I guess I just don't know where to start.

Especially with my small money amount. I know that saltwater aquariums are expensive, but I think my limit is going to have to be about $200 to $250. Is that at all possible?
If so, what do I get first? Where can I get it? For cheap?? SHOULD I BE REALLY EXCITED, but yet still kinda scared to start this project?????
Thanks.

 

[taznut]

for that much money you will probably have to build everything yourself... you can get dry sand (not any sand will work) and some lr... lights are expensive and so is the rock (at least where i live)... 10g is really small and hard to keep stable... the best advice at this point is to research and i would wait and save more money... bigger IS better... im sure it is possible to do with 250$ but it will not be easy...
hob filters are almost pointless and can cause more problems than what they are worth... you mainly use biological filtration in saltwater with a protein skimmer for the rest (although there is a huge variety of things you can use to suppliment filtration/water quality)...
Im well over $3k into mine and have only had it set up about 4 months (i have a 190g system)... some people have bigger for cheaper some have smaller for more, its all in what you buy and know....

 

[jazzeh]

Wow! That's a LOT of money. I wouldn't want to go any bigger with my tank though, because I like the little reefs and it's perfect for what I need it for... entertainment. I've already found LS at my local ***** for $25 + tax for 15 lbs., which is MORE than I need. Also, my LFS has cured LR for about $5 a pound, about $50 total + tax. My uncle has a 25 gallon tank already all set up with LR, LS, and lights. Maybe I should just buy it all from him for $100? It's in good shape.

I think I'm in a hurry to get started which isn't good because I realize this is going to be a very long process. Thanks for your help, taz! Good luck continuing on your 190 gallon! I bet it's a beauty!

 

[taznut]

Originally Posted by Jazzeh
http:///forum/post/3058942
Wow! That's a LOT of money. I wouldn't want to go any bigger with my tank though, because I like the little reefs and it's perfect for what I need it for... entertainment. I've already found LS at my local ***** for $25 + tax for 15 lbs., which is MORE than I need. Also, my LFS has cured LR for about $5 a pound, about $50 total + tax. My uncle has a 25 gallon tank already all set up with LR, LS, and lights. Maybe I should just buy it all from him for $100? It's in good shape.

I think I'm in a hurry to get started which isn't good because I realize this is going to be a very long process. Thanks for your help, taz! Good luck continuing on your 190 gallon! I bet it's a beauty!

if he is selling that for 100$ and it is in good shape i would jump on that ... much cheaper than you are going to spend on a 10g... you could even us you 10g for a fuge then... remember to cycle when starting a new tank...

 

[taznut]

mine is coming along... its a long and slow process but it is getting to the point that its starting to be worth it...

 

[jazzeh]

Well, that's good!

 

[locoyo386]

Originally Posted by Jazzeh
http:///forum/post/3058916
Finally an account on SWF.

Hi.
I guess what I'm wondering is what... er. Well. I'm not sure what I'm wondering.

I want a pretty aquarium with a large variety of color, texture, and fish. I understand that coral is expensive... Is there any way for them to grow quickly so I don't have to buy so much? Also, I realize my tank is small, but I've seen other 10 gallon tanks that look utterly FILLED with beautiful organisms. I'm planning on getting about 10 lbs. of cured LR and about the same amount of LS. I'm on the right track, right?
I have a nice, rectangular 10 gallon glass tank with a small Whisper filter system. Also, a thermometer, a small heater, and regular top with a light. There is nothing but water and my old freshwater decorations in there. I know I'm going to have to take all that yummy stuff out.

Is there any new equipment that I need to get? Obviously, I need a new light. But is the filter and heater okay? I'm trying to save a little money here.
I guess I just don't know where to start.

Especially with my small money amount. I know that saltwater aquariums are expensive, but I think my limit is going to have to be about $200 to $250. Is that at all possible?
If so, what do I get first? Where can I get it? For cheap?? SHOULD I BE REALLY EXCITED, but yet still kinda scared to start this project?????
Thanks.

Hi there,
I have 8 10 gallon tanks, but I only have fish (no corals). Mu setups only cost $39.99 + TAX (from wal). In your case you will need the lighting as you already stated and look into adding a protein skimmer (I can't help you there as I do not used them). Other than those two items you should be good to go (for a 10 gallon anyways). Just check to make sure you have enough water flow inside the tank. If not look into a nano or small powerhead. The $200-$250 might only cover the equipment though, not the live stock and corals.

 

[jazzeh]

I'm thinking that if I keep my small 10 gallon, I might make a FOWLR aquarium... What do you guys think?

 

[jayson417]

Originally Posted by Jazzeh
http:///forum/post/3059359
I'm thinking that if I keep my small 10 gallon, I might make a FOWLR aquarium... What do you guys think?
Have you looked into Craigs-li*t i got a 46 gallon with everything for 150$

 

[superhero]

Originally Posted by Jayson417
http:///forum/post/3059363
Have you looked into Craigs-li*t i got a 46 gallon with everything for 150$
+1000000 Craigslist is the first place i look when buying tanks... i found a 5.5 gallon with everything for 60 bucks and then 2 55 gallon tanks for 25 bucks each if you are patient you can find some amazing deals on there just be sure to check it every day because sometimes these deals go really quick!

 

[jazzeh]

I've looked on my local C-List, but I honestly can't find anything... I look everyday, too. Maybe something will come up. Thanks for the help!

 

[ophiura]

Just an FYI -
Small tanks like this, ESPECIALLY as reef tanks, are quite difficult to keep overall. For most new hobbyists I suggest a larger tank...even a few gallons larger is a bit of a security blanket. Things can go wrong very quickly in a small tank, from coral warfare to overstocking. Even a bit too much freshwater, or evaporation, can cause big problems.
So if you can do it, get a larger tank. A small tank is not an easy tank, and it is even less forgiving in what is overall an unforgiving hobby.
In a 10G saltwater tank, it is unlikely that you will get more than 2 very small fish.

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by ophiura
http:///forum/post/3059509
Just an FYI -
Small tanks like this, ESPECIALLY as reef tanks, are quite difficult to keep overall. For most new hobbyists I suggest a larger tank...even a few gallons larger is a bit of a security blanket. Things can go wrong very quickly in a small tank, from coral warfare to overstocking. Even a bit too much freshwater, or evaporation, can cause big problems.
So if you can do it, get a larger tank. A small tank is not an easy tank, and it is even less forgiving in what is overall an unforgiving hobby.
In a 10G saltwater tank, it is unlikely that you will get more than 2 very small fish.
Plus 1 dilution is our best friend.

 

[jazzeh]

That's what I was thinking...
Do you think the 29 gallon would be any better?

Like I mentioned in previous posts, my uncle is willing to sell his old 29 gallon saltwater aquarium with LR, LS, and good equipment to me for $100. Good deal?

 

[superhero]

Originally Posted by Jazzeh
http:///forum/post/3059519
That's what I was thinking...
Do you think the 29 gallon would be any better?

Like I mentioned in previous posts, my uncle is willing to sell his old 29 gallon saltwater aquarium with LR, LS, and good equipment to me for $100. Good deal?
Excellent deal... buy buy buy

-Tony

 

[jazzeh]

Great! He was currently using the 29 gallon tank as a refugium, so it'll be about a month before I can get it, but no biggie.

 

[shoresidejake]

Originally Posted by Jazzeh
http:///forum/post/3059550
Great! He was currently using the 29 gallon tank as a refugium, so it'll be about a month before I can get it, but no biggie.

Sounds like my setup... 29g in my opinion is a great size! I'm still getting started, but it's getting to be an obsession! LOL

 

[jazzeh]

I haven't even started yet, and I've probably spet around 6 hours doing research...

Obsession or not, this is a great hobby for anyone to try. So glad I joined this site.

 

[florida joe]

I haven't even started yet, and I've probably spet around 6 hours doing research
and that my new friend is a very very good thing

 

[jazzeh]

I sure hope so!