Need ideas on new tank setup and stocking

[Jimw]

Hey everyone I am not really a beginner but not really experienced either. I had a few tanks before mostly african cichlids 3 55 gallon tanks and a few 20 long. I finally have my own house now and have some space i would like to place a tank in. Basically im looking at 22 1/2 inches deep x 29 inches wide x up to 48 inches high. I like the idea of jellyfish but i dont think it will work for me but i could be wrong.

I have no experience with saltwater but love the look of them. I also never had any problems with freshwater. I know there is a huge difference in pricing and i know that saltwater has to be kept up on. With that being said what do you all think freshwater or saltwater? What types of fish? I was thinking a nice community tank would be nice but having trouble deciding what to go for.

Thanks in advance jim

 

[deejeff0442]

For one you need a round tank for.jellyfish so that's out.
Too many ways to.set up a tank to tell.you.
Me I am old.school alot of rack.and flow. Maybe a hob filters about it.

 

[williama918]

Do your research take your time. I am new to this also and have learned that this takes weeks to mo ths to plan out everything. Then the same time frame before you add fish to your tank. Trust me going over every detail before you start gives you much better chances of having a great tank and not killing all your fish,rock,sand,coral. Agree with the last poster need a round for jellyfish corners can trap and hurt them. Look at what fish you like make sure they can get along. Don't want a bunch of fifty dollar feeder fish lol. Then take time to think about your rock display how big where at in tank etc etc. That is the best advice I can give you best of luck ask lots of questions this is a great forum.

 

[one-fish]

Agreed... New and at the same time old in keeping SW, new due cycling my tank right now, old because I did it years ago. Retired now re birthing an old hobby now that I have time. Best advise Research, Pre-planning and most of all Patience and your do fine. And o yeah ask lots of questions this is a great forum.

 

[florida joe]

deejeff " a lot of rack" I wonder what Lois would say about that

 

[Jimw]

Thanks for the replies so far, i have seen some modified rectangular tanks for jellyfish that was why i was staying open to that but i have been leaning far from it because it seems like a huge pain. Lol. I have been loking around whenever i get a chance to get an idea of whats out there. I was told that a saltwater tank with filtration no livestock could cost up to 10 thousand dollars for the size i want, but i think that is an over inflated price in my opinion. Maybe if i was paying someone to set it up for me it would cost that much but not setting it up myself. But i could be wrong

 

[jay0705]

If color is what you want jellies aren't what you want. A few things to consider to you want a couple larger fish or more small fish. Aggressive, or community? The amount and variety of sw fish is insane. The one down side is you will find far more you want then you will have room for lol. Mixing them can be tricky too. So do your homework

 

[deejeff0442]

It was lois birthday yesterday. We talk alot. Good girl
As for the tank you can never read enough . Might confuse you but we can sort it out. I have been at it for over 30 yrs I know Joe also

 

[geridoc]

Thanks for the replies so far, i have seen some modified rectangular tanks for jellyfish that was why i was staying open to that but i have been leaning far from it because it seems like a huge pain. Lol. I have been loking around whenever i get a chance to get an idea of whats out there. I was told that a saltwater tank with filtration no livestock could cost up to 10 thousand dollars for the size i want, but i think that is an over inflated price in my opinion. Maybe if i was paying someone to set it up for me it would cost that much but not setting it up myself. But i could be wrong

You are talking about a 130 gallon tank, which is not large (not small either, actually a good starter tank). You could spend $10,000 on it, but it might require a gem tang, scribbled angelfish and solid gold rock. Your biggest startup cost might be live rock, but you can economize by getting mostly dry rock and a few pounds of live to seed the tank. Is there any way you can change the dimensions of the tank? 48" high gives a pretty small surface area, and gas exchange is important in a salt tank. Keep asking questions and reading. I recommend The Conscientious Aquariast.

 

[2quills]

I have about 10k invested into my 120g system. But that's a little on the extreme side. Not totally necessary.

 

[beaslbob]

As part of your research I suggest you include macro algae, refugiums, in tank refugiums ,and algae turf scrubbers.

The idea is to get the macro alage growing only protected (fish eat them) for much the same reasons as live plants in FW setups. that way the tank will start out balanced and stabilized right from the start.

my .02