New to SWF ... and Poll!

saltwaterkitty

saltwaterkitty

Member
Hello all!

I am new (well, been lurking for a while) to the SWF boards and finally decided to register and just wanted to say hello to everyone.
I am a previous freshwater tank owner and am now researching saltwater. I am so impressed with all of the gorgeous tanks here ... and also at all of the knowledge that so many of you have. I hope to be an experienced poster here soon!
I wanted to do a quick poll ...
Anyone who is gracious enough to respond back ... can you tell me what was the size of your very first tank ... and if you have upgraded, what size did you upgrade to? My dream would be a 120 of course,
but that just isn't possible for space purposes and pocket purposes! I figure I will start with a 55 but didn't know if that was too ambitous for just starting out? I will accept any and all feedback thankfully!!
Kat
 
t316

t316

Active Member
My first tank was a 280 gallon. I figured if I'm going to do it, do it right the first time.
Welcome to the boards...
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I started with a 20g high, upgraded to a 90g show tank, then started six 55g tanks at the same time.
After that, I started eighty-eight 30g tanks, two 240g tanks, couple small biocubes, six 55g tanks, and two 135g squares. (on top of the ones that I had at home)
Currently, I am tankless! But, I am fixing to start up a 30g long tank with a 20g sump.
A 55g tank is pretty much the standard to start a sw aquarium with. You can keep a lot of little critters, and the water quality is easier to manage with the increased water volume.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Oh yeah, that's also another thing. A lot of people don't like 55g tanks because there is not enough depth for aquascaping. A lot of people actually go up to a 65g or a 75g for better looks.
Right now, 100g tank, stands and canopies are cheap!
 
saltymarine

saltymarine

Member
Started with a 20 and then went to 55 now I am at 29 because I am in the military and always moving! And welcome to the community, you will see most people here are extremely helpful and knowledgable!
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
LOL..I started with a 55g FW, Then added a 46G FW, 29g FW, 16g FW..Then got a 225G SW, and then a 54G SW tank....AND ALL OF THESE ARE RUNNING....
 
saltwaterkitty

saltwaterkitty

Member
I'm sorry, I have NO idea how to multi-quote in a message but THANK YOU ALL so much for the replies and info ... I appreciate it!!
kat
 
saltwaterkitty

saltwaterkitty

Member
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33
http:///forum/post/2952728
Oh yeah, that's also another thing. A lot of people don't like 55g tanks because there is not enough depth for aquascaping. A lot of people actually go up to a 65g or a 75g for better looks.
Right now, 100g tank, stands and canopies are cheap!
Snake,
Thanks for the insight ... so can you tell me ... what is "cheap" for a 100? I have been on craigslist, EB, etc ... just scouting for now while I do my research. I am in NO hurry to harm any wonderful sea creatures!

Kat
 
teresaq

teresaq

Active Member
Hi Kat, Welcome, I too started with a 55 gal, then added a 12 gal nano, then upgraded the nano to a 37 gal, then upgraded the 55 to a 150 and the 37 to 54. heheh so confusing. I am now running a 150, 54 and a 20 gal fry tank.
Teresa
 
trouble93

trouble93

Member
My first tank was a 10gal. tank and I had to stay on top of it. went up to a 20 long then a 55gal. IMO a 55 is a good starter tank. Other then the 3 just mentioned I have a 75gal. mixed reef tank 75gal. soft coral tank.
 
E

eric b 125

Guest
i started with a 55, but upgraded to a 125 a month later. i would have been happy with the 55, but i knew that eventually i'd upgrade, so i figured that a 125 will satisfy me longer than the 55. i still keep the 55 around and plan on starting a new tank with it when i have somewhere to put it.
 
nigerbang

nigerbang

Active Member
Started with a 55,got out of the hobby, started a 29 then setup a 92 corner 6 months later, 12 months after that went to a 180, now I have downsized to a 120..
 
bountyhunter23

bountyhunter23

Member
I started with a 10g nano, cause IMO it would be a little harder to keep the(I like a challenge). Now i have a 20Long with a homemade 10g sump/fuge.
 
T

tfolke1

Guest
I started with a 55 for two days. Went online to bid on a crappy light for it and stumbled into a used 75 with canister filter and stand for 50 bucks. Poor guy was moving the next day and put it up with a $50 buy it now like 15 seconds before I logged on.
Bought the Crappy light anyway-Mistake#1
I think my $50 "deal" ended up costing me about 750 in additional rock,light, and sand.
Then I bought a used 150 to move my Koi inside for the winter. Spring is coming, and the Koi will be going back out.
Now I've got the opportunity to make all the mistakes that I made the first time on a much larger scale.
Watch out for the used commercial stands- Most people build their own because they need the room. Now I have my 75 sitting on a beautiful decorative stand that does not have enough room for a proper refugium and skimmer, and its forcing me to do a lot of stuff "the best I can" instead of "the best Possible".
 
turningtim

turningtim

Active Member
I think the overall view will be not big enough LOL! but folks that have 55's usually are unhappy with the depth of the tank (front to back). This was my issue, its just to narrow. The 6" of room you get from a 75,80,90 is priceless in a SW tank.
Have a bit of patience when you are looking at pre-owed tanks. I have never bought a new tank. You just have to be ready and willing to jump when you see one. They're out there!
 
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