Originally Posted by baloo6969
Hey man, first of all...the most important thing to do is get educated first. Good first step, ask questions but first get a book or 2...one's that are not too complex(i.e. go into details about families of fish, and explain too much chemistry...although these topics are essential; you may get deterred by the science alone)
Next take 2 major things into consideration. 1 - Money 2 - Size as with almost anything in life, size is always proportional to cost. However there are many different routes you can take. generally speaking a "Nano" with a clownfish, a good chuck of Live Rock or 2, some sand, some shrimp, some other small inverts, and a good combo Filter and Skimmer, decent light, and a <10 gallon tank could be less then 500$ and have a beautiful tank and love it and build from it...or it turn out to be a failed attempt and loose out on 500$
Or you could get a 175gal tank and spend thousands on hardware and stocking, and have a great first run...but generally speaking first timers will probably loose tons of money doing this.
Another rule of thumb (in some people’s opinion, like myself) larger is better, but obviously larger is more costly. Finding that size that fits your budget is key.
Here's what I did.
Sophomore year of college, while dorming, I won 1000$ and got my first CC, why not splurge. So I maxed out my first CC, I got a 55gallon tank from and built my first stand. got a cheepo can filter.
Got LR and LS from here. cycled it for 3 months, in the mean time bounced at a bar and bought a nice light system(what ever book you read, they will stress a good light system) ...then get some fish and some inverts, (no more than 2 fish at first, and a good cleaning crew)
Splurge on some more good filtration, PS are essential, and are a big expense at first, but well worth it. Gets a refuge going. And just keep adding SLOWLY!
In 3 years since college I’ve spend around $3,500 in equipment, supplies and stock....expect to spend that if you want a decent system. at 50gallons
I don’t know what book I read, but they constantly stressed "Hurry up and wait" it's key to a successful system.
Take your time. Read. Don’t jump into things. Ask questions. And remember don’t go on just one persons opinion. Read, and if you cant sit still to read a book about a hobbie you want to get into, it's probaby not hobbie to get into.
If you want I can give you more advice, but it's often hard to say "what do I get?" "Oh get this, this, and this. Your set" Everyone has there own opinion on who makes the best/price items. Want help, email me christopher.issler *AT* wilkes *dot* edu
also look up previous posts...tons of people have asked the same question.
Hey thanks, anyways what did you win the 1000 dollars in? I won tons of money on fulltiltpoker and pokerstars. Those hobbies I had I read tons of books so yea im definatly interested in this and i'll go check out some books. Also my sister is graduating at BU in biology and minoring in marine bio. So she can help me a bit with some stuff.
