STARTER!

[fishey]

ok how big the tank should i get and what filter should i get and what other stuff i need : <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />

 

[marine fanatic]

Ok..rule of thumb when buying a tank is.....
Buy the largest that you can afford and have room for. 2 reasons why the larger tanks are better...
1. The larger the tank, the easier it is to maintain water quality.
2. Buy the tank you will be happy with for a while....nothing sucks more than buying a smaller than you really want now, and end up wanting a bigger one right away.
As far as equipment to use...this is really based on what kind of budget you have to work with. You will need these items for sure...
1. Filter system
2. Heater
3. Lighting System
4. Protein Skimmer (not a MUST have but you should have one)
That is the bare basics of what you need to start with....I did not include substrate, live rock or canopy/stand since they are variables and it all depends on your goal. To get much better advice, list what it is you want from a tank...reef, fish only, predator, etc etc.
You will find a HUGE amount of information here, there are some exceptional people here with alot of experience. To better let them help you, list what it is you want to achieve from your tank.
Hope this helps you get started

 

[jsolomon]

Alright, Marine Fanatic gave you good advice. I myself just got into the hobby about 5 months ago now. I purchased a 92 Gallon tank and already I want a larger one, so like mentioned before, get as large a tank as you possibly can. Another thing is READ READ READ. Read as much as you possibly can. I should have read alot more before I set everything up. I havent had anything die on me, however I dont have my tank set up the way I want it yet. I have over 200 dollars invested in decorator rock, when I could have just spent the extra and bought the live rock. Now I have to invest all over again, and I am also in the process of switching over to live sand because I started with Crushed coral. Make sure you check everything out in detail and plan ahead. Make sure you get everything you want from the start. It might take a while longer to do it right but it will be well worth it in the long run, and the money you will save in the long run too. Another big think to check into is lighting. Lighting can be extremely expensive for reef tanks, or even fish only tanks. For some good metal halide and VHO lights you are prolly looking at over $500 for a decent size tank. If I were you though, I would definately do the live sand and live rock from the start. One more thing, make sure you buy a good heater like an Ebo Jagr. I've had some bad experiences with some of the other heaters. I have had 2 heaters fail in the past month. I am switching over to 2 200watt Ebo Jagrs. Backup in case one fails. READ.