Starting out
- Thread starter centerforc
- Start date
poniegirl
Active Member
Originally Posted by Centerforc
I am still here lol, Just reading and learning
Be sure to check the Nano Tank Board, as well, Tony. It's a different world, but just as addicting.
However, I would venture to say 90% of folks who start small and eventually end up at the 55 and above gallonage.
I am still here lol, Just reading and learning
Be sure to check the Nano Tank Board, as well, Tony. It's a different world, but just as addicting.
However, I would venture to say 90% of folks who start small and eventually end up at the 55 and above gallonage.
mandarin w
Member
There are lots of options as far as tanks go, with out haveing to stick to the narrowness of the 55 gal. You could go 65 gal, which is a sweet size for a first tank. I would agree go larger if you can. But first things first, go get a good book on the subject. The look at the space you plan on putting it in. I believe the 65 is 36X18X20, something like that. You mentioned setting up a reef tank, So there is some equipment envolved with this. Your tank, are you going to want the go sump ( it is a smaller tank under the main tank, it has plumbing to it and back, It filters the water and sends it back to the main tank) or Hang on the back filter. Lighting your choices could be Metal Halide or T-5's, pros and cons with both. but it all comes down to preference. Then you have a protien skimmer, (that helps pull the fish poop and other yukkies out of the water. A heater, Live rock (lr) Live sand (ls), All in all you could expect to drop an easy 2 grand before you even get to buy your first fish. But don't let this discourage you. It is well worth it, if you take your time, read, and don't short cuts. I beleive you live in Georgia, I am sure there are a few saltwater hobbist clubs in the area. Go to your local fish store (LFS) and ask them about any clubs in the area, Ask for numbers and or email addresses. They can hook you up with other hobbist in your area. Before you buy anything, get with other hobbist in your area, meet with them, They will be more than happy to show you their tanks, (we love to show our tanks to anyone one who is willing to look at it.) They can show you want the different equipment is, tell you what they like or don't like, It is some much easier when you are standing there looking at it. A lot of clubs have mentor programs, They could probly help you out, as far as good quality used equipment. Just my thought.
Good Luck with your endevore. Let us know how it is going
Good Luck with your endevore. Let us know how it is going
S
saltfreak4
Guest
Originally Posted by Cannonman
I think the bases have been pretty well covered here... all I have to say is I've never heard of anybody that started with a medium or large tank say "man, I need to down size, this one is too big"
but I've heard a lot of people say "wish I would have started with a bigger tank, now I have to upgrade".
***)
I have to go with cannonman. Go as big as you can afford and have space for, they will be more costly but more stable, so you can actually have more time with the larger tank, weird, but true.
I think the bases have been pretty well covered here... all I have to say is I've never heard of anybody that started with a medium or large tank say "man, I need to down size, this one is too big"
I have to go with cannonman. Go as big as you can afford and have space for, they will be more costly but more stable, so you can actually have more time with the larger tank, weird, but true.
gatorwpb
Active Member
Continuing with what a couple posters said above...
I was set on getting a 55, but started to read about the 12" depth being annoying.
Then I thought some more about the position in my place (a condo) and went with the 65. Its a sweet tank, looks nice, and is only 36" wide. I was able to install a 20 gal refugium underneath which is only 30" wide makes for close to 85 gallons of water. The more water, the more stable and more room for error (we all have errors).
Good luck and keep reading.
Oh, and sweet tank cymbal!!
I was set on getting a 55, but started to read about the 12" depth being annoying.
Then I thought some more about the position in my place (a condo) and went with the 65. Its a sweet tank, looks nice, and is only 36" wide. I was able to install a 20 gal refugium underneath which is only 30" wide makes for close to 85 gallons of water. The more water, the more stable and more room for error (we all have errors).
Good luck and keep reading.
Oh, and sweet tank cymbal!!
bill109
Active Member
Originally Posted by cymbal67
i am ready to sink a good bit of cash into this, from what i hear it could be 4 to 6k to get a real sweet setup. i spent $1350 just on the tank, stand and canopy. it did come with plumbing, a make you own sump/refuge kit and some other stuff. but it looks great. now on to the rest of the stuff.
what ind of baxkground is on that .. the blue stuff i need to get some lol
i am ready to sink a good bit of cash into this, from what i hear it could be 4 to 6k to get a real sweet setup. i spent $1350 just on the tank, stand and canopy. it did come with plumbing, a make you own sump/refuge kit and some other stuff. but it looks great. now on to the rest of the stuff.
what ind of baxkground is on that .. the blue stuff i need to get some lol
wattsupdoc
Active Member
I've got a 65 and I like it pretty well. The depth can be a factor though, it's a long way fron the surface top the sand and light penetration can be hampered if you dont have very good lighting. Stacking LR up high enough to get the light hungry corals up there can be a pain. Would I replace my 65 with another? No, probably not, but the 75 is a nice size and the extra lenght is good.
This would probably be my choice if just starting.
Whatever you do get one thats reef ready so you can at least do the sump, without having to have an overflow on there.
Or have it drilled before you set it up. You'll thank you'rself later.
Keep in mingd that there are alot of opinions and approaches. The nanos wont be as hard if you had a big enough sump. Say you have a 10 gallon with a 15 gallon sump. You just increased you're water volume by 1.5 x's. So you have better stability and a place to stash stuff underneath.A rubbermaid container makes a good cheap sump. Also the smaller setup's are going to require less LR and sand if you wanna do a reef. LR is pricey, around 7.00 a lb. here. The recommended amount is 1lb. per gallon. Even if you dont do a reef you're gonna want a lot of LR. The smaller tanks do limit you also but SOMETIMES its a good starting point.
I.E. If cost is a factor as well as unsure of being"cut out" for the hobby. Say you start with a 10 gallon tank, a PC light and a hang on back filter. 10 to 15 lbs. of lr, 15 lbs. of sand, a clown fish, and some softies corals. Hey everythings starting to work out for ya and you decide you want to go bigger. The equipment you have can stillbe used, the tank makes a great QT and the light would be good for a fuge, the LR and sand starts you're new one off, the HOB filter goes in you're sump and can be used for running carbon exct.
It's just a matter of what you feel good about doing and can afford.
Keep in mingd that there are alot of opinions and approaches. The nanos wont be as hard if you had a big enough sump. Say you have a 10 gallon with a 15 gallon sump. You just increased you're water volume by 1.5 x's. So you have better stability and a place to stash stuff underneath.A rubbermaid container makes a good cheap sump. Also the smaller setup's are going to require less LR and sand if you wanna do a reef. LR is pricey, around 7.00 a lb. here. The recommended amount is 1lb. per gallon. Even if you dont do a reef you're gonna want a lot of LR. The smaller tanks do limit you also but SOMETIMES its a good starting point.
I.E. If cost is a factor as well as unsure of being"cut out" for the hobby. Say you start with a 10 gallon tank, a PC light and a hang on back filter. 10 to 15 lbs. of lr, 15 lbs. of sand, a clown fish, and some softies corals. Hey everythings starting to work out for ya and you decide you want to go bigger. The equipment you have can stillbe used, the tank makes a great QT and the light would be good for a fuge, the LR and sand starts you're new one off, the HOB filter goes in you're sump and can be used for running carbon exct.
It's just a matter of what you feel good about doing and can afford.
anamilasti
Member
larger tank and pe patient..learn from my mistakes....
centerforc
New Member
Well after further discussions with a working budy that has tanks,(He's gonna help me alot). I have decided to go witha 75 gal tank. Going looking this weekend anw will probadly pick up the tank and stand in 2 weeks. Then as soon as I get the lights, we are going to build the hood. Going to do it a little at a time to make sure that I get it right. Thanks to all for teh info and I will be reading lots more on here and posting as I move foward in the development of the tank
ryanhayes9
Active Member
Originally Posted by PonieGirl
Be sure to check the Nano Tank Board, as well, Tony. It's a different world, but just as addicting.
However, I would venture to say 90% of folks who start small and eventually end up at the 55 and above gallonage.
guilty
Be sure to check the Nano Tank Board, as well, Tony. It's a different world, but just as addicting.
However, I would venture to say 90% of folks who start small and eventually end up at the 55 and above gallonage.
guilty
centerforc
New Member
Well things have changed again. lol. I have found a 120 gal that was set up for one year and then shut down due to the owner moving. I am going to incorporate his lighting into one that I am building and going to build the sump myself. So now I will have a monster to have in my Bedroom once it is up and going. Will get started on the project in about 3 weeks, going to repaint and redo the floor before I set it up because it will not move once it is up. I will have some good help from a friend at work and together we will get it up and going. I am going to post pics and information as we start the build thru completion.
debbie
Active Member
Wow that is a far cry from your first thought of a 20 gal hey...
You will now be able to keep the whole ocean in there.....
Do keep us posted and of course when you put your fish in let us all know what you have decided to put in there. Should be fabulous when done.
Good Luck....
You will now be able to keep the whole ocean in there.....
Do keep us posted and of course when you put your fish in let us all know what you have decided to put in there. Should be fabulous when done.
Good Luck....
cjml
Member
Originally Posted by Centerforc
Well things have changed again. lol. I have found a 120 gal that was set up for one year and then shut down due to the owner moving. I am going to incorporate his lighting into one that I am building and going to build the sump myself. So now I will have a monster to have in my Bedroom once it is up and going. Will get started on the project in about 3 weeks, going to repaint and redo the floor before I set it up because it will not move once it is up. I will have some good help from a friend at work and together we will get it up and going. I am going to post pics and information as we start the build thru completion.
Go for it!!
Well things have changed again. lol. I have found a 120 gal that was set up for one year and then shut down due to the owner moving. I am going to incorporate his lighting into one that I am building and going to build the sump myself. So now I will have a monster to have in my Bedroom once it is up and going. Will get started on the project in about 3 weeks, going to repaint and redo the floor before I set it up because it will not move once it is up. I will have some good help from a friend at work and together we will get it up and going. I am going to post pics and information as we start the build thru completion.
centerforc
New Member
I am ready to get this thing started. lol It is really going to make the BOSS LADY happy, not only will she get something beautiful to look at, but she is getting her bedroom remodeled in the process. :cheer: This is going to be a family process as I have gotten her started reading up on proper care also. Now we will be able to double check each other along with advice and information from several sources
:happyfish
:happyfish
cyclops
Member
Originally Posted by Centerforc
Well things have changed again. lol. I have found a 120 gal that was set up for one year and then shut down due to the owner moving. I am going to incorporate his lighting into one that I am building and going to build the sump myself. So now I will have a monster to have in my Bedroom once it is up and going. Will get started on the project in about 3 weeks, going to repaint and redo the floor before I set it up because it will not move once it is up. I will have some good help from a friend at work and together we will get it up and going. I am going to post pics and information as we start the build thru completion.
Make sure you take plenty of pictures as you progress. I think most people ME like ot see the before, during and after that makes it worth while. Good luck and have fun.
Well things have changed again. lol. I have found a 120 gal that was set up for one year and then shut down due to the owner moving. I am going to incorporate his lighting into one that I am building and going to build the sump myself. So now I will have a monster to have in my Bedroom once it is up and going. Will get started on the project in about 3 weeks, going to repaint and redo the floor before I set it up because it will not move once it is up. I will have some good help from a friend at work and together we will get it up and going. I am going to post pics and information as we start the build thru completion.
Make sure you take plenty of pictures as you progress. I think most people ME like ot see the before, during and after that makes it worth while. Good luck and have fun.