Wondering on what type of tank to get?

afguy247

New Member
Hey guys,
I've got loads of questions about Saltwater fish tanks, but ill just start with what I've had, and have.
I had started off with aquariums with freshwater tanks as they are easier to take care of, and are cheaper. I had started off with a tiny 3 gallon desktop tank and had love it. After a few months of having it, i had upgraded to a 10 gallon tank. Once again i had fallen in love and went to get another bigger tank. So a few months after that, I had bought a 29 gallon bow tank. This is currently the tank i have and plan to have for another year or two. Now i know when i move into my house (just started building, should be completed in 1 1/2 years) i want to change to a saltwater tank. I also want a very large tank, as i hear it is easier to take care of, and of course, you can put more fish in. But thats all i know. I don't know on the different types of aquariums, or what i need to do to get started. I've already got $500 saved for the tank, but i plan on saving another $1,500. I have heard from a buddy that a lb of live rock costs $10? and you need a lb of rock for every gallon of water? Not usre but that's why i'm here.
So i'm not entirely sure what type of tank i want. I know i obviously want fish, but i also want other creatures as well. It's one of the main reasons im switching from a freshwater to a saltwater. I like coral, but i hear that they need specific living conditions? i figure if it comes down to it, i will just get coral inserts.
Now im thinking of getting a tank around 120 gallons. I would be willing to go a little smaller, but i dont think much bigger. I know i want Clown Fish, and other colorful fish (for the wife) as well as some interesting invertabraes. So my question's are, what type of tank would you guys suggest, how much would it cost, and how hard is it to take care of?
 

mr. limpid

Active Member
120 is a nice size for mix reef because it is not tall, which allows light to penetrate to the bottom better. you'll need a 30 to 40 gal sump/fuge, plus much more equipment. I suggest getting a book on saltwater fish keeping and read all the threads at the top of this form and all the Snakes' Methods. The price will very if you buy new or used, i would buy used tank and new equipment, I have had my used tank for 20 years (a well made tank will last a long time). As for LR (live rock) 1 to 2 lbs per gallon is good more is better. Also make wish list of fish, and post it, you'll get feed back. Good Luck.
 

geoj

Active Member
Here LR is $3/lb and sand people give it away. Check local reef forums for live rock and sand.
 

geoj

Active Member
When people take down there tanks they have a hard time selling the rock and sand so do check out your local reef clubs. Retail rock goes about $6/lb here.
 

njbillyv

Member
I'd guestimate a 120 gal with everything would cost about $3 - 5K, even using Craigslist and DIYing your butt off.
 

afguy247

New Member
Alright. I've been looking some more, and im thinking of going with a 75 gallon. Quick question. What are those things that Clown fish live in? I really like the color of these Clown Fish but im also wondering what these are Clown Fish 2
 

acrylic51

Active Member
I'd like to interject briefly that there is no set guideline as far as how much LR is actually needed.....It all comes down to personal preference in the end.
 

rickross23

Active Member

Alright. I've been looking some more, and im thinking of going with a 75 gallon. Quick question. What are those things that Clown fish live in? I really like the color of these Clown Fish but im also wondering what these are Clown Fish 2
Do you mean a Anemone?
 

mr. limpid

Active Member
clown fish 1 looks like a maroon and clown fish 2 is a occllaris. The maroon grows twice as large as the occllaris, just for your information. Also anemones require special lighting same as corals, metal halide, T5's or 3wat LED.
 
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