Need help getting started.

Hi everyone. I've been interested in salt water aquariums for a while; we had a huge one when I was little and I've always missed it. I've done some reading and research into it, and I've got a general idea of what to do, but kind of need help with the framework of it. I don't really have a ton of room, so I'm curious what the minimum size would be for a decent aquarium? And, because it's going to be a smaller tank, does it need all the same stuff that a larger one does?

Any help is appreciated.

 

Welcome to 3reef.

I always recommend going as large as you can afford. Not everyone can do that and some do not have the room. In that case you might look at the all in one tanks (AIO) such as Biocubes or Nanocubes. This tanks come with stock pumps, filter material and stock lighting. You can change out the stock items as you want and add a skimmer as well when ready. Min size for an AIO should be roughly 24-30 gallons.

Try checking out MarineDepot for the AIO tanks.

 

Basically +1 to what Cheryl said. I would do a 28 gal JBJ nanocube or 29 gallon Biocube if you can afford it. The only things you really need to add would be a heater, possibly a powerhead or two, and ideally a small skimmer. Go with the cheapest lighting option and upgrade as needed if you want to go with corals down the road!

 

Welcome to 3reef. Its always great to hear someone new jump in the hobby head first. A smaller tank would need the same things a bigger tank would. Live rock, live sand, skimmer ect. On a much smaller scale ofcourse

 

welcome to 3reef!

 

Welcome!

I just wanted to add my 2 cents. I have a 10 gallon tank that has been up and running since Jan/Feb of 2010. I used to think that was small, but I have seen even smaller tanks than that! They are very challenging to keep but I just wanted you to know that was out there.

I agree with the others that an AIO tank would be great to start with. Along the same lines as that you can find regular aquariums in 10,20, 30 gallon kits that come with most of the necessary equipment at stores like Wal-mart or your LFS.

 

welcome to 3reef!

 

I think the new Biocubes come with a heater and you can actually maintain the tank with just regular water changes due to its relatively small size.

Having a skimmer, powerheads and upgraded media basket/ lighting are all things that you can add after you get started.

Craiglist is a great place to look for used AIO's- just make sure you thoroughly sanitize it before setting it up as many people sell their tanks due to a major issue that they had (bryopsis, ich, aipstasia, etc) and you don't want to have to deal with the same issues that they had.

I just bought a 2 month old biocube with stand for $300 last week and there are plenty of slightly older ones for cheaper.