New to reefing

So ive basically decided that i want to get into this addictive hobby....Im torn between a reef tank or a predator tank i currently have a 55 gallon tank and stand i was thinking of using it to start a reef system and buy a 175 gal later for the predator tank.... the main reason for the predator tank that is a FOWLR for a lionfish and or shark.....i just need input on whether i should buy the 175 gal and just start with a FOWLR or just see where the reef takes me

 

The predator FOWLR is an easier set up to manage if this is your first experiance with salt water that would be a good place to start since you wont have to worry as much about lighting and calicum and magnisum in a reef set up. Not only that but a 175 gallon is much larger in the aspect of water volume making it easier to not mess things up since any error you might make will only be diluted by the large amount of water.

Personally I like reef but for the first timer FOWLR is the way to go and get your bearing not like you can't change that into a reef later on and just sell off your aggressive live stock.


OH and WELCOME.

And remember "Take it slow, Let it grow" ? I think that is the mado.

 

A 55 might be a good size to start with.A 175 pred tank would need good filtration and possibly large water changes.Personally,I think I would become bored with a Lion and the smaller sharks that you might be able to keep.It might be good to choose either reef or pred or FOWLR first at the planning stage before starting to choose any equipment.A little research into the needs and cost of all three should help you decide.This site is a good place for that so...Welcome!!!

 

In my experience I had both and the predator tank was easier for me. I love my reef tank now and in the near months will be upgrading it once i get all the items i need.

 

Welcome to the forum. A pred. tank would be neat, but a FOWLR would probably be best, as a 1st timer. Then a reef being the most difficult.

I started with a 29g FOWLR & got a CB angelfish & 2 cleaner shrimp. I've had them for about a yr & have been doing my research on reef tanks all along the way!

 

Welcome! A 175 is a really nice size, but it's too small for a shark of any kind. Even the smallest sharks get 2+ feet long and they need lots of swimming room and fine sand, not to mentioned perfect water quality. It would be good for a predator tank though. IMO, a 55 isn't great for a predator tank. Most aggressive fish get fairly large 8+ inches in length and are very messy eaters, resulting in poorer water quality. IMO, a 55 reef is a good starter tank, that's what I started with and what I still have. However, I would recommend going with a 75 or 40 breeder as the width of 12" on the 55 is not great to aquascape with and gets annoying IMO. I wish I would have gone with a 75. You could go with the 55, or use it as a sump for a larger tank or sell it and put the proceeds towards a new tank. Good luck!

 

I would definetly start off with the pretetor tank! Get the 175 tank for them and see how that does for a year or so then transfer that to a reef. IMO

 

the FOWLR will help you learn the basics and then you can transition to the full on coral addicted broke fool status the rest of us enjoy so much

Oh yeah....






For those of you joining us that are new to the hobby - the best piece of advice you'll get around here as a saltwater newbie is 3Reef's slogan
"Go slow, let it grow."
And for those experianced hobbyists joining us - it's still good advice
good luck and post pics soon

 

I'm leaning towards the predator to start with and that would be in the 100 gal and that would be only temporary....everyone has there own personal opinions and that helps because I get to see it from all angles. I know that people have just jumped into reefing without knowing anything and have failed and become broke. I have read a couple books and surfed the web there's things I don't know but everydays a learning experience... Any other helpfull thoughts or opinions on this matter I appreciate

 

Quite a few more have succeeded and become broke too. ;D