Hi from the NH northwoods

Hi, very happy to have found 3reef.com. I have had tropical tanks for many years while moving around with my husband and family due to the military...the largest a 30 gal long. Years ago I said that once we settled down I would like to start a saltwater tank because the freshwater wasn't challanging anymore. We've been settled now for over 10 years and have been without any tanks for as many years. The time has come and I am ready for the commitment. I will be starting from scratch also. So, right now I am reading and reading and visiting my local pet store often...looking at the beautiful saltwater tanks. I plan on setting up a tank that will be 40gal -55gal. We'll see when the time comes. Not sure if it will be a FOWLR or reef. I have to read more to understand the difference and upkeep. Again, great reading on 3reef.

 

the best piece of advice you'll get around here as a saltwater newbie is 3Reef's slogan
"Go slow, let it grow."
good luck and post pics soon

Hi Poochs,
several suggestions, before deciding on the size tank to buy check out you local craigs list and see if anyone is getting rid of a larger tank at a decent price.
With saltwater the bigger the tank the better is considered the general rule of thumb.

Do your research on sumps/refugiums/overflow systems start here

The overflow system will be determined by if the tank has been drilled or not - a drilled tank will simplify things, can be done by most local glass shops

ask as many questions as you can, many of us here started just the way you are now and love to pass on what we have learned ... oh yeah, pics are mandatory not optional

 

welcome to 3reef. as far as tank size goes, they say bigger is better. you can get a 75 or 90 with pretty close to the same footprint as a 55 and it adds a whole bunch more options as far as fish goes. I started with a 55 and always wished I had a bigger tank when ever I was researching fish. ultimately I ended up getting a 90 a few years later.(only to now want a bigger one).

 

Welcome to 3reef! I agree - the bigger the better!!

 

welcome to 3reef!

 

Hello and welcome to 3reef

 

hi! and welcome to 3reef! i'm up in the northern n.h. to, over on the vermont side. not to many pet stores out here!

 

hello and welcome to 3 reef

Steve

 

Hello and welcome,glad to have you in the saltwater hobby and hope you enjoy the challenge.