I would like to get started

So I am new to the salt water tanks and would like to to start but am not sure where to start. The last person I talked to said i was going to need a 55 gal. tank to get started. That seems pretty big. Especially since my house isnt that big. i see some people talking about smaller tanks, is this a possibility? I have some experience with freshwater but want to move up. Can anyone tell me where to go and what to look for? Thanks for your help and patience in advance.

 

I wish i would have had a larger tank to start with. It is easier to keep water parameters in check with a larger one. If you have the room i would get a big tank. If you are looking for a smaller system the jbj nano cube hqi 28 gallon is a nice tank. Research what types of creatures you want to keep. If you want Tangs or other larger fish a 75 is probably the minimum tank size.

 

I would start with a 55 or 75g. Smaller tanks are harder since the parameters fluctuate more. Of course, the larger the tank the more expensive your system will be. The cost of the tank and stand are negligible compared to the cost of the live rock, lighting, etc... that you will need. Make sure you purchase a reverse osmosis unit and mix your salt using only RO water. Live rock is a must as is a protein skimmer. Live sand is also recommended. You won't need any mechanical types of filters. Someday, you'll probably want to add a sump and refugium.

 

My advice is research research research read read read google google google youtube youtube youtube. Find out as much as you can, this will help you out so much in the long run. Reading and learning before starting is the best way to save money in the hobby and not have to go through any stress or heartache. My mom and I researched for about 2 months before making purchases, and we didn't have a saltwater system up and cycling until after 3 months of research. Making informed decisions will help you build the tank that is right for you. You don't need a 55, we started with a 46. But every tank size has it's limitations. The smaller, the more difficult it will be to maintain (for a starter I would not go any smaller than a 29 w/sump btw) and the less variety and amount of livestock you can have, but the bigger, the more the price skyrockets. A giant protein skimmer for a large tank can cost the same amount as a completely set up smaller tank. Even though it would be an amazing skimmer (i'm thinking Bubble King at the moment btw )

Our aquarium has been up and running for over a month now, and thanks to some strategic planning, our cycle lasted only 2 weeks, and we were able to add fish after week one. Research and ask questions, you won't regret it.

There are a lot of books out there that can help you make the basic decisions.
This one in particular was extremely helpful to us: Amazon.com: The New Marine Aquarium: Step-By-Step Setup & Stocking Guide: Michael S. Paletta, Edward Kadunc, Scott W. Michael, John Goodman: Books

 

I have run a 10g, a 29g, a 75g and a 90. I like my 90 the best. It really isn't that large of a tank. Four feet across and 18" deep. It takes up a rather small space in my dining room. Now, space isn't really the issue with picking a tank. It is cost. Just price out rock, sand, skimming, lighting, powerheads and a sump/fuge if you decide to go that route. IMO, it is almost a necessity for tanks greater than 60g or so. If you want to just 'do the basics', a 29g is an excellent size that will fit almost anywhere, lighting is still reasonable and a skimmer is will only run you around $120. I have been thinking about upgrading to a 29 from my current 10. Also, look at the 20g long.

 

Do your research. Do you want mainly fish or Reef? Since you are coming from freshwater as I did, the draw was the fish for me. Get ready to open your wallet and bank account wide. This is not a cheap hobby. Fish is much easier to start with and cheaper.

For fish with Live Rock you need 1lb to 1.5lbs per Gallon and for reef you need 1.5lbs to 2lbs per gallon(more rock more money).

Go with atleast a 75Gallon in my opinion. To save money look at thinks like craiglist and look for tanks already setup and running that you can go and see. You will save hundreds if not a 1000.00. Used setups are plentiful and you will usually get protein skimmers, sumps, pump, sometimes chillers, and decent lighting. Try not to get fluorescent lighting as you will only need to upgrade that. Alot of people also have the fish and liverock also.

Do yourself a favor and decide on a tank you may want and have the LFS price everything out for you then look on craigslist and you will find that exact stuff and be blown away what people are selling it for. Do not settle for anything as you will only regret it and in the long run be very unhappy.

Anyways not trying to scare you just letting you know that you are going from a nissan to Porche in terms of cost. IT IS ALL WORTH IT THOUGH!!!

 

Hello and welcome to 3reef!
Do me and yourself a favor...before getting an aquarium, I would invest in time here on 3reef and buy one of the many books well suited for a novice aquarist such as yourself to become better prepared with increased chances of success in this very rewarding and beautiful hobby.
Best of luck to you!

 

+1 to that , very good advice!

 

hello and welcome to 3 reef

 

+2 on the reading part. Ask people that know from experince! it helps..... I have learnt a lot since joining here. I've read my share of threads and books..... of course though, nothing will help you better than your own personal experince!