New To Hobby Tank Size Delimma (long)

Looking at a 60 gallon Marineland cube complete reef system for about $1100. (Aquarium, stand, metal halide light, sump, filter, pump, but no room for fuge...)

Want a reef system. Specifically for sun coral, pair of clowns, mandarin, clams. Or maybe a Sea Horse & Clowns reef. I really like Tangs, but figure they're going to have to wait for a larger tank.

For that livestock wishlist, will I be happy with a 60 gallon cube? Thoughts/opinons welcome...

A little history:
About 6 months ago I started my build list. I spent too much time on the forums and my list quickly grew and soon I was in the $10k range. (Was looking at a 300 gallon tank build.) I just couldn't make myself pull the trigger on that kind of $$$, and at the same time wasn't willing to make concessions on cheaper pieces to get my price down. So I walked away.

Well, now I'm back thinking a small starter system would be better than nothing as an introduction into the hobby, but I have my reservations just buying a kit from the LFS.

 

what you want to keep with that equipment should work quite well. not over stocked for sure. and with mh's ,you can keep anything. the mandarin will have to be a later addition , need to get your pod population going. its good youve really thought this out. you will have a great tank because of that. good luck tingley

 

You will need a fuge for the mandarin. Sea Horses should be housed in a tank just among themselves. They will be out competed for any food by the clowns. The system seem to be a complete kit. I think you will be happy with the exceptions I noted off your list. You might want to look at the MH unit you probably would want a 250 watt unit on that tank due to the depth. You might make due if you keep your clams up high.

 

that sounds good for stocking wise, you could always pick up a tang and when it gets to big for the tank you can take to your LFS and trade it in for another or credit. Just be careful with sum tangs in reefs but most are 50/50 (from what i was told and read)

 

When you say it has a "filter" what does that mean? Does it have a skimmer? You definitely want one.

I have had my tank a year. Some fresh water experience. There is a ton to learn. You will make mistakes. Mistakes on a 300g system will just cost a lot more. You really need some "seat time" to make informed decisions. A huge system is not something the inexperienced should jump into. Pease don't take that wrong. I'm just trying to help. I can almost guarantee you that list you put together won't be the same two years from now.

The plan you have going now sounds very reasonable.

 

It's got a generic Marineland skimmer & a large sump down in the stand. Hang on the back 150 watt MH.

I'd prefer a fuge/sump and am not a huge fan of the light that comes with it (aesthetically), but haven't found the tank & stand without the rest of the components anywhere.

 

Ya, there are compromises with most packarges, but does not sound too bad. It will always come down to an opinon as to whether it is "worth it". There are savings, but then there are some thing that could be changed. So if you get the package and then change stuff, is there really any savings?

I'm not saying don't get it. Reputable company. 60-90 tank is more than reasonable. Easy to put something together. You could put something yourself together, or get the package. either way, it's a great place to start and you will enjoy it.

Just me personally... I like doing my own system. I like choosing the components I want to use. Also, while buying better equipment is more expensive up front, you also get more out of it when you sell it to upgrade. Good quality components are easy to sell off. You won't recoup your cost, you just won't loose as much.

 

Well my LFS will only sell as a package, and I'm not seeing anywhere online where I can buy just the tank and stand. Otherwise I'd piece it together...

Any ideas?

 

Are there any other fish stores/ A tank and stand is the starting point. The box stores will sell...Petsmart/Co. Craigs list is a great place to buy tanks. Unfortunately lots of folks getting out due to economy. You can buy components anywhere once you get the tank and stand. Again, not saying you shouldn't get the Marineland, but you do have other options. And I do belive in supporting the LFS, just saying.

 

If I were you, I would NOT buy as a package. At all. You will get so much further by putting this together yourself and there are places that will sell you a tank without all the accessories. Most accessories sold in a bundle, IMO, are junk. Plain and simple.

Take my rig. I bought a Craig's List set up ($400) that was enough to get fish in there. Had top to bottom equipment from lights to fuge. Then I slowly started to replace out the junk and put some good equipment in there. $4000 later, I had what I wanted. And the only original part left is the stand (which is modified). I even had to buy a new tank because the 75g popped a leak. So I went 90g. Picked it up for $275 at an LFS about two hours from my house. I did have to drive, but that was OK.
My point is, there are so many variables to what people want in an ecosystem that bundle packages rarely give everything needed and desired.

IIWY I would build my own fuge/sump. It is not hard....just takes a little time and you will shave off a few hundred dollars (and gain valuable experience).

The two most important features on any tank, IMO, are the lighting and skimmer. And this is where things are skimped on with package deals. Then you end up buying those expensive components again. Waste of money.

So have fun my friend. You are getting into a hobby that will quickly empty your pocketbook, so just know that you will probably spend upwards of 3 to 4K in order to do this right the first time. Once all is purchased and a year or so has passed, your tank will pretty much run on autopilot without much needed ITO money flow or the around the clock maintanence that new tanks seem to require.

Now....off to maintain mine. I need to do a water change, clean the fuge and tend to my other two tanks as well.......

Happy New Year!!!!!