Newb, considering. Any advice?

Welcome to 3reef

I'd get a 125g if ya can, nice layout, yet equipment costs are pretty doable, plus its 6' long so ya can do a cool tang, maybe 2

but if ya can go bigger, a 200-225 are great

But here's some good reading to help ya, with some of everyones mistakes going in. Personally, I think the biggest mistake is not planning out your stocking list first. Are you gonna have SPS, well ya need a bigger skimmer and better lights. A full wish list of livestock will really help determine what your equipment list should be. That way, you won't be like me, with a basement full of backup equipment becuase my tank outgrew my initial purchases. Alot of money wasted
http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/ultimate-newbie-guide-86462.html
http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/whats-important-successful-tank-108699.html
http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/mistakes-i-made-newbie-83502.html

 

What I wish I would have done:

1) Be more patient

2) Start with a larger setup

3) RO/DI water

 

Budget is a big factor so i'm going to go in two directions here...

1. If budget is NOT a factor or you have at least 2-4k to spend then yes, build piece by piece. Start with at least a 75 but honestly would try to find a 125-200 because i'd just about bet you'll want to have a tang of some type. Plus it's easier to keep as others have stated.

2. If budget is a factor 2k or less then honestly you may want to look at craigslist. You have a couple options here. You could buy a full setup but as others have mentioned you may get a bit overwhelmed especially if you buy a running system that you have to tear down, move, and setup inside of a day. Better option would be to find and buy a system not running or purchase piece by piece used because its just sooo much cheaper. I'd seriously consider dry rock primarily and then seeding with a couple lbs of live rock/sand. i've got more but the wife is wanting to leave so... thats a start at least! Welcome and oh most important.... go slow and let it grow...

 

Welcome to 3reef. To answer your question “What are all the things you wish you had known going into this? Also do you recommend a total setup or buy separate pieces to make your own tank?” The first is kind of difficult to answer as everyone’s experience is different but for your second question I would recommend you buy separate pieces. As some have told you already it will give you better understanding of how each component works.

That being said, I like to offer some advice from one newbie to another. You definitely need to read this sticky for newbie’s “Ultimate Newbie Guide”.

First:
Establish your budget for your project and then double it. As you start setting up your system together you will understand. If you are a “do it yourselfer” then that helps of course, however know that this is a hobby that takes time, “dedication” and resources (money)

Second:
Research, research and more research, I can’t stress enough how important it is to learn as much as you can about what it is you want your tank to be before you start anything, i.e. FOWLR or Reef, sand or no sand, live rock or dead rock, etc. These are some of the things you need to decide before you start. IMO this is the key to how successful you will be with your tank. Knowledge is power!

Third:
Ask as many questions on the site as needed. 3reef members are great and give sound advice but search the forum to see if your question has been answered already. I found that most questions that I had were already asked by others and there are usually multiple threads on the subject. If your still not sure ask away, no question will go unanswered. It is best to ask 100 times than to make a mistake that will cause you grief.

As for equipment for your system, there are many manufacturers that make all type of equipment for SW/Reef systems. They range from bad to, good to best there is. Everyone will have there own opinion on what equipment they prefer. At the end of it all it will come down to how much you want to spend. However please know that it is not always best to go with the cheapest as it may cost you more in the long run.

Here are some components that want to have:
RO/DI unit
Protein skimmer
Sump/Fuge
ATO system (unless you like toping off everyday manually)
Appropriate light for your particular system i.e. FOWLR or Reef
There are more components that can be added but this is just an example.

“PATIENCE” this is the most important part of this hobby. Be patient, don’t impulse by you will here this advice from almost everyone in this hobby. Patience can be an ally or it can be your demise. Keep your cool and be patient and you will reap the fruits of your hard work, lose your patience impulse buy try to cut corners, or skip a step and you will pay for it. I’ve followed the advice I’ve given you and my system is thriving. My tank has been up and running almost 3 months after it cycled and currently my system is thriving thanks to all the advice, research and TLC that I’ve put into the system.

I wish you luck with your project and let us know when you need advice… We’re here to help.

 

Not too sure what "precycled" RO water is. It is better to have RO/DI water, then just RO. You basically want pure H2O.

Secondly, making your own RO/DI is significantly cheaper than buying it from a store. I'm guessing your LFS sells it for approximately 75 cents to $1/gallon. I have seen numerous threads where people actually calculate the cost of making it themselves. They use their water bill, cost of filters, cost of the unit itself, etc. The numbers I have read vary between 25-35 cents on average.

This is one of the best investments you can make, especially if you have a larger system. I have a 90g, and I do weekly 20g water changes. If I were to buy my water from a store, it would cost me $15-$20/week. Instead, with my RO/DI unit, it only costs me around $6/week (estimating it costing me 30 cents/gallon).

Lastly, and of upmost importance, don't trust those people at your LFS (local fish store). Seriously, they just want to sell you stuff. Always get a second opinion on a forum, and do your research.

 

Hello Cosmo

I noted very important issue as you said which when it comes to the stocking list , i guess everyone have to do some mistakes on this point so they can learn ;D it's very hard to think of a list will work with everyone as it's matter of hobby , some people may like the tangs others will see they are stupid : not exactly for myself , of course fish compatibility is top important but people like to test some stuff , for example cloun with eel ;D.
Guess there is standareds on the stocking list , but people will keep trying to comes with cool idea's about friendly healthy tank comunity :

 

well, the idea of the stocking list plans, is to avoid unnecessary deaths/issues in the tank, and avoid wasted money on equipment that won't work with what you want. And yes, I'm guessing your stocking list will come under some scrutiny, but thats ok, its your tank, you do what you want with it. Just stating it, will prob help save ya some hassle

 

Ok so I've come to a few conclusions
1: This forum rules!
2: I am not financially stable enough for saltwater yet.
3: I still want a tank but it's going to be awhile before it happens.
4: I am going to research and read everything I can get my hands on until then!
Thank you guys for all the advice! That was an amazing thread!!!!! I will continue to share my adventures

 

Yea I have been in the research mode for I don't know how many months so far and you wouldn't believe the knowledge I've acumulated here being on the forums(tried talking to the LFS guy but just got no info from) so this forum saved me.
Welcome to 3reef.
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I couldnt agree more half my problems came from tap water also not understanding my test readings. Also be patient, it sucks looking at the tqnk wishing there was everything in it straight away, but it sucks even more when u lose all your fish / coral. I think the saying on here is go slow let it grow.