Noob from New Hampshire

Thank you! I need to be careful not to go crazy. Sometimes I tend to go overboard on my hobbies and buy everything. I'll try to rein it in. ;D

 

Thanks...I'm behind in my reading. Pesky work getting in the way.

 

Normally I'd suggest a 55 as a starter as the larger volume is easier to keep stable. That said, there is no need to wait and starting out with a 20g if done properly and successfully will
1. Build some good maintenance habits
2. As mentioned, get your feet wet (hopefully not literally, though my theory is your not a true hobbyist until you've had at least 1 good spill) and see if you even like it.
3. The 20 will make a nice qt tank when you move and upgrade to your 200 gallon

Last thought
May want to aim your skimmer at a ~40 gal+ capacity as its always good to over kill in that area. Besides, a 40 breeder will make a better qt for the new 400gal!

Go slow, let it grow!

Ok one more thought, Craigslist most of your equip and save money for that new 600 gallon you want (lol.) Oh and another! Pet suppliesplus was running their $1/per gallon sale I believe through the 22 of this month so might want to run over there and get a tank. Even if it's going to sit for a month.

 

Thanks for the tips!