Researching for my first tank... need some advice and opinions...

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by Shi, Dec 17, 2011.

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  1. Shi

    Shi Plankton

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2011
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    Location:
    Saint Helens, Oregon
    Hello all... I am new to this hobby.. like 3 days old new.. and I have been reading everything available to get the best possible start for my first reef tank. My question to the more experienced people is about equipment. I am hard pressed for available space for a tank, limited to a 24x20 footprint or as close to that as possible. After looking at many systems I have narrowed it to two, the Innovative Marine Mini 38 and the Cad Lights Aquarium 39 Signature Series System. Both are AIO systems which I need to have due to their components being housed in the unit itself. I am planning on purchasing Eco-Tech's MP10W ES and the Radion XR30W LED System as well as the Apex Jr Aqua Controller System when I purchase my tank... but that is as far as I have gotten in regards to equipment. As much as I would love to have a large tank, that is not a possibility right now, and I'm sure the Eco-Tech and Apex Jr products are overkill for a new person but I love technology and how cool is it that I can create waves and hook my tank up to my iPhone........ I just can't pass it up! ;)

    In regards to long term goals; when I am educated and ready, I would like to be able to grow both SPS and LPS corals and have some bright marine wildlife in my tank as well.

    Thanks for any feedback... I will have to figure out how to create a log of my venture... turns out I am new to forums as well!
     
    Shi, Dec 17, 2011
    Shi, Dec 17, 2011
    #1

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  2. tattoolew

    tattoolew Sea Dragon

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    Bluefield, VA
    welcome to 3reef and good luck on the build. i was new to both saltwater and forums when I started with 3reef, now i can't stop either.
     
    tattoolew, Dec 17, 2011
    tattoolew, Dec 17, 2011
    #2
  3. Shi

    Shi Plankton

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2011
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    Location:
    Saint Helens, Oregon
    Thanks for the welcome ;) I have a feeling this will turn into an addiction.
     
    Shi, Dec 17, 2011
    Shi, Dec 17, 2011
    #3
  4. 3lilbrats

    3lilbrats Feather Duster

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    Welcome! I've only been on part of the community for almost 2 mos and love it. I got some limited space too so I got a 60gal cube (24x24x24) I love it. What you have in mind sounds good and I have almost the same set up or getting there(you can see my threads) instead of the radion I'm getting the AI SOL.

    Isn't the iPhone a wonderfull gadget?
     
    3lilbrats, Dec 17, 2011
    3lilbrats, Dec 17, 2011
    #4
  5. rocketmandb

    rocketmandb Ocellaris Clown

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    When I saw the 24x20, my first thought was "go with a 60 cube" - someone beat me to it!

    If you can at all fit the extra 4" then by all means go with a 60 cube. I had a friend with one and it was an awesome tank. The extra 4" is well worth it.

    Get a drilled 60 with an overflow, a sump that will fit under the cabinet (easy with four square feet) and drop a protein skimmer in. A single lighting unit, whether it be an AI Sol Blue or metal halide fixture will illuminate the entire tank so it is very efficient from a lighting/cost standpoint.
     
    rocketmandb, Dec 17, 2011
    rocketmandb, Dec 17, 2011
    #5
  6. ingtar_shinowa

    ingtar_shinowa Giant Squid

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    I saw your post on.... the other place, but its not as friendly so i never post. I would highly suggest a reef ready system to run a sump under your display. That was you get alot of the benifit of having a larger volume while keeping your footprint small.
     
    ingtar_shinowa, Dec 17, 2011
    ingtar_shinowa, Dec 17, 2011
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  7. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

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    I think what you have listed will get you off to a nice start. Don't forget to take it slow and let it grow. Patients is very important. Feel free to ask any questions that you have. I started this forum in June and already have like 1400 posts if that tells you anything lol. I'm really addicted to 3reef lol. :) Good luck and have fun!
     
    sticksmith23, Dec 17, 2011
    sticksmith23, Dec 17, 2011
    #7
  8. Shi

    Shi Plankton

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    Saint Helens, Oregon
    Shi, Dec 17, 2011
    Shi, Dec 17, 2011
    #8
  9. 3lilbrats

    3lilbrats Feather Duster

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    It sound good but I won't thrust does lights. I paid $300 for my 60gal with the stand brand new at my LFS. Shop around for the tank and the stand and spend the money you save on lights and sump(IMO). If you can get the predrilled tank get it. I didn't and I regret it but they didn't have it at the store and not for that price.
     
    3lilbrats, Dec 17, 2011
    3lilbrats, Dec 17, 2011
    #9
  10. brunoboarder244

    brunoboarder244 Torch Coral

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    Bronx, NY
    you seem pretty well along the right path wish i had that much to spend on just the equipment up front lol :p but yea i agree $1000 for just a tank and stand is a little pricey...usually the tank is the cheapest part

    also go reef ready, if not already reef ready bring it to a glass shop to have it drilled and 100% recommend running a sump/refugem with a skimmer
     
    brunoboarder244, Dec 18, 2011
    brunoboarder244, Dec 18, 2011
    #10
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