Setting up a new tank, need suggestions

New poster here. I've been on this site for the past four months just reading and learning. Also, I've been keeping a 14 gallon Oceanic Biocube up for about 4 months. Reefing has become somewhat of an obsession since I've started and I'd really like to start something of my own, the Biocube has gotten kind of boring. I've been researching for about 3 weeks now and have created some sort of a budget for a new creation. I would like to spend around $400 on just drygoods and stocking would come from a different budget. I know it's not a lot but I think I can make do with it. My first idea was the Finnex MT-210. Cool little 20 gallon tank with pc's, drip tray filtration and the option of a skimmer or a fuge. This thing is around $250 but I'd dump the lighting in favor of T5's. My next idea was the CADlight 22 gallon. A nice little set up that comes with a 4 bulb t5, filtration with 500gph return pump but nothing else like a fuge or skimmer. This thing goes for $322. My last idea was to put something together myself. I like the rimless idea and recently found the Marina 20 gallon freshwater kit. If i purchase that I've got a rimless tank and would part out everything else. for 90 bucks can't go wrong. I'm also thinking about putting the 24" Deep Blue Solarxtreme 4 bulb T5 on there. These I can get locally for $168. My problem is I don't know what kind of filtration I should put on it. I know all of you are just as into reefing as I am and I hope you could just give me your two cents on what you thing is a good idea here or even maybe an idea of your own.

 

I don't know what your budget is or other factors, but why so small on the aquarium?

Take a look on Craigs List, you can find some amazing tank deals there (and peripherals like lighting, protein skimmer, etc.).

As far as filtration goes, you need flow in the tank, good flow to the sump (10x tank size) live rock and a good protein skimmer. There are a lot of other things you can add on, but those are the basics with which you can have a successful tank.

EDIT: I just noticed your UCF logo and that you're in Orlando. If you haven't already you need to go see World Wide Corals and Sea in the City - both great stores and they will help you out. WWC is amazing and will make you want the bigger tank.

 

I'm trying to spend around $400 on just drygoods, lights, filters, tank etc. Craigslist is a good place to look I just haven't found anything I'd really like to do yet. I'd like to do something around 20-30 gallons since thats all the space i have available. I've got a 55 gallon fresh and a 14 gallon biocube which I started about 4 months ago but that tank is remaining stock and while its stock its pretty limited with what i can do with it. World Wide Corals and Sea in the City are great I visit them often to see the new stuff they get in.

 

hello, I am not trying to discourage you but a 20-30 is just to small IMO try and do another 55 in salt water. The lights are cheep on Aquatrader.com and they are decent set of t5s. $400.00 is a good budget and im building a 75 now that iv just spent around 200.00 and have the stand that i built done with the tank. then I have my 20 that i have spent well into $1000.00 into with everything being new.

just my opinion but be patient and if you know what you want it will come.

 

I've thought about the size and I've wavered. At times I'd like to do larger and then I sway back to the compact design. If I find something affordable thats larger I'd love to do it but right now Orlando Craigslist is slacking.

 

Dude I'm doing a 10 gallon XD but I recommend at least 30 for a beginner

 

Do you recommend that because of keeping params and such in check since the extra volume will help with that? Or is there another reason? For the most part with the 14 gallon Biocube, I've kept it very steady, minor hiccups in the beginning but that was my first attempt at reefing.

 

75 Gallon Reef Ready Fish tank system

 

You could also try looking in the surrounding areas to you, Im in South florida, and I know a lot of people would be willing to deliver there tank if its not too far. Or if you have the time you could always make the drive. There are a lot of great tanks in s. florida on craigslist

Bigger is always better not just for water stability, but also for having more room to expand, I started my 72 and less than a year later had to get the 220 back up, I had to downsize because I moved out. You are also able to keep a variety of larger fish too,