Whats the ideal way to start without breaking the bank?

What do you guys think would be the best way to start with saltwater for the beginner. If you had to start all over what would you get, tank size, fish etc. I keep reading people buying kits like nano cubes saying there either junk or they buy it and upgrade this this and this, or if I buy used I'd need to upgrade the lights etc.

 

buy used if you can find a good deal. 75 gallons would be a good starting point if you have the room. If you want to go nano then read LOTS about it before you get started. the bigger the tank the more stable the parameters. look on craigslist for awhile and research lots before you buy anything. Also if you find something you like, you can post in on here to get 2nd opinions.

 

That's fine advice, I'd say.

 

Ok here is what I've came up with so far

1. 30 Gallon Bow Front Fish Tank
This tank has not been running. The water that is not in the tank has evaporated. I know tall tanks aren't the best choice. I could maybe re use the sand but buy new live rock.

2. 55 Gal Marine Tank (Complete)
This tank is still up and running just with no fish. I was told on another forum that the stuff included in this tank wasn't all that great.

 

first you need to decide what live stock you want.
most people like fish, its what gets them started in the hobby. so look at different fish. take note of there requirements. tanksize, compatibility with corals and other fish.

also know how many fish you want a good rule for reefs is one inch every 3 gallons(this is with good filtration, with out it algae gets bad especially in reefs)

once you decide on the livestock pick the tank based on the livestock. good tanks are shallow, there nothing worse then not being able to touch the bottom.

 

with most of these complete packages i would expect to buy a new skimmer(around 200 for new), theres probably a reason there tank didnt become what they wanted and there getting rid of it

i would recommend a 40g breeder over a 55g, tall and thin tanks are really hard to pull off and make a good looking reef

 

+1 I loved my 40g breeder. If you're looking used - which IMO is the way to go. I'd wait till you find "YOUR" setup. Figure out where you want to put your tank, how big you want it, where you're going to put the equipment etc.

 

I second the 40gal. breeder over a 55 standard. You could also get a 50 gal. breeder. Aquascaping is really difficult in a think tank. If I had to start all over, I would spend the money and do it right. I would start with a 75. MH lighting, sump, refugium, good skimmer. I kind of went the cheap route, although it didn't seem cheap at the time, and now I am upgrading already. If you can't afford it, I would save and look for deals and research. You do get what you pay for in this hobby, hands down.

 

all i can say is plan on breakin the bank, all very well worth if but expensive. i dont think any tank size will keep you from spending lots of money.

 

Look on ebay and RC's for sales for some real good buys. Will save you all kinds of money.