Researching

[Reuben]

Hi everyone

Iv had tropical fish in the past, and been without them for a while now. Wanted to get myself a new tank and start again as i miss watching them. My father in law had a marine aquarium which i fell in love with. This has got me thinking if i could have marine fish instead of tropical?

Iv been reading many websites and trying to gather information on how time consuming and expensive it can be, and i really feel i have the commitment and expense to step into the marine aquarium world.

Now for my questions

I really dont want to go straight out and purchase a large tank and swamp myself, i know they are expensive so would like to set a target and save for one, in the meantime swatting up on the basics. Now what is the minimum size i should be looking for? I was hoping to get a taller tank rather than a long one because im limited for space.

Many thanks everyone

Maria

[mnchartier]

As far as size the largest you can afford is what I was told. The larger the water volume the more forgiving it can be on mistakes. So what I did was a 90 Gallon tank and a 100 gallon sump. As for tall tanks depending on what you want to keep in it you may increase cost due to lighting.

[ChadTheSpike]

I would shoot for the 50-100 gallon range. If you are looking for a taller tank, a 75 or 90 gallon is a good size (although I did maintenance and servicing for many years, and 90s were not my favorite tank to work on because they are almost too deep for me to reach to the bottom of).

I recommend this size because it is large enough to work with and not significantly limit you (large angels and tangs shouldnt be added to a tank this small), but is small enough to reasonably manage.

[Reuben]

Originally Posted by mnchartier

As far as size the largest you can afford is what I was told. The larger the water volume the more forgiving it can be on mistakes. So what I did was a 90 Gallon tank and a 100 gallon sump. As for tall tanks depending on what you want to keep in it you may increase cost due to lighting.

When i say tall i mean more square like than rectangular (if that makes sense?)

Yes i understand what your saying, that makes sense. I have been looking at these -

http://www.charterhouse-aquatics.co....um-p-2219.html

But i dont want to spend on something that will only fit a couple of fish and whatnot and i end up going out replacing it. The 90gallon looks rather large and scary

[Reuben]

Originally Posted by ChadTheSpike

I would shoot for the 50-100 gallon range. If you are looking for a taller tank, a 75 or 90 gallon is a good size (although I did maintenance and servicing for many years, and 90s were not my favorite tank to work on because they are almost too deep for me to reach to the bottom of).

I recommend this size because it is large enough to work with and not significantly limit you (large angels and tangs shouldnt be added to a tank this small), but is small enough to reasonably manage.

The 50-60 gallon looks more manageable.

I did the same when i started with tropical bought a nice small tank thinking oh a beginners tank, and ended up with a few fish, then having to replace it.

[Reuben]

Hi just another question

Does any aquarium tank have the ability to turn into a salt water tank?

[aaronnohren]

I would go for a 75 or 90. However, if you get a 75 you might as well get the 90 because of the similar dimensions. Also, a taller tank isn't go to give you the type of swimming space some of your larger fish need. The longer you can get the better.

[C3gear]

Cant go wrong with a 60G or 93g Cube.

[Reuben]

Originally Posted by C3gear

Cant go wrong with a 60G or 93g Cube.

What will be my limitations on that in regards to what i can put in?

[IslandCrow]

Nano tanks like the 28g you linked to can be difficult, limiting and frustrating (though significantly less expensive). I started with a 46g, which wasn't too bad at all. You are going to be somewhat limited in the types of fish you can keep until you start getting into the 75g+ range. Tangs are a good example of common marine fish that are really only suitable for large aquariums. I don't necessarily hold to the addage of getting the largest aquarium you can afford, as a 500g tank would no doubt be a bit unmanageable for someone just starting out as well.

Does any aquarium tank have the ability to turn into a salt water tank?

For the most part, yes. There are a couple possible limitations, though. First, if any medications (especially copper) were used in the tank, it may no longer be safe for marine use. Second, you've probably heard of a tank being "reef ready". In very simplistic terms, in the marine hobby, we usually like to use a sump with our tanks, and these "reef ready" tanks will have holes drilled as well as an overflow to accomodate the use of a sump. This can certainly be done to a used tank as well, though (assuming the glass is not tempered). You can either do it yourself (you will have to learn to drill glass, which isn't too horribly difficult) or take it to someone and pay them to do it for you. It can certainly be cheaper, though, especially if you already own the tank.

[Reuben]

Originally Posted by IslandCrow

Nano tanks like the 28g you linked to can be difficult, limiting and frustrating (though significantly less expensive). I started with a 46g, which wasn't too bad at all. You are going to be somewhat limited in the types of fish you can keep until you start getting into the 75g+ range. Tangs are a good example of common marine fish that are really only suitable for large aquariums. I don't necessarily hold to the addage of getting the largest aquarium you can afford, as a 500g tank would no doubt be a bit unmanageable for someone just starting out as well.



For the most part, yes. There are a couple possible limitations, though. First, if any medications (especially copper) were used in the tank, it may no longer be safe for marine use. Second, you've probably heard of a tank being "reef ready". In very simplistic terms, in the marine hobby, we usually like to use a sump with our tanks, and these "reef ready" tanks will have holes drilled as well as an overflow to accomodate the use of a sump. This can certainly be done to a used tank as well, though (assuming the glass is not tempered). You can either do it yourself (you will have to learn to drill glass, which isn't too horribly difficult) or take it to someone and pay them to do it for you. It can certainly be cheaper, though, especially if you already own the tank.

Thanks thats really helpful.

I only have a small tank, which i feel isnt big enough. Iv found some tanks that are perfect for me but arnt 'reef ready'. The price differences are amazing for the two sets though.

Sounds easier to buy a marine tank, i would hate to attempt to drill into glass.

[IslandCrow]

Yeah, drilling my first tank was a little scarry, and I practiced on some glass jars first. There are a bunch of videos out there that break it down if you get a good enough deal on a non reef ready tank to convince you to give it a shot.