A NewB question.

pprmntshrmps · 12/27/2007, 01:43 PM

Everywhere I look, read, and research everything says that for a beginner do not start with less than a 55 gallon tank. I would love a 55 gallon tank, but with my current budget and living space a 29 gallon is much more in reach as I will save on live rock, lighting, etcâ€¦

I understand that the solution to pollution is dilution, but is in unrealistic for a beginner to set-up a successful system with a 29g tank and a 10-20g sump? I am planning on FOWLR, inverts, and in a year or two adding a bubble-tip anemone with a clown.

If this is realistic, is it possible to get a drilled 29g tank (I havenâ€™t seen one yet.) If this is not possible/ feasible/ recommended, and anyone has any suggestions please feel freeâ€¦

taillonjohn · 12/27/2007, 01:59 PM

I've been doing this less than 2 years (I love it), so I am not a pro, but I would say go for it. My reef is a 29G, and I love it, and really dont care for people who tell me I should have gone bigger, its not there business. Bigger is easier in some ways, but more difficult in other ways, and definately more expensive. My only regret is that I didnt know about drilling for reef tanks, and so I have no sump, just ugly HOB stuff.

So, my 2 cents is go for, dont listen to the doubters, but do yourself a favour and get a drilled tank

papagimp · 12/27/2007, 02:01 PM

I started with a 29g. A 55 would be better IMO but a 29g is definatly doable. Just keep in mind the larger they system, the easier they are to maintance typically. If at all possible, get a 29g stand that will allow for at least a 10g refugium to be placed under it. Will make a big difference on such a small tank.

phenom5 · 12/27/2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

I understand that the solution to pollution is dilution, but is in unrealistic for a beginner to set-up a successful system with a 29g tank and a 10-20g sump?

This is absolutely realistic. Sure, a bigger system would be ideal, but there's no reason why you can't successfully keep a smaller tank.

Biggest thing IMO/ IME is a strict water change schedule. On a system like that, I'd do ~5-10g weekly.

Quote:

I am planning on FOWLR, inverts, and in a year or two adding a bubble-tip anemone with a clown.

Sounds good, but plan accordingly now. Buy good lights, and a good skimmer NOW. A good skimmer & good lights are cheaper than buying a crappy skimmer, and crappy lights, and then buying them a second time.

Quote:

If this is realistic, is it possible to get a drilled 29g tank (I havenâ€™t seen one yet.) If this is not possible/ feasible/ recommended, and anyone has any suggestions please feel freeâ€¦

Possibly. Check out AGA and Oceanic's websites. Then talk with a LFS, see if they can order a custom tank. Another option would be to just buy a regular tank and then either drill it yourself, or get a glass shop to drill it for you.

firedogg2 · 12/27/2007, 04:17 PM

I started with a 150g and found myself in the same situation you are speaking of. It was just so much of everything. Not cheap. I now have a 20g and a 75g in my gaurage for when I move. I set my girlfriend up with a 10 that was supose to be just for one fish and some rock and ended up becomeing a full reef tank. We now have her in a 29g and its perfect for her. The nice thing about a smaller tank is the water chenges. She changes a cupple gal a week, and at that amound its no big deal at all to do. As long as you stay on top of everything, check you water often and stay regular with the water changes, and get some good basic equiptment you should have no problem at all and love it. Also, Very good advise from phenom5. Take your time, buy the right equiptment the first time. Learn form our mistakes. If you can't afford somthing right now, don't cut corners wait and do it right when you can. You'll be much happier in the end.

P.S. Stay away from a 30in wide tank. Very hard to find a light to fit the top. Believe me we know!!

Good luck to you.

llorence · 12/27/2007, 04:51 PM

Go for it. My son maintained a 29 gal his last two years in college and it was a perfec fit for his apartment, his lifestyle, and his budget. Bigger isn't always better.

Norward · 12/27/2007, 06:44 PM

Second everything Phenom said. I have loved my 29g and find it to be just the right size for my needs. Also agree with Papagimp about the stand. This is doable and will be fun if you do your research and remain commited to those water changes.

rjrobert · 12/27/2007, 07:28 PM

Any tank to get you started is a good thing. Just be prepared for the Reef Keeping version of Mores law which states a reef keeper will want to double their tank size every 18 months

Thats why you see many reefers with many smaller tanks in addition to their bigger tanks. It's all Mores law. Now the problem with mores law is that in the end it will probably cost you more, but again we can't all own marine land so go with what you can. I would personally go with a bigger tank if possible and spend more time on some of the DIY projects to save money. Check out the nano tank forum they could help alot!
Good Luck and welcome aboard!

dileggi · 12/27/2007, 09:51 PM

I agree. I would go for it as well. I'm only 3 mos into it and have a 29 now as my first tank.

pprmntshrmps · 12/28/2007, 07:53 AM

Well, this is all very encouraging.
___________________________________________________________________
Sounds good, but plan accordingly now. Buy good lights, and a good skimmer NOW. A good skimmer & good lights are cheaper than buying a crappy skimmer, and crappy lights, and then buying them a second time.

This is exactly why I want to go smaller, so that I can buy the good equipment. If I went larger then I would probably have to skimp on things.

So now the hunt is on for a 29 gallon drilled tank (not a 30 inch wide) and then Iâ€™ll go from there.

phenom5 · 12/28/2007, 11:25 AM

Quote:

So now the hunt is on for a 29 gallon drilled tank (not a 30 inch wide) and then Iâ€™ll go from there.

good luck...a standard 29g is 30" long (assuming that by wide you mean long, and not wide).

Are you planning on building a canopy for it? Or just having a fixture/ open top?

Tremolo · 12/28/2007, 12:09 PM

I would do it. I have a 29 gallon and it is my first tank. I ould really recommend drilling it for overflows and closed loop. you may also want to consider a 20 long. It is the same foot print of a 29 gallon just not as tall, depending on what you are planning on keeping in there you may save some money on lighting.

scram2 · 12/29/2007, 12:50 AM

i started with a 24g aquapod and its not very hard at all to me so go for a small tank once you read and ask questions on here it will become pretty easy for you.... in my opinion its to hard but it can be on certain things you just need to read alot lol

leoslizards · 01/02/2008, 09:58 AM

I also have a 29g tank that I started 3 months ago. So far I have had no problems except the common algae problems which is slowly being taken care of.

12/27/2007, 01:43 PM	#1
pprmntshrmps Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: roanoke, va Posts: 296	A NewB question. Everywhere I look, read, and research everything says that for a beginner do not start with less than a 55 gallon tank. I would love a 55 gallon tank, but with my current budget and living space a 29 gallon is much more in reach as I will save on live rock, lighting, etcâ€¦ I understand that the solution to pollution is dilution, but is in unrealistic for a beginner to set-up a successful system with a 29g tank and a 10-20g sump? I am planning on FOWLR, inverts, and in a year or two adding a bubble-tip anemone with a clown. If this is realistic, is it possible to get a drilled 29g tank (I havenâ€™t seen one yet.) If this is not possible/ feasible/ recommended, and anyone has any suggestions please feel freeâ€¦

12/27/2007, 01:59 PM	#2
taillonjohn Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 753	I've been doing this less than 2 years (I love it), so I am not a pro, but I would say go for it. My reef is a 29G, and I love it, and really dont care for people who tell me I should have gone bigger, its not there business. Bigger is easier in some ways, but more difficult in other ways, and definately more expensive. My only regret is that I didnt know about drilling for reef tanks, and so I have no sump, just ugly HOB stuff. So, my 2 cents is go for, dont listen to the doubters, but do yourself a favour and get a drilled tank __________________ John

12/27/2007, 02:01 PM	#3
papagimp COMAS Rocks! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 8,185 Blog Entries: 2	I started with a 29g. A 55 would be better IMO but a 29g is definatly doable. Just keep in mind the larger they system, the easier they are to maintance typically. If at all possible, get a 29g stand that will allow for at least a 10g refugium to be placed under it. Will make a big difference on such a small tank. __________________ 58g Softie & 75g Stoney Member, Central Oklahoma Marine Aquarium Society Current Tank Info: 58g Mixed Reef Project - Started June 2011

12/27/2007, 04:17 PM	#5
firedogg2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Fort Myers, Florida Posts: 318	I started with a 150g and found myself in the same situation you are speaking of. It was just so much of everything. Not cheap. I now have a 20g and a 75g in my gaurage for when I move. I set my girlfriend up with a 10 that was supose to be just for one fish and some rock and ended up becomeing a full reef tank. We now have her in a 29g and its perfect for her. The nice thing about a smaller tank is the water chenges. She changes a cupple gal a week, and at that amound its no big deal at all to do. As long as you stay on top of everything, check you water often and stay regular with the water changes, and get some good basic equiptment you should have no problem at all and love it. Also, Very good advise from phenom5. Take your time, buy the right equiptment the first time. Learn form our mistakes. If you can't afford somthing right now, don't cut corners wait and do it right when you can. You'll be much happier in the end. P.S. Stay away from a 30in wide tank. Very hard to find a light to fit the top. Believe me we know!! Good luck to you. __________________ I'll never be done, will I? Current Tank Info: 20gal Nano Reef. 10gal sump, 150w MH. Last edited by firedogg2; 12/27/2007 at 04:29 PM.

12/27/2007, 09:51 PM	#9
dileggi Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: S. Philly PA Posts: 1,171	I agree. I would go for it as well. I'm only 3 mos into it and have a 29 now as my first tank. __________________ Eric "The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled, was convincing the world he didn't exist." - Usual Suspects Current Tank Info: 90g w/30g sump; skimmer; 2x175w MH & 2x super white actinic...3g w/.5g fuge 1x150w MH Viper

12/27/2007, 04:51 PM	#6
llorence Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Newark, Oh Posts: 72	Go for it. My son maintained a 29 gal his last two years in college and it was a perfec fit for his apartment, his lifestyle, and his budget. Bigger isn't always better.

12/27/2007, 06:44 PM	#7
Norward Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Little Rock Posts: 407	Second everything Phenom said. I have loved my 29g and find it to be just the right size for my needs. Also agree with Papagimp about the stand. This is doable and will be fun if you do your research and remain commited to those water changes.

12/27/2007, 07:28 PM	#8
rjrobert Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Greece, NY Posts: 873	Any tank to get you started is a good thing. Just be prepared for the Reef Keeping version of Mores law which states a reef keeper will want to double their tank size every 18 months Thats why you see many reefers with many smaller tanks in addition to their bigger tanks. It's all Mores law. Now the problem with mores law is that in the end it will probably cost you more, but again we can't all own marine land so go with what you can. I would personally go with a bigger tank if possible and spend more time on some of the DIY projects to save money. Check out the nano tank forum they could help alot! Good Luck and welcome aboard!

12/28/2007, 07:53 AM	#10
pprmntshrmps Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: roanoke, va Posts: 296	Well, this is all very encouraging. ___________________________________________________________________ Sounds good, but plan accordingly now. Buy good lights, and a good skimmer NOW. A good skimmer & good lights are cheaper than buying a crappy skimmer, and crappy lights, and then buying them a second time. This is exactly why I want to go smaller, so that I can buy the good equipment. If I went larger then I would probably have to skimp on things. So now the hunt is on for a 29 gallon drilled tank (not a 30 inch wide) and then Iâ€™ll go from there. __________________ Brian Current Tank Info: 30G

12/28/2007, 12:09 PM	#12
Tremolo Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Aurora IL Posts: 644	I would do it. I have a 29 gallon and it is my first tank. I ould really recommend drilling it for overflows and closed loop. you may also want to consider a 20 long. It is the same foot print of a 29 gallon just not as tall, depending on what you are planning on keeping in there you may save some money on lighting.

12/29/2007, 12:50 AM	#13
scram2 Moved On Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PASADENA Posts: 649	i started with a 24g aquapod and its not very hard at all to me so go for a small tank once you read and ask questions on here it will become pretty easy for you.... in my opinion its to hard but it can be on certain things you just need to read alot lol

01/02/2008, 09:58 AM	#14
leoslizards Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Miami, FL. Posts: 394	I also have a 29g tank that I started 3 months ago. So far I have had no problems except the common algae problems which is slowly being taken care of.