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06/16/2012, 08:06 PM
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#1 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 13
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Getting started
Hi guys. I'm new to the forum and new to having my own tank, but I know quite a bit about livestock and maintenance I'm a college student with a semi limited budget, but I'd love to be able to start a tank. I'm looking for something between 10-30 gallons. I'd like to be able to keep soft corals and LPS's comfortably.
My main questions are whether I should go all in one or build my own tank with different components. I'm mainly curious about cost and efficiency comparisons. Any help would be great. |
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06/16/2012, 08:25 PM
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#2 |
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Reef Addict
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NJ
Posts: 826
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Well the best starting advice is go with the biggest tank you can afford. Everyone will tell you here that if you don't. you're almost guarenteed to regret it. Luckily, (as I'm sure you figured) the smaller the tank, generally the cheaper, so you're size selection is towards the cheapest end of that spectrum. Planning on any fish at all?
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~Kenny~ 29g mixed reef lps, sps, and softies, 10g sump/fuge, cadlights pls-100 skimmer, LifeReef overflow with Mag 7 return pump, Tunze ATO, 2 Koralias, 4x24w T5HO ATIs w/ moonlight LEDs Current Tank Info: Green Chromis, Yellow Clown Goby, Green Mandarin, Diamond Goby, Percula Clown, and CUC |
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06/16/2012, 08:38 PM
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#3 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: oklahoma
Posts: 87
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Look on craigslist in your area. You should find some great deals in surround cities
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06/16/2012, 08:42 PM
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#4 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 13
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Yeah. I've been watching Craigslist but I'm kinda looking for something new or close to it.
As far as fish, it'll depend on size. I work at a pretty reputable LFS so I know about stocking procedures. Some fish I'm interested in are: Pygmy Possum Wrasse Jawfish Barnacle Blennys Shrimp and Goby Combination Helfrich's firefish Obviously not all of these, but I'm still mapping out the combination I would feel comfortable with |
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06/16/2012, 08:43 PM
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#5 |
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Just another Reefer
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Kentucky, USA
Posts: 715
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I Agree with go with what you can afford, but know that the smaller the amount of water the harder it will be to keep your params level. I would go with a 30 if that's the biggest you can go with to ease tank level issues.
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-the Sho "Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result." -Oscar Wilde "The best thing a man can do when he is losing is just give up!" -Matt Stimson Current Tank Info: 65g Reef, 265w Cree LED Lighting, 20g DIY Sump/Fuge, Euro-Reef CS6-1 Skimmer, 2 Little Fishes GFO Reactor ||||| Mostly SPS and a few LPS, Zoa's, and Shrooms |
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06/16/2012, 08:48 PM
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#6 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 623
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On a budget, that small of a tank. One of first tanks. I would go with an all in one setup. I have always lived by Biocubes and their affordability.
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make me a sandwich... |
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06/16/2012, 08:49 PM
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#7 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 13
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I actually think I'm ok on keeping up with the parameters. My biggest concern is equipment type stuff. I'm not sure whether a biocube or something like that would be better than setting up my own system
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06/16/2012, 09:24 PM
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#8 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: oklahoma
Posts: 87
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If you work at a good LFS then you should be able to get a good deal on equipment!!
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06/16/2012, 09:27 PM
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#9 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 13
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That's what I'm hoping ha. They've given me alot of advice but like I said, I'm in college so this is a big investment to me. I'm just curious about other peoples experiences with AIO vs. Custom builds.
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06/16/2012, 10:14 PM
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#10 |
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Just another Reefer
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Kentucky, USA
Posts: 715
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If you can keep the params stable, then IMO am all in one bio cube would be the way to go. I am looking at a all in one myself. If you have the discipline, that's the way to go
__________________
-the Sho "Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result." -Oscar Wilde "The best thing a man can do when he is losing is just give up!" -Matt Stimson Current Tank Info: 65g Reef, 265w Cree LED Lighting, 20g DIY Sump/Fuge, Euro-Reef CS6-1 Skimmer, 2 Little Fishes GFO Reactor ||||| Mostly SPS and a few LPS, Zoa's, and Shrooms |
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06/16/2012, 10:51 PM
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#11 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 13
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Which brand tends to have the best lighting? I have heard JBJ's PCs tend to produce better results than the other cybe's PCs.
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06/16/2012, 10:57 PM
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#12 |
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Just another Reefer
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Kentucky, USA
Posts: 715
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I like JBJ. That's the brand I'm looking for. I plan on having a few LPS, no SPS though.
__________________
-the Sho "Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result." -Oscar Wilde "The best thing a man can do when he is losing is just give up!" -Matt Stimson Current Tank Info: 65g Reef, 265w Cree LED Lighting, 20g DIY Sump/Fuge, Euro-Reef CS6-1 Skimmer, 2 Little Fishes GFO Reactor ||||| Mostly SPS and a few LPS, Zoa's, and Shrooms |
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06/16/2012, 11:00 PM
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#13 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 13
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Will most if not all LPS thrive in a cube?
I don't really plan on keeping SPS either, but don't want to limit my LPS choices? BTW, Thanks for the info/help. |
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06/16/2012, 11:07 PM
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#14 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 85
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All will thrive in a cube until they get too big
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06/16/2012, 11:11 PM
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#15 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 13
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I appreciate the help. Looks like it's time to start cube shopping a little.
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