Newbie looking for help!

Wassy · 01/18/2016, 09:38 PM

Hi all, so i just got my first job in the chicago (northbrook) area. I have always wanted to get a start in saltwater but have never had the money to do so. Being as I am new to the hobby I was wondering if anyone could advise on the best way at going about this. I am thinking smaller (5-15 gal) as this is my first tank and dont want to blow hundreds until I am very comfortable. Maybe there are some cheaper kits people could recommend? I am open to all ideas. Thanks!

JaihWill · 01/18/2016, 10:06 PM

You'll blow more money the smaller you go. Smaller tanks can change in seconds so they require a lot more attention and water changes. Go big as possible in the beginning.

BrianKC · 01/18/2016, 10:08 PM

Hi Wassy! Congrats on the new job. There's a great thread in the stickies called Setting Up. Read that first and let folks know your questions.

To your specific question; generally the smaller you go the more difficult. Stability is SOOO important in this hobby and the bigger the tank, the easier it is to maintain stability. Consider the difference between someone, um, making wind in a closed car vs a gymnasium...Small mistakes are magnified in small aquariums. I'd recommend you think about at least 30 gallons if not 45. Honestly the equipment to do it right between those two sizes is pretty negligible.

Also...you will blow hundreds whether it's 5 gal or 45.

Sadly, this is a hobby measured in Benjamins, not Jacksons and Hamiltons.

Code4 · 01/18/2016, 10:13 PM

My first was a red sea 65 gallon tank. I felt very limited. You do not want to crowd a tank with to many fish. Jaihwell is correct, the larger the the tank the more stable it usually is. I think it might be better to see what you want and what their requirements are. I wanted a copper band butterfly fish. So now I have a 140 gallon tank. And buy live worms for it. Remember to go slowly!

Welcome and happy feeding!

Shelley

avoidtheboyd · 01/19/2016, 01:44 AM

It all depends on what you want and the space you have available. I started a saltwater tank while still in college living in a small apartment so I couldn't go big for my first tank. I think a lot of people slightly exaggerate how difficult nano tanks are. While it can be harder to maintain stable parameters, all it takes is research and staying on top of maintenance.

Dkuhlmann · 01/19/2016, 04:58 AM

Welcome to Reef Central!

I highly suggest you take a look at the 40b, the b stands for breeder and this designates the size of the tank which is 36"x18"x17" The tank is great for going either full reef or fowlr (fish only with live rock) This is a good size and easy to maintain yet not being too small. I would also suggest a 20 gal sump. Like was said before read the sticky at the top of this New to the hobby forum called "setting up" Also the 40b is probably the number 1 tank size lately, I've got one and so do so many others here on RC. Just do a search for 40b and you will find many threads on them.

Petco has their $ per gal sale very often, great tank for only $40. Then you have the extras to buy LOL There is no really "cheap" way unless you get a great buy on Craigslist, which isn't a bad place to look and see whats available. Some fantastic deals are to be had but if you go this route I highly suggest that you run whatever you find by us here first so we can keep you from making mistakes.

Also if you use a local LFS Local fish store, be careful of impulse buy's. They'll sell you anything to make a buck and will even tell you to get fish that need a much larger tank. Yes many of them do this.

Anyway welcome aboard and do lots of reading and searching, everything you could ever want to know about saltwater tanks is within this website.

Good luck on your journey and remember to take things SLOW, nothing good happens fast in this hobby.

A.Astore · 01/19/2016, 07:10 AM

I think the biggest thing in your situation before asking for suggestions would be to tell us what you want out of the set up this time. Do you want a fish, live rock, and a few inverts OR do you want some coral, a couple fish, and inverts. This can make a large difference in the suggestions you are most likely going to get. A good example of an option for a 40 gallon system that comes all inclusive for the most part (sans light) and would be a good jump point in the fact it is pieced together and you are not trying to build the system from scratch would be something along the lines of: http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-40gpnp.htm

By the time you buy all the individual parts this can easily save you in the long run. Take a bit of time and figure out EXACTLY what you want IN the tank. Because having 5 gallons vs 40 can be a world of difference in what can go in it.

We have the 150 set up from Steve and love it. It was nice to be able to focus only on a few additional things (light, powerhead, heaters) rather than all of it. Again though, this will all be dependent on what you want in it.

Shawn O · 01/19/2016, 10:09 AM

May be better to go with a pre-drilled tank in the 60 gallon range. Avoid a 55 gallon tank. They suck.

Cliving1 · 01/19/2016, 01:16 PM

I moved away from chicago for work, but try going to Shotank in Mundlein. I believe the owner's name is Matt I always had great service and he custom designs some tank and occasionally has preowned ones. I would of sent you to living seas but they closed.

blkhwkz · 01/20/2016, 10:12 PM

Go as big as you can to start with. Besides being easier to maintain, you will probably end up upgrading quickly if you don't. I started earlier this year with a Biocube 29, within 2 months had ordered a JBJ rimless 45. I have another BC29 I picked up used cheap I am cycling now in my home office. Already have plans to get a 90 gallon (SC Aquariums) end of this year. No matter what tank you get, even the all in one's, you will spend a good chunk of money for the additional parts you need. Or all the things you want to upgrade from the stock equipment they came with.

I have not been to Sho Tank in Mundelein yet, but there are some good stores around. Aqua Pros in Glen Ellyn has had some tank sales lately and Beyond the Reef in Schaumburg is a nice store too.

jayblock · 01/20/2016, 10:18 PM

Go big or go home !!!!!!!!

Cliving1 · 01/21/2016, 07:39 PM

Yeah the Chicago land area has many stores to choose from, I wish I was still there I have 2 now...

Texas Paul · 01/21/2016, 08:18 PM

I've never had a tank as small as 40 gallons, but there are tons of people who love them. I'm with my current size because I can manage it. Larger tanks for me were too much time but big tanks are sweet. You can have a nice fish selection and keep the load low. Go with the 40b if you can.

BrendaddyK · 01/21/2016, 08:23 PM

I second going to beyond the reef. There is also a forum on here just for people in the Chicago land area you could check to see if anyone is selling stuff you could use.

Sharkie136 · 01/22/2016, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avoidtheboyd

It all depends on what you want and the space you have available. I started a saltwater tank while still in college living in a small apartment so I couldn't go big for my first tank. I think a lot of people slightly exaggerate how difficult nano tanks are. While it can be harder to maintain stable parameters, all it takes is research and staying on top of maintenance.

I agree! Although I hope what they say is true about bigger tanks being easier because I'm about to start a 115-gallon, after having only a 14-gallon Nano for 2 and 1/2 years. I haven't found the Nano difficult at all, but I am intimidated by the larger tank idea (but excited too, of course.)

BrianKC · 01/23/2016, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharkie136

I agree! Although I hope what they say is true about bigger tanks being easier because I'm about to start a 115-gallon, after having only a 14-gallon Nano for 2 and 1/2 years. I haven't found the Nano difficult at all, but I am intimidated by the larger tank idea (but excited too, of course.)

If you kept a 14g happy, you'll have no trouble with a 115g. 10x the water change volume, but 1/10 the volatility.

Sapelo · 01/23/2016, 05:59 AM

+1 to it's all about what you want.
You're not going to get off cheap no matter what size you go.
On some levels, bigger does cost more (more lighting, more flow requirements, bigger water changes) but those are not the only factors.
The real questions to ask before you go any further are: do I want coral or fish only? what are the fish that I like most?
Go to a fish store or two and look around. Check out tanks online that get your heart pumping.
If you find that a pair of clowns and a few soft coral are the look you like, smaller is going to be just fine for you. On the other hand, if you're going into this saying, "A Blonde Naso Tang is my dream fish," then it wont matter how much money you've saved because you're just going to be wishing for your next tank.
I started with a 90 that seemed HUGE to me. My first algae outbreak almost drove me out of the hobby because changing half of the water in the tank every week was a MAJOR undertaking. I was new and it was all very intimidating.
But remember that dream fish thing? A year in and we were upgrading to a 300 gallon because I could not fit the fish I wanted into the 90.
Having said that, if I'd had issues with the 300 early on, I would have given up for sure.
We all want different things from our tanks and we all have different experiences. If a nano/small tank is what seems feasible to you right now, go for it! There are awesome nano tanks out there and plenty to read, learn and do.
Just set some goals for yourself and your first tank. You can always go bigger later if that makes the most sense to you, but don't make the mistake of thinking that you'll get a budget 29 gallon because no matter what it will end up costing more than you planned.

Good luck!

01/18/2016, 09:38 PM	#1
Wassy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 1	Newbie looking for help! Hi all, so i just got my first job in the chicago (northbrook) area. I have always wanted to get a start in saltwater but have never had the money to do so. Being as I am new to the hobby I was wondering if anyone could advise on the best way at going about this. I am thinking smaller (5-15 gal) as this is my first tank and dont want to blow hundreds until I am very comfortable. Maybe there are some cheaper kits people could recommend? I am open to all ideas. Thanks!

01/19/2016, 04:58 AM	#6
Dkuhlmann Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,823	Welcome to Reef Central! I highly suggest you take a look at the 40b, the b stands for breeder and this designates the size of the tank which is 36"x18"x17" The tank is great for going either full reef or fowlr (fish only with live rock) This is a good size and easy to maintain yet not being too small. I would also suggest a 20 gal sump. Like was said before read the sticky at the top of this New to the hobby forum called "setting up" Also the 40b is probably the number 1 tank size lately, I've got one and so do so many others here on RC. Just do a search for 40b and you will find many threads on them. Petco has their $ per gal sale very often, great tank for only $40. Then you have the extras to buy LOL There is no really "cheap" way unless you get a great buy on Craigslist, which isn't a bad place to look and see whats available. Some fantastic deals are to be had but if you go this route I highly suggest that you run whatever you find by us here first so we can keep you from making mistakes. Also if you use a local LFS Local fish store, be careful of impulse buy's. They'll sell you anything to make a buck and will even tell you to get fish that need a much larger tank. Yes many of them do this. Anyway welcome aboard and do lots of reading and searching, everything you could ever want to know about saltwater tanks is within this website. Good luck on your journey and remember to take things SLOW, nothing good happens fast in this hobby. __________________ Previous tanks: 200 gal fowlr 9" Emperor Angel and many different butterfly fish 4" maroon clown and several other fish, 50 gal sump, 40 gal mixed reef/fish mostly softies and LPS. Current Tank Info: 40b 750 gph 45 lbs lr, 2"-3" sand, 165w full spectrum dimable LED, 20 gal sump/refugium 30 lbs lr, Bak Pak 2 skimmer, 4" sock temp 79-80, sg 1.026, NH3 0, NO2 0, NO3 <10, ph 8.2, calc 400, mag 1300

01/19/2016, 10:09 AM	#8
Shawn O Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: People's Communist Republic of Massachusetts Posts: 1,474	May be better to go with a pre-drilled tank in the 60 gallon range. Avoid a 55 gallon tank. They suck. __________________ "55gal glass box full of water, rocks and some not-so-amused little fishes" 2x Occellaris, 1 Pajama, 1 Neon Dottyback. Current Tank Info: 55gal tank, sumpless, ReefOctopus Classic 90, Twin bulb T5.

01/18/2016, 10:06 PM	#2
JaihWill Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 166	You'll blow more money the smaller you go. Smaller tanks can change in seconds so they require a lot more attention and water changes. Go big as possible in the beginning.

01/18/2016, 10:08 PM	#3
BrianKC Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Kansas City Posts: 388	Hi Wassy! Congrats on the new job. There's a great thread in the stickies called Setting Up. Read that first and let folks know your questions. To your specific question; generally the smaller you go the more difficult. Stability is SOOO important in this hobby and the bigger the tank, the easier it is to maintain stability. Consider the difference between someone, um, making wind in a closed car vs a gymnasium...Small mistakes are magnified in small aquariums. I'd recommend you think about at least 30 gallons if not 45. Honestly the equipment to do it right between those two sizes is pretty negligible. Also...you will blow hundreds whether it's 5 gal or 45. Sadly, this is a hobby measured in Benjamins, not Jacksons and Hamiltons.

01/18/2016, 10:13 PM	#4
Code4 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: WY Posts: 277	My first was a red sea 65 gallon tank. I felt very limited. You do not want to crowd a tank with to many fish. Jaihwell is correct, the larger the the tank the more stable it usually is. I think it might be better to see what you want and what their requirements are. I wanted a copper band butterfly fish. So now I have a 140 gallon tank. And buy live worms for it. Remember to go slowly! Welcome and happy feeding! Shelley

01/19/2016, 01:44 AM	#5
avoidtheboyd Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: West Virginia Posts: 54	It all depends on what you want and the space you have available. I started a saltwater tank while still in college living in a small apartment so I couldn't go big for my first tank. I think a lot of people slightly exaggerate how difficult nano tanks are. While it can be harder to maintain stable parameters, all it takes is research and staying on top of maintenance.

01/19/2016, 07:10 AM	#7
A.Astore Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Waynesboro, VA Posts: 418	I think the biggest thing in your situation before asking for suggestions would be to tell us what you want out of the set up this time. Do you want a fish, live rock, and a few inverts OR do you want some coral, a couple fish, and inverts. This can make a large difference in the suggestions you are most likely going to get. A good example of an option for a 40 gallon system that comes all inclusive for the most part (sans light) and would be a good jump point in the fact it is pieced together and you are not trying to build the system from scratch would be something along the lines of: http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-40gpnp.htm By the time you buy all the individual parts this can easily save you in the long run. Take a bit of time and figure out EXACTLY what you want IN the tank. Because having 5 gallons vs 40 can be a world of difference in what can go in it. We have the 150 set up from Steve and love it. It was nice to be able to focus only on a few additional things (light, powerhead, heaters) rather than all of it. Again though, this will all be dependent on what you want in it.

01/19/2016, 01:16 PM	#9
Cliving1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 1,923	I moved away from chicago for work, but try going to Shotank in Mundlein. I believe the owner's name is Matt I always had great service and he custom designs some tank and occasionally has preowned ones. I would of sent you to living seas but they closed.

01/20/2016, 10:12 PM	#10
blkhwkz Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: DeKalb Posts: 17	Go as big as you can to start with. Besides being easier to maintain, you will probably end up upgrading quickly if you don't. I started earlier this year with a Biocube 29, within 2 months had ordered a JBJ rimless 45. I have another BC29 I picked up used cheap I am cycling now in my home office. Already have plans to get a 90 gallon (SC Aquariums) end of this year. No matter what tank you get, even the all in one's, you will spend a good chunk of money for the additional parts you need. Or all the things you want to upgrade from the stock equipment they came with. I have not been to Sho Tank in Mundelein yet, but there are some good stores around. Aqua Pros in Glen Ellyn has had some tank sales lately and Beyond the Reef in Schaumburg is a nice store too.

01/20/2016, 10:18 PM	#11
jayblock Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Smithtown, NY Posts: 338	Go big or go home !!!!!!!!

01/21/2016, 07:39 PM	#12
Cliving1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 1,923	Yeah the Chicago land area has many stores to choose from, I wish I was still there I have 2 now...

01/21/2016, 08:18 PM	#13
Texas Paul Registered Member. Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Houston Posts: 88	I've never had a tank as small as 40 gallons, but there are tons of people who love them. I'm with my current size because I can manage it. Larger tanks for me were too much time but big tanks are sweet. You can have a nice fish selection and keep the load low. Go with the 40b if you can.

01/21/2016, 08:23 PM	#14
BrendaddyK Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Illinois Posts: 27	I second going to beyond the reef. There is also a forum on here just for people in the Chicago land area you could check to see if anyone is selling stuff you could use.

01/23/2016, 05:59 AM	#17
Sapelo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: North Georgia Posts: 869	+1 to it's all about what you want. You're not going to get off cheap no matter what size you go. On some levels, bigger does cost more (more lighting, more flow requirements, bigger water changes) but those are not the only factors. The real questions to ask before you go any further are: do I want coral or fish only? what are the fish that I like most? Go to a fish store or two and look around. Check out tanks online that get your heart pumping. If you find that a pair of clowns and a few soft coral are the look you like, smaller is going to be just fine for you. On the other hand, if you're going into this saying, "A Blonde Naso Tang is my dream fish," then it wont matter how much money you've saved because you're just going to be wishing for your next tank. I started with a 90 that seemed HUGE to me. My first algae outbreak almost drove me out of the hobby because changing half of the water in the tank every week was a MAJOR undertaking. I was new and it was all very intimidating. But remember that dream fish thing? A year in and we were upgrading to a 300 gallon because I could not fit the fish I wanted into the 90. Having said that, if I'd had issues with the 300 early on, I would have given up for sure. We all want different things from our tanks and we all have different experiences. If a nano/small tank is what seems feasible to you right now, go for it! There are awesome nano tanks out there and plenty to read, learn and do. Just set some goals for yourself and your first tank. You can always go bigger later if that makes the most sense to you, but don't make the mistake of thinking that you'll get a budget 29 gallon because no matter what it will end up costing more than you planned. Good luck!