Brand new to saltwater

D.Schneidt · 11/26/2012, 07:17 PM

Hey Guys, I am brand new to saltwater (you couldn't be any newer). What is the best size tank to and equipment to started with right off the bat? Any information would be great!

Thanks,

Devon

pugmommie · 11/27/2012, 05:55 AM

The smaller the tank, the harder it is to maintain water quality. So bigger is better. But it really depends on how much space you have and how much money you want to initially put in to it.
I started with a 30 gal and after a few years moved up to a 120 gal and added a sump room in the garage. Have fun with it!

ArrowCrab · 11/27/2012, 06:13 AM

As pugmommie said, bigger is better when starting out because the water parameters are more stable in a larger volume of water. I'd start with a minumum of 30 gallon tank. As for equipment, one of the most essential equipment pieces you will need for this hobby is a skimmer. Some smaller tanks can get away without one with just water changes, but if you're getting anything more than probably 10-15 gallons, you'll need a skimmer. After that I would get a good refractometer as salinity/specific gravity is one of the most important measurements to keep on track. Think about getting an RO/DI system as well; straight tap water isn't that great for our aquariums and buying good water from a store will get expensive after a while.

www.bulkreefsupply.com is a good online store for supplies.

Fitz19d · 11/27/2012, 06:18 AM

Hey there, new too but maybe a little ahead of you on the reading and purchasing.

From my uneducated experience I feel like a nice 35-50 gallon tank with a under tank sump seems like a good place to be. Micro tanks seem cool but does seem obvious when measuring things in parts per million that something that small can be so easily thrown off.

Starting at a 100-120 can sure be daunting too. So large you need help even getting it in the house, likely not kosher for apartments. More expensive equipment and a lot of water to change out. Feel like if you are not prepared, while the water may be more stable, way bad if you get in over your head.

I'm very happy with my 45 long I picked up with a 20g undertank. About the largest you can manage to move on your own empty easily. Allows for a pretty decent sized display with some variety. At 60 gallons ish the water changes are not excessive but you still have the room to be using most of the major equipment types that you might have when going up to a "full size" 100+. IOW seems like a good one to learn on before jumping into the ocean so to speak.

Again just the opinion of a fellow kiddy pool beginner. Feel free to show any errors in logic.

426Hemi · 11/27/2012, 06:31 AM

You best bet is to read all the stickies on this site. That will go a long way in helping you make a decision.

D.Schneidt · 11/27/2012, 10:39 AM

After reading a lot in just the short amount of time I've been into things I went ahead a ordered a ro/di unit from bulk reef supply because I figured no matter what ever I go with I'll always have to use it. Thanks a lot for the suggestions!

Devon

gone fishin · 11/27/2012, 10:51 AM

It is very important to decide upfront what you want to keep as far as livestock. There are some fish that you just will not be able to keep in a small tank due to size, aggression, compatability. Tangs are a prime exampe of this. everyone wants one but thay just cannot be kept in a small tank. If in the end you decide you want larger fish then purchase the appropriate size tank or adjust your livestock wish list accordingly. Alot of research and decisions making in the beginning will save you alot of headache later down the road. Good luck just my 2 cents.

ptreef · 11/27/2012, 11:06 AM

Start with an idea of what you want, fish, reef, corals, inverts, etc.....
Plan around comapatibility and budget and spce to setup. Sound levels, Sump, stand, equipment, heat, lighting styles...
Bigger is better within reason of your time and ability to maintain.

Somewhere in the 75g range is pretty good size to start with with out going overboard on maintenance and equipment.

amond003 · 11/27/2012, 03:26 PM

research, research, research. I know this as I jumped in a little early and had no idea what I was doing at first.

pugmommie · 11/27/2012, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D.Schneidt

After reading a lot in just the short amount of time I've been into things I went ahead a ordered a ro/di unit from bulk reef supply because I figured no matter what ever I go with I'll always have to use it. Thanks a lot for the suggestions!

Devon

Good Decision! I love my ro/di. I've had it since 2007 and it makes life so much easier to make your own water!!

ptreef · 11/28/2012, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D.Schneidt

After reading a lot in just the short amount of time I've been into things I went ahead a ordered a ro/di unit from bulk reef supply because I figured no matter what ever I go with I'll always have to use it. Thanks a lot for the suggestions!

Devon

probably should have got salt too!

Also if you really plan to start with the basics:
-get a refractometer,
-red sea foundations test kit (ca, ALK, Mg)
-salifert Ammonia, Nitrate & nitrite test kits,
-Salt I/O works great for most everyone, is cheap and works pretty much no matter your tank setup.
....

These will work no matter what size tank you get!

Now figure your budget and tank size:
then all other other confusing, and endless suggestions for equiptment come....

11/26/2012, 07:17 PM	#1
D.Schneidt Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vineland, New Jersey Posts: 18	Brand new to saltwater Hey Guys, I am brand new to saltwater (you couldn't be any newer). What is the best size tank to and equipment to started with right off the bat? Any information would be great! Thanks, Devon

11/27/2012, 06:13 AM	#3
ArrowCrab Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 166	As pugmommie said, bigger is better when starting out because the water parameters are more stable in a larger volume of water. I'd start with a minumum of 30 gallon tank. As for equipment, one of the most essential equipment pieces you will need for this hobby is a skimmer. Some smaller tanks can get away without one with just water changes, but if you're getting anything more than probably 10-15 gallons, you'll need a skimmer. After that I would get a good refractometer as salinity/specific gravity is one of the most important measurements to keep on track. Think about getting an RO/DI system as well; straight tap water isn't that great for our aquariums and buying good water from a store will get expensive after a while. www.bulkreefsupply.com is a good online store for supplies. __________________ No trees were harmed in the sending of this message; however, a significant number of electrons were slightly inconvenienced. Last edited by ArrowCrab; 11/27/2012 at 06:39 AM.

11/27/2012, 10:51 AM	#7
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	It is very important to decide upfront what you want to keep as far as livestock. There are some fish that you just will not be able to keep in a small tank due to size, aggression, compatability. Tangs are a prime exampe of this. everyone wants one but thay just cannot be kept in a small tank. If in the end you decide you want larger fish then purchase the appropriate size tank or adjust your livestock wish list accordingly. Alot of research and decisions making in the beginning will save you alot of headache later down the road. Good luck just my 2 cents. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

11/27/2012, 05:55 AM	#2
pugmommie Griffy Lover Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Crestview, Fl Posts: 383	The smaller the tank, the harder it is to maintain water quality. So bigger is better. But it really depends on how much space you have and how much money you want to initially put in to it. I started with a 30 gal and after a few years moved up to a 120 gal and added a sump room in the garage. Have fun with it!

11/27/2012, 06:18 AM	#4
Fitz19d Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Frederick Colorado Posts: 475	Hey there, new too but maybe a little ahead of you on the reading and purchasing. From my uneducated experience I feel like a nice 35-50 gallon tank with a under tank sump seems like a good place to be. Micro tanks seem cool but does seem obvious when measuring things in parts per million that something that small can be so easily thrown off. Starting at a 100-120 can sure be daunting too. So large you need help even getting it in the house, likely not kosher for apartments. More expensive equipment and a lot of water to change out. Feel like if you are not prepared, while the water may be more stable, way bad if you get in over your head. I'm very happy with my 45 long I picked up with a 20g undertank. About the largest you can manage to move on your own empty easily. Allows for a pretty decent sized display with some variety. At 60 gallons ish the water changes are not excessive but you still have the room to be using most of the major equipment types that you might have when going up to a "full size" 100+. IOW seems like a good one to learn on before jumping into the ocean so to speak. Again just the opinion of a fellow kiddy pool beginner. Feel free to show any errors in logic.

11/27/2012, 06:31 AM	#5
426Hemi Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 253	You best bet is to read all the stickies on this site. That will go a long way in helping you make a decision.

11/27/2012, 10:39 AM	#6
D.Schneidt Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vineland, New Jersey Posts: 18	After reading a lot in just the short amount of time I've been into things I went ahead a ordered a ro/di unit from bulk reef supply because I figured no matter what ever I go with I'll always have to use it. Thanks a lot for the suggestions! Devon

11/27/2012, 11:06 AM	#8
ptreef Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 746	Start with an idea of what you want, fish, reef, corals, inverts, etc..... Plan around comapatibility and budget and spce to setup. Sound levels, Sump, stand, equipment, heat, lighting styles... Bigger is better within reason of your time and ability to maintain. Somewhere in the 75g range is pretty good size to start with with out going overboard on maintenance and equipment.

11/27/2012, 03:26 PM	#9
amond003 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 58	research, research, research. I know this as I jumped in a little early and had no idea what I was doing at first.