Beginner. New Tank Advice

[Mancuarist]

Greets all, looking for some guidance. This will be my first saltwater aquarium, I have a small freshwater one. I'm not going to rush it, still learning.

It will be a mixed reef tank. Starting my shopping list - I guess a tank should be at the top right? Looking at 4 models. I know there may be better options than these but it's a matter of cost. I'm in the UK.

• Waterbox Marine 45.2
• TMC Reef Habitat 60
• Aqua One ReefSys 180
• Aquarium Systems L'Aquarium 2.0 250

Would love to hear thoughts on recommended kit and things to avoid. Thanks all

 

[code4]

Not being really familiar with all those tanks I am giving a generic reply. If I was doing my tank all over I would get a longer tank. I have a 5 foot one now. I want a 6 foot long one for my tangs and angels. Width would be more important for a reef tank. Gives you more options on rock placement. And I would have chosen a tank that did not involve me standing on a step ladder trying to reach spots that I will never be able to get to! Oh and an extra door on the cabinet on the side in case I need to remove the sump for any reason. Hope this helps.

Shelley

 

[Mancuarist]

Great advice Shelley thank you. Maybe I should rearrange the house to accommodate a larger size. My wife will be so thrilled.

 

[flabryth]

Greets all, looking for some guidance. This will be my first saltwater aquarium, I have a small freshwater one. I'm not going to rush it, still learning.

It will be a mixed reef tank. Starting my shopping list - I guess a tank should be at the top right? Looking at 4 models. I know there may be better options than these but it's a matter of cost. I'm in the UK.

• Waterbox Marine 45.2
• TMC Reef Habitat 60
• Aqua One ReefSys 180
• Aquarium Systems L'Aquarium 2.0 250

Would love to hear thoughts on recommended kit and things to avoid. Thanks all

if you can find a nice used tank I would go with that as it will allow you to invest savings else where. making a stand is also a good idea if you have the skill. these are the two biggest things that can save you money off the bat.

flow is key so this is what you have to design your scape and circulation pumps around this...get this right first (even before chemistry). coral success depends a lot based on the amount and the variation of the flow. flow will also allow you to get the excess food and waste out of the tank the longer particles stay moving about the tank the more likely it will end up in the filtration system. this the most important part of a saltwater system everything else comes after this and is based on this.

 

[code4]

My husband is mostly supportive of me. But he really wished I would have gotten the right tank the first time. And put hardwood flooring or tiling under it. Then I could have just changed the area rugs out instead of worrying how to replace the entire carpet! I also took the inside tank dimensions and made a cardboard template to see how I could put my rocks in a "tank". Include overflows also.

Shelley

 

[Mancuarist]

if you can find a nice used tank I would go with that as it will allow you to invest savings else where. making a stand is also a good idea if you have the skill. these are the two biggest things that can save you money off the bat.

flow is key so this is what you have to design your scape and circulation pumps around this...get this right first (even before chemistry). coral success depends a lot based on the amount and the variation of the flow. flow will also allow you to get the excess food and waste out of the tank the longer particles stay moving about the tank the more likely it will end up in the filtration system. this the most important part of a saltwater system everything else comes after this and is based on this.

Flow first, got it thank you. This is quite a leap from the sponge filter in my freshwater. Forget bubbles, think tidal waves

 

[code4]

Next you will want to look up threads on best protein skimmers, pumps, lights, etc. What fish are reef safe and the list goes on....

Shelley

 

[A.C.R Tanks]

Just my experience but when I started my tank 4 months ago it seemed like it was necessary to purchase equipment that cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars in order to have a successful saltwater tank but thats not true I have a cheap T5 light, a hang on filter, no sump, no skimmer and all my fish are doing great.

So you don't need super expensive gear in order to be successful.

 

[Mancuarist]

Just my experience but when I started my tank 4 months ago it seemed like it was necessary to purchase equipment that cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars in order to have a successful saltwater tank but thats not true I have a cheap T5 light, a hang on filter, no sump, no skimmer and all my fish are doing great.

So you don't need super expensive gear in order to be successful.

Thanks for this. Part of me thinks save some money, dip my toe in with a cheap Fluval Evo before I eventually end up with a large aquarium. I'll think on it.

 

[code4]

We did that. Then planned on going larger and then getting rid of the smaller one.......now I have 2 display tanks! I need my head examined. My husband is a saint giving up so much real estate in the living room.

Shelley