Thinking about Getting/Starting a 30g Saltwater Tank

[BoxfishBoi]

Hey y'all! I'm a newbie to the group. A bit about my situation before the questions: I come from the land of the freshwater fishkeepers and have a 55-gallon freshwater tank. I've been considering getting or starting a 30-gallon saltwater setup to level up my fishkeeping game and begin a new challenge. To clarify, getting a saltwater tank would mean I would buy a full setup from a hobbyist getting out of the hobby off of Craigslist or Facebook marketplace, and starting would mean buying everything separately and starting from Genesis.

Ok, to my questions:

1. What would be the best way to begin? Should I buy and edit an existing setup to fit my vision or start completely from scratch?
2. If I were to start from scratch, what would be the easiest/most basic setup I could do, and what affordable but high-quality products could I use to start with?
3. Could a Valentini Puffer live in a 30g for life? (While I don't know much about saltwater fishkeeping, I've researched saltwater species and become obsessed with owning this fish).
4. Finally, if the answer to the above question is yes, what tankmates would work?

Thank you in advance for any help!

 

[Kodski]

1. What would be the best way to begin? Should I buy and edit an existing setup to fit my vision or start completely from scratch?
Start from scratch. If you're on a budget you certainly can buy used equipment, but buying a full running setup off someone generally means you're buying their problems too. Algae, Pests, incorrect equipment, ect are all ususally things I see when someone is trying to get out of the hobby. Plus its so much easier to just design your build to suit what you want to keep, I feel like you'll end up replacing most of the equipement you'd get anyways, and you really wouldn't save that much if you just bought piece by piece of used equipment.

2. If I were to start from scratch, what would be the easiest/most basic setup I could do, and what affordable but high-quality products could I use to start with?
Personally, I'd start with a 40 breeder for a few reasons. First, they are cheap during petco sales. Second, they are a great size to start with. Third I think for what you're looking to achieve it will be a great size. I would buy two, one for the display and a second for the sump. If you don't want such a large sump, I'd buy a 20 gallon long instead. Its a great size sump for the 40 breeder also. This route will allow you to DIY quite a bit and save lots of money along the way. There is a ton of different ways to create sumps, they can be complex or simple, but no way is a wrong way.

3. Could a Valentini Puffer live in a 30g for life? (While I don't know much about saltwater fishkeeping, I've researched saltwater species and become obsessed with owning this fish).
I'm not well versed in these fish, but assuming general information is correct, the 40 breeder that I suggested will allow the fish to live healthily and happily.

4. Finally, if the answer to the above question is yes, what tankmates would work?

Again, not well versed with these fish so hopefully someone else will chime in on this. These fish will eat shrimp and other large inverts. So cleaner shrimp and the like are a not viable tank mates. Any other peaceful fish that will live happily in the 40 gallon will work just fine! Watch the bioload though! More fish means more nutrients which means more water changes or more money spent on filtration methods.

 

[littlefoxx]

If you can maybe see about going bigger (at least a 60 gal or something?) makes the water quality easier to manage. And Ive gotten all my set ups from FB used. I dont really change anything mechanically but I did this time around because Im not doing dosing or anything for hard to keep corals so in my case I removed that complex stuff. I think a used tank is a great way to go! And if you find things you dont lioe about it then you can easily adapt or change it. And the puffer would probably be okay, but lots of stories of them killing other fish in that size of tank. And no hermits, snails, shrimps, or crabs! Because of their feeding habits I would probably just keep the puffer in that small tank maybe with a damsel for movement. Just dont get a used OR new red sea… seam breaks and all.

 

[BoxfishBoi]

1. What would be the best way to begin? Should I buy and edit an existing setup to fit my vision or start completely from scratch?
Start from scratch. If you're on a budget you certainly can buy used equipment, but buying a full running setup off someone generally means you're buying their problems too. Algae, Pests, incorrect equipment, ect are all ususally things I see when someone is trying to get out of the hobby. Plus its so much easier to just design your build to suit what you want to keep, I feel like you'll end up replacing most of the equipement you'd get anyways, and you really wouldn't save that much if you just bought piece by piece of used equipment.

2. If I were to start from scratch, what would be the easiest/most basic setup I could do, and what affordable but high-quality products could I use to start with?
Personally, I'd start with a 40 breeder for a few reasons. First, they are cheap during petco sales. Second, they are a great size to start with. Third I think for what you're looking to achieve it will be a great size. I would buy two, one for the display and a second for the sump. If you don't want such a large sump, I'd buy a 20 gallon long instead. Its a great size sump for the 40 breeder also. This route will allow you to DIY quite a bit and save lots of money along the way. There is a ton of different ways to create sumps, they can be complex or simple, but no way is a wrong way.

3. Could a Valentini Puffer live in a 30g for life? (While I don't know much about saltwater fishkeeping, I've researched saltwater species and become obsessed with owning this fish).
I'm not well versed in these fish, but assuming general information is correct, the 40 breeder that I suggested will allow the fish to live healthily and happily.

4. Finally, if the answer to the above question is yes, what tankmates would work?

Again, not well versed with these fish so hopefully someone else will chime in on this. These fish will eat shrimp and other large inverts. So cleaner shrimp and the like are a not viable tank mates. Any other peaceful fish that will live happily in the 40 gallon will work just fine! Watch the bioload though! More fish means more nutrients which means more water changes or more money spent on filtration methods.

If you can maybe see about going bigger (at least a 60 gal or something?) makes the water quality easier to manage. And Ive gotten all my set ups from FB used. I dont really change anything mechanically but I did this time around because Im not doing dosing or anything for hard to keep corals so in my case I removed that complex stuff. I think a used tank is a great way to go! And if you find things you dont lioe about it then you can easily adapt or change it. And the puffer would probably be okay, but lots of stories of them killing other fish in that size of tank. And no hermits, snails, shrimps, or crabs! Because of their feeding habits I would probably just keep the puffer in that small tank maybe with a damsel for movement. Just dont get a used OR new red sea… seam breaks and all.

Thank you to both of y'all for your detailed answers. Unfortunately, I can't get a larger setup than a 30-gallon. The tank is going in my bedroom, and I already have limited space. Also, I don't want to take care of another large tank, I want something smaller that is easier to manage size wise. I am aware that it will be harder to manage the water quality, but I've had nano tanks before and have been successful, so I'm willing to work a bit harder to maintain water quality.

I honestly didn't think about those issues, Kodski@, regarding the used setup; I will definitely take those into serious consideration. Thank you for mentioning those.

 

[littlefoxx]

Ah if thats the case you might just want to keep the fish as a species tank. Havnt heard about them being very friendly to other fish in that size tank

 

[kingranch2003]

Thank you to both of y'all for your detailed answers. Unfortunately, I can't get a larger setup than a 30-gallon. The tank is going in my bedroom, and I already have limited space. Also, I don't want to take care of another large tank, I want something smaller that is easier to manage size wise. I am aware that it will be harder to manage the water quality, but I've had nano tanks before and have been successful, so I'm willing to work a bit harder to maintain water quality.

I honestly didn't think about those issues, Kodski@, regarding the used setup; I will definitely take those into serious consideration. Thank you for mentioning those.

Hey buddy, If you want a little bit more vertical space and more water volume, I would suggest a 40 to 60 gallon cube. The cubes aren't as wide as the breeders, so it may work better in your room. You're getting your water volume in height so it takes up less horizontal space. My first reef tank was a 40 gallon cube All in one. Basically there's a wall in the back and behind it is where you have all of your filtration etc. Whatever you decide, make sure it stays fun and I'd always say take it slow and get it where you want it the first time.

 

[Fish Fan]

A lot of your decisions will be based on your budget. Keep in mind, you can often find complete systems for sale cheap on Facebook Marketplace (from what I've read; I'm not a Facebook user) or your local Craigslist. There is also a used-for-sale section here on R2R. As was also mentioned, PetCo is having their 50% sale on Aqueon tanks current (good unitl August 8th, I think I was told at my store?).

But, in my humble opinion, if you're just getting started and your goal is SIMPLE, please look at an All-In-One (AIO) aquarium. These tanks have built-in filtration in the back, they look great, and would probably be the least complicated tank to setup and run. You don't have to deal with a sump and the plumbing that comes with a sump.

As others have mention, please get the largest tank you can afford. You fish will thank you and you'll have a much easier time getting started. A 40 gallon is often thought to be a great size for your first tank. I believe Innovative Marine makes a 40 gallon AIO.

Sadly, I'm not an expert, but I don't believe there's any marine puffer suitable for a 30 gallon or I'd already have one. They are very cool fish, I'm told they are like having an underwater dog lol!

Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[Fish Fan]

Not quite a 30 gallon, but it's on sale!

https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/Fusion-25-AIO-Lagoon-Aquarium-Desktop-Starter-Kit-p647391065

Also, probably would not hold a marine puffer, but you could keep the smaller, brackish water puffers like this guy:

https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/7907/?pcatid=7907

 

[BoxfishBoi]

A lot of your decisions will be based on your budget. Keep in mind, you can often find complete systems for sale cheap on Facebook Marketplace (from what I've read; I'm not a Facebook user) or your local Craigslist. There is also a used-for-sale section here on R2R. As was also mentioned, PetCo is having their 50% sale on Aqueon tanks current (good unitl August 8th, I think I was told at my store?).

But, in my humble opinion, if you're just getting started and your goal is SIMPLE, please look at an All-In-One (AIO) aquarium. These tanks have built-in filtration in the back, they look great, and would probably be the least complicated tank to setup and run. You don't have to deal with a sump and the plumbing that comes with a sump.

As others have mention, please get the largest tank you can afford. You fish will thank you and you'll have a much easier time getting started. A 40 gallon is often thought to be a great size for your first tank. I believe Innovative Marine makes a 40 gallon AIO.

Sadly, I'm not an expert, but I don't believe there's any marine puffer suitable for a 30 gallon or I'd already have one. They are very cool fish, I'm told they are like having an underwater dog lol!

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Not quite a 30 gallon, but it's on sale!

https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/Fusion-25-AIO-Lagoon-Aquarium-Desktop-Starter-Kit-p647391065

Also, probably would not hold a marine puffer, but you could keep the smaller, brackish water puffers like this guy:

https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/7907/?pcatid=7907

Thank you for the recommendations! I definitely don't want to do a sump if I don't have to, so an AIO would be welcomed.

 

[Fish Fan]

Thank you for the recommendations! I definitely don't want to do a sump if I don't have to, so an AIO would be welcomed.

Sumps are great, but not necessary. The AIO's I suggest are great and look great, but can be a little pricy. Otherwise, you can do just fine with a standard tank and Hang On Back (HOB) filters and other gear. Good luck!

 

[BoxfishBoi]

Ok, I've been thinking a bit. Here are my two options that I'm trying to decide to ask about (do have to get the mom's stamp of approval first):

1. 30-gallon pre-set up or new with no puffer but other fish (my second favorite fish specifically)

2. 40-gallon cube pre-set up or new with puffer and a few other fish.

With that in mind, I wanted to ask about viable stocking options for either tank setup. Would any of these work together?

1. Banggai Cardinalfish (3-6)

2. Green Blue Chromis (3-5)

3. An invert of some sort (maybe a crab?)

4. Fire Goby (the second option behind a puffer, these guys look so cool)

5. Damselfish (Azure)

 

[BoxfishBoi]

I have a few more questions: Is there such a thing as a pure invert tank in saltwater? People frequently keep pure shrimp or snail tanks on the freshwater side, and I was wondering if that translates to saltwater. If so, what are some good options? Are Mantis Shrimp viable options? I really like them (I know the danger they can bring, but I'm willing to go for something more dangerous).

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I have a few more questions: Is there such a thing as a pure invert tank in saltwater? People frequently keep pure shrimp or snail tanks on the freshwater side, and I was wondering if that translates to saltwater. If so, what are some good options? Are Mantis Shrimp viable options? I really like them (I know the danger they can bring, but I'm willing to go for something more dangerous).

I'm sure some people have only kept inverts in their tanks, but I don't know of any members off the top of my head.

 

[jkcoral]

I have a few more questions: Is there such a thing as a pure invert tank in saltwater? People frequently keep pure shrimp or snail tanks on the freshwater side, and I was wondering if that translates to saltwater. If so, what are some good options? Are Mantis Shrimp viable options? I really like them (I know the danger they can bring, but I'm willing to go for something more dangerous).

Invert tanks are definitely a thing that some people do. Most common invert tanks I see are usually macroslgae tanks or a setup meant to hold non-reef safe creatures (different types of starfish, crabs, shrimp, mantis, etc.) or other oddities you might want in your main display.

I do not have one now, but in the past I’ve had small “sidecar” tanks plumbed into my main tank for this type of thing, and a similar setup confined in the sump.

 

[Fish Fan]

I'm sure some people have only kept inverts in their tanks, but I don't know of any members off the top of my head.

I'm old enough to remember when this was a thing, and I still think it's cool!

Back in the day (1980's) we did it because keeping even hardy saltwater fish was still a challenge, but nearly anyone could keep some interesting snails, crabs, shrimp, etc.

My wife and I both think the motile (moving) inverts are some of the coolest things you can keep in a tank

Good luck!