First reef tank... What size?... HELP!!!

[prosper]

Hi, im 14 and im eager to get into the reefkeeping hobby!
I have had freshwater aquariums a while ago and I've been researching for weeks, and my father kept tanks as a kid as well. I am only going to pull the trigger on this hobby finally, because I'm moving, and I'll have my own room... I want to go as big as possible but I'm not sure if my floor can hold it, and my parents (mostly my mom) isn't sure whether or not to allow me to put it downstairs, what is the smallest tank that could hold this stock HUMANELY.
2 ocellaris clowns
1 Firefish
1 Coral beauty angelfish
1 Royal Gramma
1 Tang of the zebrasoma genus... if I can't do that in roughly a 75 gallon should I just jump to a 150? And could that have the following of I did?
1 Yellow tang
2 ocellaris clownfish
1 Firefish
1 Coral beauty
1 Royal Gramma
And probably 2-3 more tangs of different genuses, I would end up purchasing either setups off craigslist because It will be self funded as my parents already pay for everything else I do, what would be the best option?
Every suggestion will be greatly appreciated...
Thanks,

Prosper

 

[timnem70]

Welcome youngling. First off props for the, Humanely comment. Way too many folks on here with "tanks 3 months old and hoe come my stuff is dying but wjay the heck,they were free" posts.
250 minimum . You're talking hundreds of dollars in that fish list alone not to mention the couple grand in upfront equipment (you said reef so Fuge, pumps, lighting alone for a tank that size even with "black boxes will run hundreds, brand name lights, thousands.
You could pick up that 150 you saw but be really careful with species and temperament. And the Several other tangs... go slow man. (Tangs in general need LOTS OF ROOM)
Why not get your feet wet first and do the 75? Its a good size and being that its your forst foraybrand this will acclimate you as well. Also, that way you can start accumulating quality equipment (tank will be one of the cheaper things if you want to upgrade.) In addition, and I just have to say this. If you're only 14 , a 150-300 gallon tank is a LONG TERM COMMITMENT and moving it out of your parents house in a few years would suck. Or , and we all did at your age, get tiresome of it and just loose interest.
I don't want to discourage you. You're the future of reefing. I just don't want to see you get way over your head. Best of luck to you.

Galaxy S7 Edge

 

[prosper]

Thanks Tim, I think I'll go with the 75, that way not only can I put it in my room but it shouldn't be a turnoff to my parents! I know I might sound repetitive, but I love tangs...
In the 75 could te following work?
2 Ocellaris clowns
1 Firefish
1 Yellow tang/powder brown (which one)
1 royal gramma
And maybe a man Darin wayy down the road once my microfauna are sustainable,
I know a 75 is an on the fence size of tank but could I get 1 of those tangs really small and play it by ear? Thanks again,

Prosper

 

[Blue spot]

Hi prosper , this sounds good, what type of tank are you going for , fish only, corals, it sounds like you have your heart set on a tang , so start off with a baby one (personally ide pick a yellow tang) , but remember they grow so don't be tempted to add more (it is very tempting) then gets lots of little things , hermits, shrimps, sea anemones , then start showing the parents , getting them interested . Then start naming your fish after your parents... slowly drawing them in. Then as little baby tang grows , wham , put the sob story on about how bad you feel about little yellow. Next thing you know you'll have a swimming pool sized tank downstairs . Problem solved . Use this power wisely youngling !
But to be serious for a moment Tim is spot on. A tank is a big commitment so make sure you are ready to look after it and the inevitable problems you will face and learn learn learn, but also remember it's fun fun fun !

 

[ericarenee]

Hi, im 14 and im eager to get into the reefkeeping hobby!
I have had freshwater aquariums a while ago and I've been researching for weeks, and my father kept tanks as a kid as well. I am only going to pull the trigger on this hobby finally, because I'm moving, and I'll have my own room... I want to go as big as possible but I'm not sure if my floor can hold it, and my parents (mostly my mom) isn't sure whether or not to allow me to put it downstairs, what is the smallest tank that could hold this stock HUMANELY.
2 ocellaris clowns
1 Firefish
1 Coral beauty angelfish
1 Royal Gramma
1 Tang of the zebrasoma genus... if I can't do that in roughly a 75 gallon should I just jump to a 150? And could that have the following of I did?
1 Yellow tang
2 ocellaris clownfish
1 Firefish
1 Coral beauty
1 Royal Gramma
And probably 2-3 more tangs of different genuses, I would end up purchasing either setups off craigslist because It will be self funded as my parents already pay for everything else I do, what would be the best option?
Every suggestion will be greatly appreciated...
Thanks,

Prosper

Welcome youngling. First off props for the, Humanely comment. Way too many folks on here with "tanks 3 months old and hoe come my stuff is dying but wjay the heck,they were free" posts.
250 minimum . You're talking hundreds of dollars in that fish list alone not to mention the couple grand in upfront equipment (you said reef so Fuge, pumps, lighting alone for a tank that size even with "black boxes will run hundreds, brand name lights, thousands.
You could pick up that 150 you saw but be really careful with species and temperament. And the Several other tangs... go slow man. (Tangs in general need LOTS OF ROOM)
Why not get your feet wet first and do the 75? Its a good size and being that its your forst foraybrand this will acclimate you as well. Also, that way you can start accumulating quality equipment (tank will be one of the cheaper things if you want to upgrade.) In addition, and I just have to say this. If you're only 14 , a 150-300 gallon tank is a LONG TERM COMMITMENT and moving it out of your parents house in a few years would suck. Or , and we all did at your age, get tiresome of it and just loose interest.
I don't want to discourage you. You're the future of reefing. I just don't want to see you get way over your head. Best of luck to you.

Galaxy S7 Edge

Thanks Tim, I think I'll go with the 75, that way not only can I put it in my room but it shouldn't be a turnoff to my parents! I know I might sound repetitive, but I love tangs...
In the 75 could te following work?
2 Ocellaris clowns
1 Firefish
1 Yellow tang/powder brown (which one)
1 royal gramma
And maybe a man Darin wayy down the road once my microfauna are sustainable,
I know a 75 is an on the fence size of tank but could I get 1 of those tangs really small and play it by ear? Thanks again,

Prosper

Hi prosper , this sounds good, what type of tank are you going for , fish only, corals, it sounds like you have your heart set on a tang , so start off with a baby one (personally ide pick a yellow tang) , but remember they grow so don't be tempted to add more (it is very tempting) then gets lots of little things , hermits, shrimps, sea anemones , then start showing the parents , getting them interested . Then start naming your fish after your parents... slowly drawing them in. Then as little baby tang grows , wham , put the sob story on about how bad you feel about little yellow. Next thing you know you'll have a swimming pool sized tank downstairs . Problem solved . Use this power wisely youngling !
But to be serious for a moment Tim is spot on. A tank is a big commitment so make sure you are ready to look after it and the inevitable problems you will face and learn learn learn, but also remember it's fun fun fun !

I think this is a Double post OP You should as admin to remove this thread

here is the one where people are commenting

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2623458

 

[prosper]

Hi prosper , this sounds good, what type of tank are you going for , fish only, corals, it sounds like you have your heart set on a tang , so start off with a baby one (personally ide pick a yellow tang) , but remember they grow so don't be tempted to add more (it is very tempting) then gets lots of little things , hermits, shrimps, sea anemones , then start showing the parents , getting them interested . Then start naming your fish after your parents... slowly drawing them in. Then as little baby tang grows , wham , put the sob story on about how bad you feel about little yellow. Next thing you know you'll have a swimming pool sized tank downstairs . Problem solved . Use this power wisely youngling !
But to be serious for a moment Tim is spot on. A tank is a big commitment so make sure you are ready to look after it and the inevitable problems you will face and learn learn learn, but also remember it's fun fun fun !

Thanks man I know about not doing another one and that's a brilliant plan! I'll put it into affect ASAP! It will be mainly lps (duncan, hammers,etc) I want some zoas and xenias too! It would be my dream to have an anemone! Right now I'm in the 14 y/o version of the crimping and saving money for a new tank phase! LOL I really hope to have long term success and be the next generation of senior reefers,
Much appreciation,

Prosper