First trip to the local saltwater aqaurium shop
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Fizz71
FragSwapper
No Tate....don't sugar coat it...tell us how you REALLY feel. :thumbsup:
Hzuiel
New member
This^
Whereabouts in indiana are you? I'm in indiana too but very southern end, right across the river from lousville ky. We have at least 3 major shops that sell saltwater stuff and one or two big box stores with a little bit of saltwater stuff. Indianapolis is bound to have a lot as well.
For the most part you need to research what you want or need online and then go in there and skip the question asking and just tell the man what you want and re-direct him if he tries to sell you on something other than what you want. I don't think a biocube is a bad thing, but for a lot of people in the hobby it's just not enough.
not to get into a peeing contest with a skunk but i srsly resent those ^ remarks.
just because you have a huge tank and spend lots and lots of $$$ doesn't make you a true hobbyist. i could probably outspend a lot of you here but i chose a couple of cubes because that's what i have room/time for. i live alone. i work full time. i take care of 10 acres. i have livestock. i have dogs. when i finally do get a chance to sit down in my living room, i rather enjoy being able to watch a few fish and inverts and gsp waving in the current. water changes are quick and easy. if i had a bigger tank, i would get little enjoyment out of it because it would take up too much time to maintain. i think, too many times, people new to saltwater are bombarded with a "get the biggest tank you can" attitude and they quickly become discouraged after initially investing a LOT of $$$ and end up with something that is just too overwhelming.
**steps down off of soapbox**
+1
I learned this the hard way after being told to get 3 clown fish instead of two (seriously) and also being told that bumble snails are just like astrea snails but with "pretty shells"
:headwallblue:
+2 The thing that gets me is they never learn. With the Internet and forums like this, it's only a matter of time before you figure out they are full of crap. Why throw away a potential customer for life just to make a quick buck?? This hobby is all about keeping you hooked.
Elrodg
New member
First trip to the local saltwater aqaurium shop
It's not a matter of size it's how you use it
I'm only saying that for a beginner (which I consider myself to be) more water is better. Because when you start off small you run the risk of a huge water chemistry change. My 75 doesn't really take a whole lot of maintenance. Just the daily top off and monthly water change. (Of course there is a little more to it than that.)
It's not a matter of size it's how you use it
I'm only saying that for a beginner (which I consider myself to be) more water is better. Because when you start off small you run the risk of a huge water chemistry change. My 75 doesn't really take a whole lot of maintenance. Just the daily top off and monthly water change. (Of course there is a little more to it than that.)
not if you are patient and do things right the first time.
exactly my point.
SUMIXAM
New member
How'd you go about locating your tank? Also, what kinda overflow are you going with?
Elrodg
New member
Lol. I have had everything from a little ten gallon all the way up to a 95. And I have found that a 75 is a good happy medium. It takes a little money to get set up. But once ALL THAT EQUIPMENT is bought. It's pretty much smooth sailing.
I love my 75. I started out with a no hole and finally traded my way around til I got exactly what I wanted. Now I'm absolutely in love with my salty box.
I love my 75. I started out with a no hole and finally traded my way around til I got exactly what I wanted. Now I'm absolutely in love with my salty box.
No offense, but I think that's a load of bunk. I started out with a Biocube 29, and not due to laziness, but because after multiple freshwater tanks up to 125g, I wanted to try saltwater, but felt it was very overwhelming due to peoples insistence it has to be done this way, or that, but none of those people agreeing. I wanted to get a feel for the basics, what the maintenance would be like, and expand from there in stages that weren't going to be detrimental to any livestock, OR my pocket. I'm currently upgrading, but only to a 55. Once I have that down pat, I'll probably upgrade again to a 150.
To say someone is lazy, because they start small, and *partially* all inclusive is wrong IMO.
chicagoreefer20
New member
Btw, the economy would like to say thanks! I dont know what you guys do for a living, but the economy appreciates your enthusiasm!
I chose the 135 Gallon based on my size restrictions. I was limited to 4 ft on my wall so that's the length. Width for a reef I knew I needed around 18-24" and I know height is an issue for people but I am tall and like the look of a more showy tank. And that is how I ended up with a 135. I would have liked the Marineland Corner-Flo 150G aka 30"H but my wife wanted a canopy so I ended up with a DSA 135G tank. My Aug. purchase. I am DIY a sump and ref. out of a 40g breeder for Sept. and still deciding on a skimmer. Thinking a reef Octopus but unsure what model. Lights will be in Oct. and rock and sand in Nov. with fish in Dec.
Edit: I have a back-center overflow.
Edit: I have a back-center overflow.
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smartwater101
New member
There is nothing wrong with "quick and easy" but you are essentially describing just that.
smartwater101
New member
+1 lol I was told a tang would absolutely fine in my 29 gallon. It was already 5" long! I of course ignored the advice.
asmodyus
New member
I have say two main things I have learned in the past month being new to this hobby.
1. Everybody and there mother is an expert. It can be the LFS, your next door neighbor who been doing it for 40 years, Forum A, forum B, and the other forum there all going to to say something different. Best bet learn as much as you can from all them and go what make you feel right or what you like. Its a learning experience and its a patient hobby that's what I am learning so far.
2. I leaned is your always going to want a bigger tank plan and simple no clue what it is but it happens. at First I said no not going to happen with me and I go from a 40 to a 65 in a week, with a week old tank lol.
Just my 2 cents from a new guy in this hobby who already dumped over a grand into it and loving it
1. Everybody and there mother is an expert. It can be the LFS, your next door neighbor who been doing it for 40 years, Forum A, forum B, and the other forum there all going to to say something different. Best bet learn as much as you can from all them and go what make you feel right or what you like. Its a learning experience and its a patient hobby that's what I am learning so far.
2. I leaned is your always going to want a bigger tank plan and simple no clue what it is but it happens. at First I said no not going to happen with me and I go from a 40 to a 65 in a week, with a week old tank lol.
Just my 2 cents from a new guy in this hobby who already dumped over a grand into it and loving it
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whiteshark
Active member
My absolute favorite part about this hobby is not the finished product but all the stuff that goes into getting to that finished product. Drilling the tank, building the sump, building the stand, plumbing it all together, hooking up all the equipment exactly the way I want, tinkering with and modding the equipment, buying new toys for the tank, following the chemistry; the list goes on. Buying an all-in-one setup takes all the fun out of it for me. To some extent I think you have to have this kind of attitude to succeed in this hobby. It sounds like you do, and in my opinion it would behoove you to go through the entire setup process. If you can't handle the setup, you probably won't be able to keep up with the routine maintenance.
In any case, I think bio cubes can be convienent and are a decent option for those with limited space and funds. Only after you have some experience though.
In any case, I think bio cubes can be convienent and are a decent option for those with limited space and funds. Only after you have some experience though.
like i said, not to get into a peeing contest...
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