Getting started

[CTBowes6]

Hi guys. I'm new to the forum and new to having my own tank, but I know quite a bit about livestock and maintenance I'm a college student with a semi limited budget, but I'd love to be able to start a tank. I'm looking for something between 10-30 gallons. I'd like to be able to keep soft corals and LPS's comfortably.

My main questions are whether I should go all in one or build my own tank with different components. I'm mainly curious about cost and efficiency comparisons. Any help would be great.

 

[Fish_King_25]

Well the best starting advice is go with the biggest tank you can afford. Everyone will tell you here that if you don't. you're almost guarenteed to regret it. Luckily, (as I'm sure you figured) the smaller the tank, generally the cheaper, so you're size selection is towards the cheapest end of that spectrum. Planning on any fish at all?

Sent from Tapatalk for Android

 

[oklahoma11]

Look on craigslist in your area. You should find some great deals in surround cities

 

[CTBowes6]

Yeah. I've been watching Craigslist but I'm kinda looking for something new or close to it.

As far as fish, it'll depend on size. I work at a pretty reputable LFS so I know about stocking procedures.

Some fish I'm interested in are:
Pygmy Possum Wrasse
Jawfish
Barnacle Blennys
Shrimp and Goby Combination
Helfrich's firefish

Obviously not all of these, but I'm still mapping out the combination I would feel comfortable with

 

[Thisseemsfishy]

I Agree with go with what you can afford, but know that the smaller the amount of water the harder it will be to keep your params level. I would go with a 30 if that's the biggest you can go with to ease tank level issues.

 

[Coastie5685]

On a budget, that small of a tank. One of first tanks. I would go with an all in one setup. I have always lived by Biocubes and their affordability.

 

[CTBowes6]

I actually think I'm ok on keeping up with the parameters. My biggest concern is equipment type stuff. I'm not sure whether a biocube or something like that would be better than setting up my own system

 

[oklahoma11]

If you work at a good LFS then you should be able to get a good deal on equipment!!

 

[CTBowes6]

That's what I'm hoping ha. They've given me alot of advice but like I said, I'm in college so this is a big investment to me. I'm just curious about other peoples experiences with AIO vs. Custom builds.

 

[Thisseemsfishy]

If you can keep the params stable, then IMO am all in one bio cube would be the way to go. I am looking at a all in one myself. If you have the discipline, that's the way to go

 

[CTBowes6]

Which brand tends to have the best lighting? I have heard JBJ's PCs tend to produce better results than the other cybe's PCs.

 

[Thisseemsfishy]

I like JBJ. That's the brand I'm looking for. I plan on having a few LPS, no SPS though.

 

[CTBowes6]

Will most if not all LPS thrive in a cube?

I don't really plan on keeping SPS either, but don't want to limit my LPS choices?

BTW, Thanks for the info/help.

 

[andrewey]

All will thrive in a cube until they get too big .

 

[CTBowes6]

I appreciate the help. Looks like it's time to start cube shopping a little.