okay the first thing i need to do is obviously purchase a tank, any suggestions? did anyone have a good place online they can recommend? i am looking for something around 50 gallons (is this a good starter size)? this is my first tank and im not sure what i need or where to start. next im not sure but i think down the line i will want coral and other things so keep that in consideration? what type of filter do i need? and pump ect. please dont use complex names and if you have websites that would be great im not really sure where i should start equipment wise. do i need an overflow? does my tank need to be reef ready? do i need a heater or fan? what kind of light? as this is my first tank im not looking to get top of the line stuff im hoping to pick up some used equipment and work from there. any help or suggestions is welcomed im just trying to figure everything out thanks!-jess
getting started
- Thread starter jmorx3
- Start date
bsmith22
New member
Welcome Jess!
I am new to saltwater myself, but have done a LOT of reading. My suggestion is to get a minimum 55 gallon tank to start with. The bigger your wallet can afford--the better. This is because a larger tank is more forgiving in terms of water quality for the beginner. Small tanks are harder to keep under control.
You will also need a stand for the tank and a place to put it. Make sure the floor can hold it. A 55 gallon tank filled with water and rock can weigh over 5-600 pounds!
As far as equipment, don't skimp on the cheap stuff if you don't have to. You will end up upgrading sooner rather than later anyway as the cheap stuff is, well---cheap.
If your goal is a reef tank, you will more than likely need a protein skimmer. Get the best one you can afford that will do its job.
A sump or refugium (even better) will be of great use as you can store the skimmer and other things below the tank.
You will need a heater. In fact, two is better than one in case one fails. You need to maintain tank temperature as much as possible. Again, go with a good brand. Titanium is best and has less chance of braking and killing the tank.
A thermometer. Try to stay away from any containing mercury as they may also brake and destroy your tank.
A powerhead or two to keep flow going in the tank. This is also a must have.
As far as filtration, I suggest using live rock and live sand. A natural biological filtration system. Live rock costs money, but its worth it and will benefit your tank immensely.
Lights are a very important part of a set up as well. There are many variations of lighting. You should read up on this as much as possible as the type of lighting you need depends on what you plan on keeping in the tank in the long run.
Keep in mind, this hobby takes a lot of time, money and patience. A typical beginner set up (55 gallon) will run you $1000 and up. And thats before anything exciting goes into it.
While you're waiting to purchase these things, read, read, read!! The more you know, the better. Don't rush into anything.
I hope you find this site as helpful as I have! There are a lot of experienced reefers here.
I am new to saltwater myself, but have done a LOT of reading. My suggestion is to get a minimum 55 gallon tank to start with. The bigger your wallet can afford--the better. This is because a larger tank is more forgiving in terms of water quality for the beginner. Small tanks are harder to keep under control.
You will also need a stand for the tank and a place to put it. Make sure the floor can hold it. A 55 gallon tank filled with water and rock can weigh over 5-600 pounds!
As far as equipment, don't skimp on the cheap stuff if you don't have to. You will end up upgrading sooner rather than later anyway as the cheap stuff is, well---cheap.
If your goal is a reef tank, you will more than likely need a protein skimmer. Get the best one you can afford that will do its job.
A sump or refugium (even better) will be of great use as you can store the skimmer and other things below the tank.
You will need a heater. In fact, two is better than one in case one fails. You need to maintain tank temperature as much as possible. Again, go with a good brand. Titanium is best and has less chance of braking and killing the tank.
A thermometer. Try to stay away from any containing mercury as they may also brake and destroy your tank.
A powerhead or two to keep flow going in the tank. This is also a must have.
As far as filtration, I suggest using live rock and live sand. A natural biological filtration system. Live rock costs money, but its worth it and will benefit your tank immensely.
Lights are a very important part of a set up as well. There are many variations of lighting. You should read up on this as much as possible as the type of lighting you need depends on what you plan on keeping in the tank in the long run.
Keep in mind, this hobby takes a lot of time, money and patience. A typical beginner set up (55 gallon) will run you $1000 and up. And thats before anything exciting goes into it.
While you're waiting to purchase these things, read, read, read!! The more you know, the better. Don't rush into anything.
I hope you find this site as helpful as I have! There are a lot of experienced reefers here.
pimpinitup6969
New member
i wouldn't get a 55 you will be upgrading in less than a year if you do! i would start with a 75 or 90
thanks for the replies i know i have a lot more homework to do i really need to find a good helpful local pet store to start looking up close i would like a larger tank but that gets into the more expensive range, also im thinking of going with glass over acrylic and im thinking of starting with clown fish and a few others i will list when i get a chance i will look over your suggestions and hopefully get your opinion on a few other things 
surgeonfishbarb
New member
Since you live in NJ, my suggestion to you would be to check out that petplace.com. They are in Lancaster PA and within reasonable driving distance for you
