New member looking for direction
- Thread starter Neoz
- Start date
daveverdo
New member
Once again time varies from person to person. The generally accepted routine is a 20% water change per month minimum. Some people will change 5% each week, some 10% every other week, some 20% once per month. In one of Randy Holmes-Farley's articles he shows how it doesn't make a difference if you do small changes often or large changes less often. So things like that vary.
I have gotten into a routine that takes about 10-15 minutes max each night plus maybe an hour or two once a week. The hour or two is for mixing up salt water for water changes, mixing up additives, any water testing, cleaning filters, protein skimmer, whether it needs it or not. I don't test my water every day, some people do. I clean out my skimmer when it needs it or once a week. The 10-15 minutes each day is mostly adding top-off water and any additives, checking salinity, make sure all the equipment is operating.
That doesn't include feeding and scraping algae off the glass of the tank. That is done pretty much whenever. I clean the glass almost everytime I look at the tank. While I'm watching the fish I'll move around the magnetic glass cleaner.
Add to that the time I spend on the computer, major tank cleaning days, rearranging rocks, so on.
For me it is truly a hobby not an obsession. Some here will be the first to admit they have become obsessed and it consumes much of their time. Once again individual personality and life style has a lot to do with the time required.
Don't get discouraged, if you enjoy the tropical freshwater fish you have, this is much more enjoyable. There are many people on this forum that have put together nice setups with ALL used low cost equipment. The problem with starting small only exists if you stick with it and want to expand. When you see tanks for sale on these forums there are typically three reasons why, some are upgrading, some are downgrading, some are getting out. You will often see someone selling a 125g (or such) setup less than 1 year old because the hobbyist just isn't into anymore. Usually that person sunk a lot of cash and will only get a partial return on their investment.
Don't let me be a downer, I have had freshwater tanks for over 40years and salt on and off for over 35. The interuptions came mostly because of things like college, grad school, moving a lot. As soon as I settled down the salt tank was back up. In fact the 30g tank I upgraded from is over 20 years old, still holds water, and is still in use.
The book Cully and I suggested has a check list in it, but it may be outdated a bit. Once you look over the book make a list of things you think you will need, post it here, and pretty much everybody will suggest things to remove, things to add, things to change.
Dave
I have gotten into a routine that takes about 10-15 minutes max each night plus maybe an hour or two once a week. The hour or two is for mixing up salt water for water changes, mixing up additives, any water testing, cleaning filters, protein skimmer, whether it needs it or not. I don't test my water every day, some people do. I clean out my skimmer when it needs it or once a week. The 10-15 minutes each day is mostly adding top-off water and any additives, checking salinity, make sure all the equipment is operating.
That doesn't include feeding and scraping algae off the glass of the tank. That is done pretty much whenever. I clean the glass almost everytime I look at the tank. While I'm watching the fish I'll move around the magnetic glass cleaner.
Add to that the time I spend on the computer, major tank cleaning days, rearranging rocks, so on.
For me it is truly a hobby not an obsession. Some here will be the first to admit they have become obsessed and it consumes much of their time. Once again individual personality and life style has a lot to do with the time required.
Don't get discouraged, if you enjoy the tropical freshwater fish you have, this is much more enjoyable. There are many people on this forum that have put together nice setups with ALL used low cost equipment. The problem with starting small only exists if you stick with it and want to expand. When you see tanks for sale on these forums there are typically three reasons why, some are upgrading, some are downgrading, some are getting out. You will often see someone selling a 125g (or such) setup less than 1 year old because the hobbyist just isn't into anymore. Usually that person sunk a lot of cash and will only get a partial return on their investment.
Don't let me be a downer, I have had freshwater tanks for over 40years and salt on and off for over 35. The interuptions came mostly because of things like college, grad school, moving a lot. As soon as I settled down the salt tank was back up. In fact the 30g tank I upgraded from is over 20 years old, still holds water, and is still in use.
The book Cully and I suggested has a check list in it, but it may be outdated a bit. Once you look over the book make a list of things you think you will need, post it here, and pretty much everybody will suggest things to remove, things to add, things to change.
Dave
Neoz
New member
Another good post. At least that gives me some kind of idea of the time commitment involved with the tank. I don't see that becoming an issue.
I haven't had my fresh water tank for almost 5 years. When we moved I never reset it back up. Gave all my equipment to my brother.
I'm still waiting for the book should be here tomorrow or the next day. I'm eagerly awaiting it. But still doing other research and reading until them.
I hope to purchase all my equipment used but we'll see. Haven't really pursude that until I have a plan. Otherwise I'll be buying stuff without knowing what I'm getting. Someone at my work wanted to sell me a skimmer and I said no thank you. Don't know what I need so why buy it. I haven't even learned about skimmers yet.
I haven't had my fresh water tank for almost 5 years. When we moved I never reset it back up. Gave all my equipment to my brother.
I'm still waiting for the book should be here tomorrow or the next day. I'm eagerly awaiting it. But still doing other research and reading until them.
I hope to purchase all my equipment used but we'll see. Haven't really pursude that until I have a plan. Otherwise I'll be buying stuff without knowing what I'm getting. Someone at my work wanted to sell me a skimmer and I said no thank you. Don't know what I need so why buy it. I haven't even learned about skimmers yet.
frankandmaura
New member
I would just like to make one note on the bigger tank...
They are more stable, nice for larger fish, etc, etc, etc...
However, maintenance is difficult. If you want to do 10% to 20% water changes...it is hard. That is a lot of water to mix and transport. Just something to think about, especially if the tank is on your main floor and in a family room. You need to think about where you will mix water, how you will move it, the cost of all of the salt, etc...
Just wanted to give you the other side...from one who knows. Don't get me wrong, it is all worth it, but you have to know what you are up against before you buy everything.
They are more stable, nice for larger fish, etc, etc, etc...
However, maintenance is difficult. If you want to do 10% to 20% water changes...it is hard. That is a lot of water to mix and transport. Just something to think about, especially if the tank is on your main floor and in a family room. You need to think about where you will mix water, how you will move it, the cost of all of the salt, etc...
Just wanted to give you the other side...from one who knows. Don't get me wrong, it is all worth it, but you have to know what you are up against before you buy everything.
nwrogers
Got gorgs?
There are some hidden costs to owning a larger tank. I think a 65 or 75 gallon tank is a great size for someone who is just starting out. Don't over extend your self financially just to have a big tank. If you are worrying about how much it costs to own and care for the tank you will find there isn't much enjoyment in having it. To properly setup a 180 gallon tank could cost thousands of dollars. It is easy to find a good deal on one but once you get it there are so many other costs that will follow. Live rock, sand, lighting, plumbing, skimmer. All of those things will cost you twice as much with a 180 than they will with a 75. That's just my opinion.
EllieSuz
Premium Member
I absolutely agree. Another thing to consider is the cost of purchasing coral in enough quantity to fill a huge tank. I'm going to enjoy following this thread. I didn't discover Reef Central until well after I had set up my tank and it boggles the mind how much time, money and grief I could have spared if I had begun with the support group you now have.
I agree with Nate and Daverdo. Also, do not underestimate the ongoing energy utilization and costs of maintaining a large system. In a large system, the cost of moving the water (pumps, powerheads), heating, cooling, lighting, etgc. all add up. Right now, the relative cost of energy is low, but once our economy shows signs of life again, the cost of energy will rapidly rise again. In the recent period during which oil soared to $140/barrel, several local reefers decreased their energy footprint by downsizing their reef systems. So as Adam (Piazzon) suggested, I wouldn't start to small but not to big either. I would suggest that somewhere between 60 and 125 gallons would be ideal. If you want to see how beautiful a 60 gallon tank could look, go check out Nater's display.
By the way, welcome to STRS!!
By the way, welcome to STRS!!
Neoz
New member
We have decided to start with a 70-75 gallon some were in that range. Not to big not to small. Hopefully will be a good size to learn on and get tons of experience. By doing lots of my reading and research I have discovered that the tank and stand won't be the only major expense as you all have pointed out. But I believe in the end all this will be worth it.
Funny comment my wife made.. As we are learning she said to me..
"Lets just pay a fish person to come here set the tank all up and get it going good. Then have them stop by once a week to look after it and do what needs to be done."
Now were is the satisfaction in that
. I would like to be the person when company comes to my house to be able to say "I did that!" I arranged that I grew everything."
Do you members agree? You do get satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment from your tanks correct?
Funny comment my wife made.. As we are learning she said to me..
"Lets just pay a fish person to come here set the tank all up and get it going good. Then have them stop by once a week to look after it and do what needs to be done."
Now were is the satisfaction in that
. I would like to be the person when company comes to my house to be able to say "I did that!" I arranged that I grew everything."Do you members agree? You do get satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment from your tanks correct?
daveverdo
New member
A problem I run into is that I don't let anyone do anything for me. I do my own everything until I get to the point where it is impossible for me to do.
I love the satisfaction of doing things myself. If someone came into my home and said "what a wonderful fish tank", I would get no satisfaction in saying "Thank you, I have Joe from the fish store take care of it for me."
But then I also build a lot of my own furniture, do my own plumbing, electrical, minor auto repair, take care of my lawn and garden. Not because I am cheap, or because I don't trust anyone but because , I love saying "look what I did" to myself. Then there are also the things you can't get somewhere else. I grew tomatoes last summer that you CANNOT get in a a store.
The other thing is you will find people willing to help you get started, most won't ask for anything in return. OK maybe a cold beer after they help you carry in the 75g tank (just don't let them have it BEFORE).
Dave
I love the satisfaction of doing things myself. If someone came into my home and said "what a wonderful fish tank", I would get no satisfaction in saying "Thank you, I have Joe from the fish store take care of it for me."
But then I also build a lot of my own furniture, do my own plumbing, electrical, minor auto repair, take care of my lawn and garden. Not because I am cheap, or because I don't trust anyone but because , I love saying "look what I did" to myself. Then there are also the things you can't get somewhere else. I grew tomatoes last summer that you CANNOT get in a a store.
The other thing is you will find people willing to help you get started, most won't ask for anything in return. OK maybe a cold beer after they help you carry in the 75g tank (just don't let them have it BEFORE).
Dave
frankandmaura
New member
I love the satisfaction as well...although I am not worried about asking for help...
There are times though that I wish I had someone who could come clean the tank...believe me!!
There are times though that I wish I had someone who could come clean the tank...believe me!!
thepircs
Member
beers before are GREAT...causes of only a few problems...leaks, shorts, etc
but i know vince and i have drank a few while helping with maintenance or building... much to steve and david's horror...:beer: but they are always welcome (both the beer and the guys)! just make sure where you are gluing in is in a well ventilated area
carol
but i know vince and i have drank a few while helping with maintenance or building... much to steve and david's horror...:beer: but they are always welcome (both the beer and the guys)! just make sure where you are gluing in is in a well ventilated area
carol
pimpinitup6969
New member
I know someone that is selling a 92 gal bowfront corner aquarium if you are interested?
Neoz
New member
pimpinitup6969 I have read a few peoples input that they really didn't care for a bowfront. Said that it distorts the image if you look at it from the sides. I don't know how true that is because I don't have enough experience LOL.
But thank you for the info.
I believe after I do some more reasearching and finish reading my book I'll venture out and get some stuff. Probably after the first of the year. I'm going to contact fellow members here that said they are willing to let me view there setups (thank you peeps)
After that I will be looking to buy some used equipment from you fine members here if you have any your looking to part with.
But thank you for the info.
I believe after I do some more reasearching and finish reading my book I'll venture out and get some stuff. Probably after the first of the year. I'm going to contact fellow members here that said they are willing to let me view there setups (thank you peeps)
After that I will be looking to buy some used equipment from you fine members here if you have any your looking to part with.
pimpinitup6969
New member
on alot of the bowfronts i have seen there is some distortion but i am really familiar with this tank and its not bad at all! i also have a reef ready 125 with a canopy and stand that will be available right after christmas? i also have a couple skimmers available if your interested shoot me a pm
