New to salt water, please advise

[Kahuna]

Hello:

I have done much real-life reef diving in my life, and want to bring a sample of my experiences to my living room. This is my plan:

1. Reef system, around 25-35 gallons. Thinking about Oceanic's new 29 gal "pod". Thoughts on this unit, and what else will it need? Or what else would you recommend?

2. Not real interested in fish. Sorry, fish just don't excite me. Planning on a few shrimp and other crustaceans. Maybe one fish... Advice on livestock? (I'd like to have at least one clam..)

3. Planning on Marshall Islands live rock and around a 2-3" substrate of live sand. Want more "reef" than "swimming room". Advice on this?

4. Love corals. Want a nice but not overpopulated selection of corals. Advice?

I know that this size of aquarium isn't going to allow everything I'm looking for, but want something small and manageable to start with. Am open to all suggestions.

Thanks in advance.
Kev

 

[july865]

1. most people experienced reefers would by tanks and components insted or the "ready made" systems. i like the simplicity of aquapods and systems like those.. your call.
2. you mentioned several times about corals and clams... save up for a VERY good light system... you'll need it.. and dont "cheeze" on this.
3. i have a personal interest in "TBS" rock. (Tampa Bay Saltwater) they are a sponcer of ours. look in the sponcer forum. VERY, VERY good.
4. see line 3. learn to start with the "very easy corals first. that will build up your equipment to a good start, and shrink your wallet.
people have spent thousands in this hobby (as myself) and have enjoyed every penny of it.
welcome!!

 

[Kahuna]

Thanks for the advice. I love the Tampa Bay area, and have dived the bay, Longboat Key, DeSoto, Tarpon Springs, and snorkeled Sanibel Island... back in the day when there were no hotels. (I was 12 or 13 at the time).

I'll check out TBS. Maybe I'll feel "at home". Planning on the Oceanic 29 gal cube w/ stand. My wife has MS and it'll be nice for us to have a tank that she can see without battling steps.

cheers!
Kev

 

[Crazysps]

just be careful no offense but that Tampa Bay Rock grows A LOT of macros and if you dont want any fish it will be impossible to control this macro. but other than that have a good time enjoy the hobbie it is a great one. Your wife will love the tank it is very relaxing to watch. If you are going to get an all inclusive package make sure that it has nice lights or you will never be able to grow the coral you want to. good luck and have fun

 

[mtfish]

I wouldn't worry about the lack of fish in your tank (other than what Crazysps mentioned) No fish or one fish will limit the amount of nutrients in the tank, which will help you keep it healthy.

As july865 mentioned DON'T skimp on lighting.

You mentioned a 2-3" sand bed, just make sure you have some "sand sifters" (ie. nassarius snails) to keep the sand bed healthy.

I'd start with soft corals, and work your way up from there.

Otherwise just do your research (as you already are) and take it slow.

 

[sherm71tank]

If I may point out that a bare bottom tank is worth looking into and may very well save you some work as the tank matures.

 

[All Delight]

I would get this, http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=920321&highlight=finnex