Starting my first tank! Overwhelmed

A

Ambernd_4711

New member
Hey guys! I am a complete newbie. I have loved saltwater tanks for a long time but I've always heard of how hard and costly they are to set up/care for. Well I recently purchased my first home and I am really looking into starting an aquarium. I have been to 3 different pet stores and talked to them about starting one up and they all seemed to have slightly different information. I have been searching online as well but to be honest I am a bit overwhelmed and confused on what I do and do not need!! I just need to know exactly what I need and the steps. I was thinking of purchasing a 55 gal aquarium. They have kits that come with the tank, hood with LED lights, 200w heater, and filter with 2 cartridges that I was wanting to get. Aside from what it includes what ALL do I need? And what is everyone's input on live rock? I've heard some say I don't need it if I have canister filter. And for the saltwater itself, all I have seen is salt rocks to mix myself. But I have well water. Is that a problem?

Just anything and everything you can tell me would be appreciated! I am here to learn! :) thank you all in advance
 
First howdy and welcome:wave:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1031074

The link should be able to help you out. Do not worry about reading it all in the first go, just look for the relevant sections. It is basically a book with multiple topics. Read through it and come back with some questions.

I personally would not set up a 55g again. They are just to narrow for my liking. I just never liked my aquascape. I would also suggest trying to decide what you would like to keep. Fish only, fish with corals. If corals what type softies, LPS, SPS. These things will all dictate what type of equipment you would need. Good luck just my 2 cents worth.
 
Welcome to RC Ambernd ,well water can have a lot of bad things in it like-trace metals-bacteria -nitrate -strychnine- just to name a few.you should definitely test your water and use a RO system. Or just get your water from town
 
I would read through as much of this as you can before you spend any money http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1031074

IMO 55 are one of the worst tanks, light that comes in a all in one kit is bad, filters are unnecessary and can do more harm than good, idk what "salt rocks" are, and while there is a chance your water is ok there's a better chance it isn't. Finding a fish store that gives good advice is like finding a unicorn, a loooot of people get jacked up listening to them. Everybody here won't agree with each other on everything, but at least they aren't making a sale.

Idk if explaining the reasons for all that would help you, or just be overwhelming. Sometimes it's better to read that link first so you know what to ask, and stuff you didn't know to ask, and the answers will make more sense. welcome to the hobby!

PS mines the same link as Tony, he just types faster :)
 
Last edited:
You'd be better of with a 40G Breeder or a 75G in my opinion. I have a 40G Breeder that is 18" in depth and I want more room so I'm actually upgrading to a tank 24" in depth. The 40G breeder can be had at PETCO for $40 at the $1/gallon sale. Like Tony said. Figure out what you want down to the type of fish. I spent over $1000 on my 40G with everything I got and I'm upgrading only 9 months later. I'm gonna make use of my 40 setup in another capacity but in reality I wish i had gone a little bigger from the start. Doesn't mean you have to go big. Once you figure out what you want it should help you decide what you should get.
 
I had a 55g once, not a great choice, definitely not wide enough for a decent aquascape.

gone fishin said:
I would also suggest trying to decide what you would like to keep. Fish only, fish with corals. If corals what type softies, LPS, SPS. These things will all dictate what type of equipment you would need. Good luck just my 2 cents worth.
Click to expand...

This is definitely great advice to follow. Once you've decided which way you want your tank to go people will be able to advise you exactly how to get started and what you need.
 
I Agree with all the above..

what i would so.. I am a project manger as a career so .
1. know your budget.
2. make a list of what you need.
3. Go to bulkreeefsupply and get a idea of the following equip cost..(brs only sells equp that works)

NOW YOU Will need
1.TANK. REEF READY
2. SUMP
3. Protein skimmer.
4. Lighting..

------------------------------
NOW inside the tank to start..
1. SAND..
2. LIVE ROCK (1LB PER GAL OF WATER)
3. PATIENCE.. .
4. TEST KITS.. Read the how to threads as mentioned above.
------------------
Once you figure out how you can get good Quality stuff to fit the above in a tank size that fits your budget and you are HAPPY WITH .. (BEING HAPPY IS NUMBER 1 ALWAYS)

ONCE YOU ARE to this point.. come back here and read more . read the threads of peoples mistakes because you will make some of the same . We all did ..
BUYING A KIT READY TO USE IS BAD. your buying stuff that is cheap and crap..

...........
when you get to this point post back people can help you from there
remember to thank about where you want this tank to be ( look like) in two years from now maybe even 5 years.
WHAT CORALS AND FISH ARE A ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE..

Then post back.. .. oh its not that hard if you do it Right... TAKE Some of what everyone tells you and make your own decisions bases on knowledge you learn. EVEN WHAT I JUST TYPED.. SOME WILL agree and disagree with me or even parts.

its only complicated because its new to you..
welcome to the community..
 
ericarenee said:
I Agree with all the above..

what i would so.. I am a project manger as a career so .
1. know your budget.
2. make a list of what you need.
3. Go to bulkreeefsupply and get a idea of the following equip cost..(brs only sells equp that works)

NOW YOU Will need
1.TANK. REEF READY
2. SUMP
3. Protein skimmer.
4. Lighting..

------------------------------
NOW inside the tank to start..
1. SAND..
2. LIVE ROCK (1LB PER GAL OF WATER)
3. PATIENCE.. .
4. TEST KITS.. Read the how to threads as mentioned above.
------------------
Once you figure out how you can get good Quality stuff to fit the above in a tank size that fits your budget and you are HAPPY WITH .. (BEING HAPPY IS NUMBER 1 ALWAYS)

ONCE YOU ARE to this point.. come back here and read more . read the threads of peoples mistakes because you will make some of the same . We all did ..
BUYING A KIT READY TO USE IS BAD. your buying stuff that is cheap and crap..

...........
when you get to this point post back people can help you from there
remember to thank about where you want this tank to be ( look like) in two years from now maybe even 5 years.
WHAT CORALS AND FISH ARE A ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE..

Then post back.. .. oh its not that hard if you do it Right... TAKE Some of what everyone tells you and make your own decisions bases on knowledge you learn. EVEN WHAT I JUST TYPED.. SOME WILL agree and disagree with me or even parts.

its only complicated because its new to you..
welcome to the community..
Click to expand...

+1 really good info here!!
I just posted this in another thread but I'll post it here as well.
I took a poll for 40 gallon breeder VS. 55 gallon tank and the majority of the vote was 94% 40B. 51 out of 54 people chose the 40B over the 55. Not a lot of people and personal opinion, but I'm so glad I chose the 40 over 55. Like others have said if you can go up to 75 gallon you will be way better off trying to aquascape. If you are only doing a fowler and have no plans for a reef tank then sure go the 55 gallon route...but trying to grow coral in a 55 is very difficult. Manageable but difficult lol

Here's my 55 gallon tank and stand before I sold it and baught a 40B instead lol



Current 40B stand and tank

 
Oh and welcome to reefcentral!!! Loads of info, and you're better off getting help here over any LFS. Just FYI
 
It looks like you're doing great! I'm a newbie too and stumbled across this website. I really enjoy browsing around the threads and there is
Just so much good info on here. It has literally saved me from throwing in the towel! Good luck and yes you will need good credit!! Lol
 
Salty Cracker said:
I would add Good credit. Once this "hobby" gets in your blood you better hope you have some room on credit card.
Click to expand...

Do not scare the newbies like this.. but a equity credit line does not hurt...I Swear Our house would be paid for if it were not for our aquariums.. We owe 23,435.25 cents as of today. I can post this as the statement came in mail today and was laying next to my computer.. OUR HOUSE Is Our Retirement fund.....

shhhhhhhh :headwalls:
 
Pfft I just broke $500 (I finally bought a magnesium test). Realistically OP will likely beat that pretty quick but it's not a given. I don't think there's anything wrong with spending money however you want, but I don't think the hobby has to be as bad as people make it sound. Also, I'm lucky I like lps better than sps.

The more you read the less you spend - forums forums forums
The more you work the less you spend - making food, cleaning the tank
The more you wait the less you spend - sales, free shipping on big orders, Craigslist
 
I have one word, phosphate. Learn how to deal with it and prevent it. It and it's partner in crime long hair algae blooms, nitrate. Enough said. But seriously, I found reefcentral while trying to battle the stuff. While researching it I read so much my life was put on hold. But I also learned so many things along the way it really was worth the time.

Welcome aboard, :hammer:

Shelley
 
CStrickland said:
Pfft I just broke $500 (I finally bought a magnesium test). Realistically OP will likely beat that pretty quick but it's not a given. I don't think there's anything wrong with spending money however you want, but I don't think the hobby has to be as bad as people make it sound. Also, I'm lucky I like lps better than sps.

The more you read the less you spend - forums forums forums
The more you work the less you spend - making food, cleaning the tank
The more you wait the less you spend - sales, free shipping on big orders, Craigslist
Click to expand...

You've only spent 500 since you've started? Is your tank running yet?
 
Its 10 months old, but the first 2 were in a smaller tank. This pic is from 3 or 4 months ago, The corals are a bit bigger and I don't think I had all the fish in my sig yet. I'm doing a summer internship so it's on cruise control for now until I pile stuff in when I get home in September.
 
Thanks :) I am very stubborn / patient. I'm really excited to get more corals when I get back. It seems like things go easier after the first year, though I'm not sure if it's the tank or the reefer that needs that long to settle in. I'm temped to move into a 90 first though, 55 is duuumb
 
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