What to buy?! Newbie here.
- Thread starter Hemlawk
- Start date
Hemlawk
New member
You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the advice.
So I went to Tropiquaruim today with the wife and shopped again. After pacing and looking at everything they had the wife said screw it, just get the Red Sea Max Nano.
I have the money to spend, I just don't want "buyers remorse."
So before I pull the trigger on the Max nano, I'm going to see the cost difference between it and the next step up. I'll also check online for a better deal. Buy maybe plug and play is the way to go.
I understand the expenses to follow but it's that initial shock of spending so much on something I know little about.
Thx again. Updates soon.
So I went to Tropiquaruim today with the wife and shopped again. After pacing and looking at everything they had the wife said screw it, just get the Red Sea Max Nano.
I have the money to spend, I just don't want "buyers remorse."
So before I pull the trigger on the Max nano, I'm going to see the cost difference between it and the next step up. I'll also check online for a better deal. Buy maybe plug and play is the way to go.
I understand the expenses to follow but it's that initial shock of spending so much on something I know little about.
Thx again. Updates soon.
Hemlawk
New member
I'm practically twitching over here. Lol
I honestly can't say I've been this excited about a hobby before. (I have other expensive hobbies, pc gaming, cars, photography)
I'll sleep on it for a few days, max...
jpitch
Premium Member
Excellent point as well. Your local reef club is invaluable.
charlesgage
New member
I like my 170. But it's the max I could fit in my space. Cubes have limitations on fish and aquascaping. The 170 is popular, but you won't find many nanos, definitely at least get the 170.
Or wait a couple weeks for a used 250 or 350 for the same price. If you have a nice place to put it buy the largest you can afford.
I like my 170. And it's easy to light. Wider tanks need multiple led's or you could go T5.
Or wait a couple weeks for a used 250 or 350 for the same price. If you have a nice place to put it buy the largest you can afford.
I like my 170. And it's easy to light. Wider tanks need multiple led's or you could go T5.
Scuba_Steve
Premium Member
Ive skimmed... I would recommend a 40 breeder as well. They are the ultimate BIG little tank. It is all about the width. 18" is great! Makes aquascaping so much more interesting. Drilling a tank yourself seems intimidating. It really isnt. Glass hole saws are cheap on ebay or amazon. The process is simple. If you want to go cheaper, DIY is needed in this hobby.
As for the guy who said 100 per gallon. This is crazy IMO. I could easily have my 40g tank well under way starting with absolutely nothing for $1000.
Then again, I buy frags and grow out. Never had the need for ultra colored high buck stuff. Get some experience on a mixed reef with average quality corals. Then your few you spend big bucks on will really stand out. Plus, if you nuke your first tank, you dont flush 10k down the toilet!
As for the guy who said 100 per gallon. This is crazy IMO. I could easily have my 40g tank well under way starting with absolutely nothing for $1000.
Then again, I buy frags and grow out. Never had the need for ultra colored high buck stuff. Get some experience on a mixed reef with average quality corals. Then your few you spend big bucks on will really stand out. Plus, if you nuke your first tank, you dont flush 10k down the toilet!
I can't stress this enough. You will find very nice complete setups with high end gear for absolute steals! Some of them will include livestock as well.
The local clubs and Craigslist are where you need to be. I recently assembled a 120g drilled tank, sump, skimmer, ato, gyre, apex controller, heater and rodi unit for under $1500. I could have easily spend twice that.
Patience grasshopper.
The other thing to consider- what are your must-have fish? The three you listed earlier actually need larger tanks than the ones you are considering. Plug and play is great, but if you are always going to covet a particular fish, then you will end up with another tank down the road. Start with a larger tank now, and it will actually be cheaper long-term. Also, get your wife's favorite fish as well if you can. She'll enjoy the tank more if she's got something in it that she loves and picked out.
I definitely agree on buying small frags. A $10 or $20 frag will become a $100 frag in a few months if you are willing to wait.
I have planted freshwater tanks as well, and I find that my reef tank is the easiest one to maintain.
I definitely agree on buying small frags. A $10 or $20 frag will become a $100 frag in a few months if you are willing to wait.
I have planted freshwater tanks as well, and I find that my reef tank is the easiest one to maintain.
jpitch
Premium Member
IMHO, PnP tends to run more expensive than DIY. Pick up a tank. Build your stand. Build your sump from a used smaller tank. Pick up high quality equipment for MUCH cheaper on the for sale board here, on craigslist, or another reefing forum.
Your local reef club most likely will donate some chaeto to start your tank.
It's extremely important to know exactly what you're stocking your tank with. After your tank has cycled, slowly add your less aggressive fish first, then your most aggressive fish last.
You can spend as little as you want or as much as you can't afford. Regardless of which direction you choose, make the right choice first or you'll pay for it many times over. The most important aspect of this hobby is to enjoy it. Bad purchases and rushed decisions take away from your enjoyment.
And I most definitely agree with Mushu. Buy your wife a fish and she might become invested in your setup!
Your local reef club most likely will donate some chaeto to start your tank.
It's extremely important to know exactly what you're stocking your tank with. After your tank has cycled, slowly add your less aggressive fish first, then your most aggressive fish last.
You can spend as little as you want or as much as you can't afford. Regardless of which direction you choose, make the right choice first or you'll pay for it many times over. The most important aspect of this hobby is to enjoy it. Bad purchases and rushed decisions take away from your enjoyment.
And I most definitely agree with Mushu. Buy your wife a fish and she might become invested in your setup!
tmnigat
New member
I started with a AiO tank and switched to a build with tank/sump and handchosen equipment 6 months later. I don't regret getting my AiO tank but if i could do it again i'd try to find some igh quality used equipment of CL or a local fish club. Many LFS owners can help you find used equipment as well.
