torn between reef tank and fowlr agressive tank

[saltyandsweet]

I have heard so much about both and I genuinely cant decide. PErsonally I enjoy the look of a reef tank much more but I really like the fish that I can have for agressive.

Being that I have only a 55 gallon with the skimmer, power heads, etc. etc. , and no lights yet but my main thing is the expense.

I guess I can find used equipment but I dont really know what kind of prices or what I need exactly. I posted earlier and I had a fish selection and most people said they would grow too big. I wouldn't mind if they got too big and I had to sell them but I dont know what other choices I have.

Anyone have the time to kind of help me price how much it would cost for a USED* setup with lights, getting some fish (couple clowns, and other non agressive fish), and some CUC. Also, some easy to grow corals and anemones that could thrive under the certain light conditions.

I can get some Anemonies for about 15 a pop, coral frags for 20 a pop, and some clowns and other reef safe fish for good prices. My main thing is the freaking lights. I see these lights that are 400 dollars and it makes my spine thingle and my wallet shiver.

I got my water tested at the LFS and they said it was perfect I just need to make up my mind !

I need help!!!!!!!!!

[crvz]

Long term, I think you'd be more satisfied witgh a reef setup. Lighting doesnt have to be quite that much for a 55, but it won't be cheap. If you're handy, for $300 you can get a Tek Retrofit kit, but it's only about $30 more to get the Tek Fixture. Either of those setup would be very adequate for housing soft corals and anemones.

[VWD]

If it was a 200 gallon tank then I would say yet a aggressive tank is very nice and lots of fun, but being a 55 gallon you are still pretty much going to have the same fish as in a reef smaller ones, as the tangs, trigger, puffers eels and so on are pretty much out in that size tank.

As far as selling them when they get larger, Just not a good thing to do. Wait on the aggressive tank till the day you can buy a larger tank.

[aquawolf]

Seeing as how you don't already have all of the equipment required for a reef, I would start out with the aggressive fish only tank. This will give you some experience caring for a saltwater tank and allow you to purchase some of the fish you really like.

In the meantime, check out the classifieds on reefing sites like this one and look at craigslist and the classifieds in your local area. You will always find people getting out of the hobby that are selling all of their stuff at good prices. You will have to have patience, and be ready to pounce when you see a deal that sounds good to you, but it will pay off in the end.

Meanwhile, since you are under no rush to get the proper reefing equipment you can enjoy your aggressive tank and the hobby as a whole. If the addiction hits you like it does most of us, you will not have only one tank for very long anyway.

I hope that makes sense for you.