First reef setup advice

[rickm45]

Ok, I'm going to jump right in and ask for advice!

Here is what I have accumulated for equipment:
1) 45 gallon tank, double tube hood, fluval 303 canister, heater, etc
2) 10 gallon, walmart all-in-one-box special
3) a nice oak stand that I built for the 45, 36x12.

Having had tanks before, I'm starting to understand my limits and I don't expect to upgrade to a larger tank, at least for several years (like when the kids move out). Too many other things taking up my time and it isn't my only hobby.

I find the 45 too high to comfortably work on, at least as a planted tank. I didn't like getting in the tank up-to-the-shoulder to take care of the plants. I was in there every week trimming plants.

I would like to consider a 26/36g bow, or a 30/38/20 high because they would fit my stand well. But I was a little surprised when I priced out the equipment on Eleen's new tank, I came up with about $400 before live rock. I think a Biocube 14 or Nano Cube 12 would be nice: easy to find space for it, fits on my stand (with new top), all-in-one package (and less $.)

So, any ideas on what's the best course of action for me? Creative ideas on reusing any of what I've got? Any and all advice welcomed.

I'm sure you've covered a lot of this before, but thanks in advance for any help,
Rick

[bcrum51]

Looks like your are on your way to a good set up I would ditch the canister filter try to sale it and get a skimmer you could you the 10g for a small sump if you know someone that can drill the tank would be your best bet buy some good T5's and your all set but that would be the best way to setup a reef tank the right way if you dont want to deal with a ton of issues especially with the canister filter they are nitrate traps

[rickm45]

All the equipment is stuff I already have from previous freshwater setups. That's exactly what I need to know - what I should keep and use, and what should go. The 45 feels too big (tall) to me but a new tank adds to the $. I guess I don't know how good a 45 is for a reef either - is 24" too deep?

[bcrum51]

not really I have a 45g with a 30gal sump as long as you get some good lights you'll be fine is it a glass tank or acrylic there are a few ways around drilling

[Timmy]

I've been using a canister filter on a 55 gallon for over two years now with no problems. I was thinking about getting rid of it though. With your live rock and a good skimmer that is more than enough filtration. If you want simple you thought about getting a nano, they are nice to have everything you need in one package and do come in sizes up to 29 gallons. The best advice about starting a reef though, is find that one fish, coral, or shrimp you can't live without and build around that.

[hansmatt]

A few thoughts...
1)bigger tanks are generally more stable than smaller tanks in terms of water chemistry,
2) get good equipment the first time, or you'll have to buy it later as an "upgrade"...doesn't have to be top of the line, but don't skimp on the skimmer & lights
3) Some of the Nano/RedSeaMax systems are pretty nice as an all-in-one package, if that's what you are interested in. I've seen some great nanos that rival big tanks
4) most of the in-tank corals, and even rock, can be attained locally from fellow reefers or Olde Towne Pets for a huge discount over online. Frags from us are 5-$20 (or free) and you don't risk shipping & pay $40 per delivery. I'll even donate the first frag...kenya trees!

[firsthesitation]

x2 with what Matt said. Good equipment is a must. Or if you're looking for something all inclusive the nano or red sea are the way to go. Stay away from his kenya trees though, its a TRICK. haha.

If youre going to do a tall tank you're going to need more light to penetrate the depth of the tank. I'd probly do a good skimmer as opposed to a canister filter.

Keep the questions coming though, we wanna help you get addicted....i mean help you enjoy this fantastic hobby!

[ReefLuvR]

Originally Posted by firsthesitation

Keep the questions coming though, we wanna help you get addicted....i mean help you enjoy this fantastic hobby!

What he said!


Seriously tho, keep asking questions. There are some amazing reefs represented by this group of goof-balls. They WILL make you laugh, but won't steer you wrong. Welcome to LARK!

[reefer.madness]

Once you see the rewards of what you can do, having your arm in water to you pit is nothing...

[rickm45]

I will be going small to try this all out. I know small is a harder but I can always save the small tank for quarantine or whatever?

I'd consider using my 10 gallon but I would definitely need more light. Best I've found is a Coralife Aqualite 20" with 28 watt 50/50 bulb at about $50. Or a AH Supply kit for a 36 watt bulb for $50 + bulb. At that point I might as well get a Nano Cube or Biocube because I will get more for my money.

Too many decisions. Well, it is fun thinking about it. That will keep me going for a while!

Rick

[tangmang23]

My first reef setup was a 65 gallon. so not much different from were you are now. I loved it but wanted bigger, didnt need it just wanted it lol. Id say just do what your thinking about. Corals can be added down the road, so dont feel as if you need to be set for corals right this moment. I didnt do corals until my tank had fish in it for 3 months. This also allows you time to save up and buy the better equiptment. I also always say when it comes to skimmers and pumps, your better getting much bigger, especially if you have intention on getting a bigger system all together. this saves the cost because you can use the same equiptment. Good luck on your decision, and even though the cost is high now, once things get going well for you, adding corals and fish are most of the fun, and obviously in your total control.

[reefcrazy8587]

my first set up was a 55 gallon...it worked but obviously i wanted bigger...The only tank i would say for sure STAY AWAY from is that tall rectangle one they sell at petsmart-it is WAY TOO DEEP and it is a pain to stack rock in (it is 47 gallons I think) not to mention you HAVE to have a mh pendant for it. as for smaller tanks-yes they require more work--I got my nano from Zach--and it looks Darn good--it doesnt have a skimmer on it because I did not want to cut the back of the hood and have more evaporation-so weekly water exchanges are a MUST or it gets a nasty film on the top of the water. What I would do-make a list of EVERYTHING you KNOW you have to have in your tank...fish..corals...and what not-then add up the max sizes of the fish to see what size tank you need...be willing to cut things out. If you only want a clown fish and a goby or something..with a neat lookin shrimp-then a nano would be perfect. I would DEFINENTLY look at craigslist, I have found SOOO many tanks on there for Dirt cheap-some are not worth it and many people think they will still get $1000 because they have $5000 into a tiny tank---but they wont in this economy. As for corals down the road-this group (LARK) has a great selection and I am sure you could get some starter corals super cheap ($5 or free for smaller frags). I agree with what was said about about looking at getting waht you need/want now--vs buying more/better later-it really does just cost you way more to do it that way not to mention the stress of taking down and setting up.
+1 on ditching the canister-it is not worth the trouble-unless you want to clean it out atleast twice a week

.....to be continued...haha

[ZMattie]

Agreed! Plan your tank around what types of corals/fish/inverts you would like to keep. That way you wont end up wanting something you cant have down the road..

[rickm45]

But then I can't start NOW, I have to learn something first! Man, who knew... Actually I did get "The Simple Guide to Mini-Reef Aquariums". It filled in a lot of gaps and helped me know where I needed to do some more research.

I think I'm going to try to sell my 45 (probably similar to the one at Petco, 24" deep) as I think it's too deep. Start with a small all-in-one setup. Sure the water changes are more frequent but how long can it take to change a gallon or two?

For myself, I know I can't take on too much with work, kids, fixing up the house, hanging out in forums, taking up most of my time. I also know I have to locate the tank in a spot where we hang out or it will be forgotten and neglected.

Rick

[firsthesitation]

You'll be fine starting small. If you asked us all, the largest majority started with a small tank. Its just that now that we've upgraded we wish we'd have started bigger. Best philosophy I learned in this hobby is to do what works best for you. We've all got different opinions but really its up to you.