Just Starting, Suggest Tank Size/Brand Please

[bradoetman]

Hi Everyone! Haven't even purchased a tank yet. Looked at a couple of smaller ones. I want a small one just because I live in an apartment. I saw a 12 gallon acrylic tank with the components (w/d, etc.) built in behind the tank. Cute little tank. I have had successful freshwater aquariums, so I am not a complete novice to fish, but I understand salt water is a major jump. I understand that small volume tanks are much more sensitive to water changes, etc. Is a 12 gallon way to small for a beginner??? I've read on numerous websites that 50 gallons is good for beginners, but that really is too large for my apartment. Should I sell my furniture in order to have a larger tank? Also, could someone recommend a brand of acrylic tank that has all the filter stuff built into the back of it. Tell me pros and cons of brands.

[Hermit]

Howdy,

I know you're looking at mini-reefs, but I wouldn't advocate anything smaller than a 40. I also came from freshwater, and found the water chemistry to be much trickier. No longer is it siphon once a month, then add water. Whole different ballgame.

I've found the 40g breeder to be a "perfect" sized small tank. It has good front to back dimensions. In fact I like the 40 better than my 55S.

As far as the built in stuff, I don't know. I've never used it, and hopefully never will. I like to get exactly what I need.

Oh, one other thing: read, read, read.

[bill-e]

It's all up to you. You can certainly do a mini or nano reef as your first tank if you read and take time first to understand what it's all about before you start the tank. There are lots of people who claim that they are not any more difficult.

Personally, I could never be satisfied with a tiny reef as my only reef tank. It's fine as a second or third tank, but not as the only one.

I too like the 40-65 sized AGA tanks as a first/main tank. These tanks are all 36"x18" and vary only in height. I opted for the 65 and after doing this for 2 years, would make the same decision again. Although it's the deepest, it also provides for more fish swimming room.

As for the built-in skimmers, I personally dont like them, and I also dont like hang on ones. Again, just my preference. I dont think they perform half as well as even the cheapest in sump skimmer.

And lastly, I dont like acrylic tanks. I mean they look good new, but they scratch so easily that I know I couldnt stand them once scratched. I find nothing wrong with the AGA tanks with corner overflows.

[toefu]

Another freshwater guy. WOohooo.

well, one thing that i learned, is that saltwater is just like freshwater, except 10 times worst.

a) you have to wait 10x as long to do the same thing as freshwater. (cycling water etc.)

b) saltwater fish need 10x better water. no more faucet water, and DEFINITELY no overcrowding. Most freshwater fish can tolerate overcrowding to a certain degree, although not healthy, freshwater fish are hardy.

c) CARE, saltwater tanks needs so much tweaking and frequent water changes and such. for freshwater aquariums, i never did test anything but ammonia.

d) cost, my god these tanks cost alot. setting up a 20 gallon tank has cost me more than it costs to setup a 55 gallon freshwater fully stocked tank. and i haven't even bought any EXPENSIVE coral yet either! just a few mushrooms here and there.

e) and lastly, research. you need to research a whole lot more for saltwater. there really isn't a whole lot of tricks in raising/breeding freshwater fish.

Hope i'm not discouraging you, but just trying to preprare you for what's to come. when i spent $140 on aquarium lights, i was not quite ready for it. and to most people, $140 is not a whole lot for lights either.

[FishDaddy]

Hi SaltSavvy,

Beginning a saltwater tank is a much greater challenge than freshwater and a reef requires even more knowledge. Reading as much as you can is the most important part of starting a reef. I highly recommend getting Robert Fenner's The Conscientious Marine Aquarist or John Tullock's Natural Reef Aquariums, preferably both, before buying anything or making any real decisions. These books cover every phase of the reef setup and are good permanent reference books. Each can be had online for $25 or less.
Get the largest tank you can. The extra water volume gives more margin for error and room for more fish and corals. Small tanks can be very successful as long as the aquarist stays within the limitations of a small tank and uses good husbandry.

If you can manage it, a 75 gal reef ready All Glass Aquarium tank would be a great choice, not only for a first tank but as a permanent reef display. I have a 55 but would like to move up to a 75. I wish I'd gotten the 75 to start with but glad I didn't get anything smaller than the 55.

I personally would avoid the all-in-one self-contained tanks. You are quite limited in options for upgrades or developing harder to keep corals as you progress. Small tanks have a further limitation in that you can keep very few corals, such as Frogspawn, Hammers, Colts, Sinularia, or others that can grow fairly large.

Reefkeeping is a challenging but very rewarding hobby. Be prepared to be very patient; read a lot; and spend money!!! There is no such thing as an inexpensive quick reef!
Here are some excellent references that will give you good general knowledge in helping you set up a successful reef, but please get one or both of the books: http://faq.thekrib.com/sbegin.html http://www.hobbyschool.com/reef/Conc..._saltwater.htm http://www.reefkeepers.org/faq/cache/33.html

And, if you decide on a small tank, see: http://people.mn.mediaone.net/bearthman/reef.html
http://home1.gte.net/rhe1/nanoreef/
Again, welcome to The Reef Tank!
Dick

[ 05-24-2001: Message edited by: FishDaddy ]

[TroyF]

Welcome to a great hobby, these guys have given you some good advice. I would get the largest tank you can. I started with a 75 and am patiently waiting for my 155 to arrive. It's the nature of the beast it would seem.

I wholeheartedly (<--one word?) agree with what Bill said about skimmers, I hate my hang on skimmer with a passion. I've seen the same skimmer running in a sump and it has way more power. I will be selling it shortly if anyone is interested .

Troy

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Hi! I assume because you do live in an apartment that you do not want a large tank because of weight or no room.
I have a 80 gallon reef in a second story apartment and put it against a load bearing wall.
What advice to give you!
1. Read and research all you can on you tank set-up and the inhabitants you will be keeping.
2. Get the largest tank you can afford because you may be disappointed later.
3. Resources: Reef discussion boards are the best resource available and the major one-MONEY. This is not a cheap hobby at all.
4. Six major requirements of your reef are: l. Deep Sand Bed(minimum of 4").
2. Live Rock(l-11/2lbs per gallon)
3. An excellent skimmer(I have a hang-on Remora Pro and like it alot).
4. Real good lighting and really check into this one because if you have corals lighting is very important.
5. Water circulation also very important.
6. PATIENCE! My saying is SHORT ON PATIENCE; LONG ON DISASTER IN A REEF. Take your time and do it right and you will be greatly rewarded.
WELCOME! Glad to have you join the reef keeping hobby and we hope you will come to the reef tank and fire questions at us because we are all here to learn.
One final thing---HAVE FUN!! Johnny