Hi there guys new to Saltwater have always been in freshwater and honestly want something more exciting but I'm a complete noob can anybody educate me a bit on what's a must have for saltwater and if anybody wants to donate anything just let me know I can pick up any where even if it's not working and can be of use I will try to see if I can repair it if anything really am trying to get into this hobby and anything will help.
New to saltwater
- Thread starter Crod1758
- Start date
Welcome to the Atlanta Reef Club! The fact that you are researching before jumping in shows you are on the right track and that will help you save money, time, and frustration.
Your first equipment decision will be the size of the tank. I think the general consensus is to go as big as you can afford, but it also has to fit your lifestyle in terms of space in your home, financial situation, and time to maintain it. There are pros and cons to small and large tanks. For example, a small tank is more susceptible to swings in water quality and limits the type of fish that you can add, where a large tank will require bigger water changes and you will spend more upfront in equipment that is appropriately sized for the tank (lights, skimmer, pumps, etc.)
Keep an eye on the dry-goods section as people are often selling tanks. Based on the tank, we can help you choose the right equipment for it, or you might even score an package deal.
Go slow! Nothing good comes from rushing in this hobby.
Like freshwater, success is the result of maintaining good water.
Your first equipment decision will be the size of the tank. I think the general consensus is to go as big as you can afford, but it also has to fit your lifestyle in terms of space in your home, financial situation, and time to maintain it. There are pros and cons to small and large tanks. For example, a small tank is more susceptible to swings in water quality and limits the type of fish that you can add, where a large tank will require bigger water changes and you will spend more upfront in equipment that is appropriately sized for the tank (lights, skimmer, pumps, etc.)
Keep an eye on the dry-goods section as people are often selling tanks. Based on the tank, we can help you choose the right equipment for it, or you might even score an package deal.
Go slow! Nothing good comes from rushing in this hobby.
Like freshwater, success is the result of maintaining good water.
Hi and welcome.
I think Casey pretty much nailed it. It's all going to start with the size tank you plan on putting up. Then it becomes what you want to keep. The size of the tank also plays a part in what you can and can't keep as well.
With small tanks, 5-30 gallons, things happen much faster because there's less water. But at the same time they're easier to correct as one big water change is much easier to preform. These smaller setups are less expensive to start up but they can be very unforgiving initially until you get a feel for the feeding & maintenance.
Mid-sized, 40-90 gallon, would be a good place to start for someone completely new to saltwater but not wanting to spend the money needed to start up a large system, 110-220 gallons.
So, what were you thinking size wise when you decided you wanted something more exciting and what kind of budget have you set? From there it will be much easier to offer advise.
I think Casey pretty much nailed it. It's all going to start with the size tank you plan on putting up. Then it becomes what you want to keep. The size of the tank also plays a part in what you can and can't keep as well.
With small tanks, 5-30 gallons, things happen much faster because there's less water. But at the same time they're easier to correct as one big water change is much easier to preform. These smaller setups are less expensive to start up but they can be very unforgiving initially until you get a feel for the feeding & maintenance.
Mid-sized, 40-90 gallon, would be a good place to start for someone completely new to saltwater but not wanting to spend the money needed to start up a large system, 110-220 gallons.
So, what were you thinking size wise when you decided you wanted something more exciting and what kind of budget have you set? From there it will be much easier to offer advise.
Well I have a 8 gallon and 20 gallon but I'm keeping an eye out for bigger tanks as well and budget wise maybe keeping it 300 should be fine.
Do you have an idea on what you want to keep? If it's just going to be fish then it's a lot easier. But if you want to venture into coral then things get a bit more complicated.
We have many members that keep some stunning small tanks. I believe Casey above has a 40 breeder with a 20L sump. But @Mom2Many has a couple of incredible 10 and 20 gallon systems.
We have many members that keep some stunning small tanks. I believe Casey above has a 40 breeder with a 20L sump. But @Mom2Many has a couple of incredible 10 and 20 gallon systems.
I have a 29 Gallon Biocube AIO tank with stand and return pump for $100 I just posted in the drygoods/livestock section.
Its super easy with the up-keep, and would basically just need a light and a heater and it would be ready to go.
I'll even throw in some sand and 10 pounds of live rock.
Its super easy with the up-keep, and would basically just need a light and a heater and it would be ready to go.
I'll even throw in some sand and 10 pounds of live rock.
Is that the one with the lid.
I want to do fish and coral.
Today cant how about thursday
yes! but I actually removed all the crappy stock lighting from the hood and was using LED that fit inside the lid before I got a new setup. The hood is easily removed as well!!
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Hello and Welcome! I think everyone has given wonderful advice and I dont have anything to add really but to say that I cant see what you do! I have done fresh and salt tanks and do prefer smaller systems as the cost and water changes are so much more managable for my livestyle and budget. I have a Youtube channel that might be of help. It is based on doing nano tanks as cost effect and simple as possible. Very low tech. Here is just one video on maintainance but I have many on topics from photo periods to feeding to secrets of nano success. Hope this helps. Blessings and Happy Reefing!
