Not yet a noob

[slickwill613]

Ok, I've been stalking the forums enough. My name is Will, everyone calls me Slick, I live in Dawsonville. I've been reading up on the reef thing for a few weeks now. Been cruising craigslist looking for a used all-in-one, like a biocube 29. I know everyone says start big but money and space dictate otherwise, besides from what I've read if I take it all a half step at a time I'll be fine. Still don't even know what I'd like to stock yet, figuring just soft coral and some inverts, maybe a fish of some sort. Anyway, just saying hey. :shades:

 

[shanepike]

Hey, Slick! As someone who just started reading (and reading and reading and reading...) in January, I know what it's like. You've found a good forum here. The people here have been hugely helpful for me.

I started small, but too small. Realized the 5.5g wasn't going to be big enough. I really like my 11.4g, though. VERY simple setup, and it's right where I see it all the time and can sit and just look at it.

 

[KrisDeitz]

I got a biocube cheap an can give you tons of help. Let me know bud

 

[jeffmuse]

Slick,

You are 100% doing the right thing... read about the hobby. I encourage you to get as much information as you can, and the ARC is an AWESOME source of knowledge.

I agree that there is a lot of feed back to get the biggest tank that you can (as most of us in this hobby end up with a large tank); however, start with what you are comfortable with and what fits into your budget.

Take it easy.

 

[slickwill613]

Thanks for the warm welcome. Turns out the tank I've had my sights on belongs to a member. Yeah, I'm not in any hurry, got some books in transit and tried to visit Imagine today but was closed for some A/C repairs. Figure I'll try again tomorrow, it's less than a mile out of the way on my way home from the current jobsite. Thanks again for the welcome.

 

[seth the wine guy]

I wouldn't worry about going "big". I think it's more important to go with a size that you can afford to outfit "right". Think of it like buying a house. So many people get caught up with the square footage and can't afford to furnish and fill the house they buy. Don't be house (tank) poor. Get something of a size you can "pimp out".

 

[holley123]

I started small. It helped me learn about water changes, spikes, and the basics of the hobby. I had a 10 gal now I have a 56 gal and thinking about going with a 75 gal. Just make sure you read up on tank maintenance most of all. I slacked on that part and got a massive hair alage problem that not even a sea hair could fix. And make sure to use RO water or you will have the same results. If you have any questions don't be scared to make a thread. That's what everyone is here for! Happy reefing

 

[ralph atl]

Seth The Wine Guy;752829 wrote: I wouldn't worry about going "big". I think it's more important to go with a size that you can afford to outfit "right". Think of it like buying a house. So many people get caught up with the square footage and can't afford to furnish and fill the house they buy. Don't be house (tank) poor. Get something of a size you can "pimp out".

I agree...so many of those "think big" are no longer in the hobby! get a tank that you can enjoy even in financial hardtimes, or when personal lifechanges (new baby) require you to have a lot less time on a hobby, IMHO.

 

[redstang]

I started with a 29gal biocube and love it. Yes, I've started the upgrade process but the info I learned on setting up the BC is invaluable. Much better to waste a money on a something for the 29gal than a lot on a huge tank. I learned it's better to plan ahead and buy quality components once rather than try to go cheap, then mediocre, before finally settling on buying something that actually works .

Nice thing with the biocube is pretty much a water change and filter floss change per week suffices for tank maintenance. Great little tank.

My advice is make sure you get an auto top-off system as soon as possible. Little tanks can have their parameters change quickly from evap and it was the one thing that really became a chore. Also, biocubes run rather warm so start looking into ways to reduce heat.

Welcome and good luck!

 

[slickwill613]

RedStang;752858 wrote:

Nice thing with the biocube is pretty much a water change and filter floss change per week suffices for tank maintenance. Great little tank.



Welcome and good luck!

So how much is the filter floss?

 

[slickwill613]

Updating…

Got a 14BC, have a thread with photos in the nano section. Just crossing my fingers for some cool and friendly critters from the live rock. Thanks for all the replys.