Very unsure

[duke1231]

Tank size is driving me through the roof crazy, I dont know what size I will be happy with. I really like the Wreeses, but I really don't want a big fish tank. I do not one that is overwhelming. Plus with the bigger fish tank prices on everything else shoots up. For example my refugeum would have to be half of whatever size tank I get or larger. I was wondering if someone could lead me in the right direction. I mean how expensive is say a 50 gallon tank itself. I dont think I can go larger then that because of space concerns. The bigger the tank the more of a variety I can purchase in fish later down the road when I become more experienced.

[blue_eyes53813]

Well Ive learned in this hobby that if your already thinking of going bigger in the future than go bigger now... If you get a tank that you know will be to small for your likings and possibly upgrade in the future.. You are gonna waste alot of $.. I think a 55 or a 75 would be perfect. Both will give you a nice size and space for error. You dont have to fill your tank with live stock right away if $ is an issue and you will have enough space to add a variety of livestock.. Just a thought...

[sasquatch]

Hey Duke, when you say tank size do you mean gallonage or dimension? A 50 is a nice size however 50 gallons can be arranged many ways eg. 26x26x16 is around 47 gal.The standard store tanks I find just a bit narrow for interior planning, acrylic or glass can be diy or custom ordered, most lfs around here have a tank sheet from their suppliers that are standard, what they stock in store is what sells, what you might want can be just a call away

[duke1231]

yea but isn't that more expensive then just buying the regular ol' rectangle tank you can buy at the lfs? Also I was wondering, when I get the tank up and running and it has matured some, will it be easier to control as far as water paramiters? It sometimes feels overwhelming with all the stuff you can get to control algea, like phosphate reactors and uv lights. I was under the impression that if you put in a sump with a refugeum and did your daily, weekly and monthly maintence, then you wouldnt need all that stuff.

[sasquatch]

Duke, I hear you. Bear in mind a successful tank can be run with just about nothing for equipment. I wish the lfs would sell the easy button I would get 3 loll.Thankfully the best "equipment" is really cheap and we all get it here by sharing. Sas

[duke1231]

lol, yea I to wish I had the easy button. What do you think I need for the bear essentials for a 40 gal. mind you, the only thing I am going to start off with in my tank for a month or longer is live rock, and live sand. I really want the tank to mature enough where I can have a slight understanding of the water parameters and I have a good maintence schedule down. For a 40 Gal. bear essentials I would need what? a sump, obviously LR and LS I think my LFS sells used overflow boxes, because they seem expensive new. A heater......what else do I need while trying to keep price down?

[Cougra]

Do you want a full blown reef tank or are you willing to have a fish only tank for a while? If you go the fish only route then you wont need to buy expensive lighting for the tank, however if you know you want corals then you should consider investing in a good lighting system.

A sump isn't actually essential if you are trying to save money. You can always plan on adding a sump sometime in the future, especially if the tank isn't predrilled.

However a good protein skimmer is a very good investment. It can and will benefit your tank right from day one, even when curing the live rock.

Also for money saving ideas, consider getting about a 50/50 mix of base rock and premium live rock. Check your local classified ads for people tearing down their tanks as you may be able get a good price on their live rock.

Bare essentials:
tank, stand, heater, lighting, rock, sand, thermometer, salt, hydrometer or refractometer, protein skimmer, net, clean dedicated buckets for the tank.

[duke1231]

So for filtration, I just need LR, and LS. and also a protein skimmer.

[MarbleShark]

I would go with a 55 gallon. Most LFS have a stand/tank combo. You can always add the sump later and put it under the tank in the stand.

[ghostwolf]

I agree with Michelle, every thing on her list is a must. The 2 big expenditures are the lights and definitely the protein skimmer. For lighting, you need to decide on fish only or if you are going to add corals - this is where the lighting question comes into play. If you are sure you are going to have fish only - lower lighting is fine. But if you decide to add corals later you will have to upgrade the lighting. So spend now or upgrade later and have spare low level lighting. Decisions, decisions, decisions - lol.

Lin