Newbie

[SleepyNick]

Hey everyone, I am actually in the process of researching about starting a SW aquarium. I have a lot of experience with freshwater and I am actually deciding to move to salt water. And the move wont be big, I was thinking about getting the Bio Cube 29. Thanks

[BigAl07]

Hello and welcome SN

As far as SW goes, I'd suggest getting the largest tank you can FIT into your desired space, that you can afford to set up properly (short cuts COST you money not SAVE you money), that you can afford to maintain, and that you can devote the TIME to maintain. I honestly think 55g is the smallest someone should start with and really like the footprint of 75-90g.

KUDOS to you for researching and asking questions FIRST! You, your tank and your wallet will all benefit from your knowledge before the fact.


Let's start off with some links you NEED to read through and bookmark.

Start with this
FAQ of Reefing

which will contain (this is the order I think you'll want to read and take notes)

Setting Up a SUCCESSFUL Marine Aquarium

These are good reads on the same topic *Cycling* with the first one being pretty much my "Rule Of Thumb" on how, why, when etc!! Lee ROCKS!

The Mature Aquarium.... MUST READ

newbies-little-something-cycling-breaking-new-reef-tankl

just-exactly-what-cycled-tank

Some hints/tips on
TESTING

Ideas on
*Stocking* the tank

and
how to acclimate new additions

and while you're cycling your tank you'll want to
set-up and cycle a QT system

From there you'll be a little more prepared to start on this adventure.



Good luck and HAPPY REEFING!

[SleepyNick]

Thanks BigAl07 for the detailed reply. And will do on the reading and taking notes. I also bought The Simple Guide to Marine Aquariums by Jeff Kurtz and have been studying it ALOT lol. I was planning to get the Bio Cube 29 because it looks like it can sustain a soft coral system with a little modding of the chambers. And im not planning to have alot in there, I still have a long way to go, Im actually planning to start in a month, and im planning to make it a 2 year process to have the finished aquarium.

Also do you think I should just convert my 55g into a salt water aquarium?
Even though im good on water changes and regular testing etc, I just think there is more of a buffer zone in a 55g than the biocube.

Im thinking the only things I could really carry over are my..
2 Back Pack filters
2 Lights (50w) I believe
2 Heaters
And the tank itself

I would need..
A Protein Skimmer
30g Wet/Dry Sump?
New light bulbs?
New testing kit, Salt..etc..

Lemme know what you guys think, 29 Biocube vs 55g switch over. Thanks

[PghFishNerd]

I'm with my buddy Al! Switch over the 55 G! I have a 30 G, and it was my first of 2 SW tanks. If I was allowed by my parents to have a larger tank, I would do it, no questions asked. Think of it this way: Lakes, streams, ponds, rivers, etc. are relatively small as compared to oceans. Small bodies of water obviously experience parameter changes much more frequently and rapidly than large bodies. Because oceans are so huge, the creatures that live inside it are not accustomed to parameter swings. The slightest changes can really damage or kill reef creatures. Unless you're really in love with your freshwater setup, I would go for the switcheroo! Think about it, it's almost twice as big as a 29 G. I would even go as far as to say look around for a 75 or 90 like Al said. These are the tanks I'm considering moving into because they're big enough to be stable, but not so big that you need ridiculously huge and expensive equipment. You really will save tons of money and heartache by going as big as reasonably possible. Good luck!

[SleepyNick]

Thats so true, hmm....maybe I should get a 75g....I hope this doesnt turn into a addiction! lol

[SleepyNick]

There are some amazing looking fish like the Flame Angel!!!

[bigpapaoffive]

Hello and welcome SN!

Personally I like bigger rather than smaller. That being said, it can better be determined by what you are wanting to keep in your tank, fish only? corals? mixed tank? and then what types and how many. For me enough is NEVER enough till my wallets empty haha. I wouldn't go smaller than 55 gal if your wanting even one decent sized fish. Being you have that already would be a good choice to start with and save ya some cash till ya get acclimated to saltwater and ya can always go bigger later. Thats my 2 cents for what its worth.

[SleepyNick]

I was thinking about FOWLR and maybe in the future some soft corals, but I would like a flame angel to be the main focus~

[nanoreefing4fun]

to ReefSanctuary, a real Sanctuary of reef forums, with lots of very nice members

[tnwillia]

WElcome to RS! Read, Read, Read. Good luck!

[SleepyNick]

Thanks~

[PghFishNerd]

I was thinking about FOWLR and maybe in the future some soft corals, but I would like a flame angel to be the main focus~

Great choice! And it most likely will be an addiction. All you can do now is come to terms with it. haha! The flame Angel is absolutely gorgeous, but I hope you are aware that if you do get some soft corals in the future, there is a chance the angel will pick at it. Other than that, It's a very good fish to focus on. Good luck. Let us know if you need any help!