Would like some advice

[silver]

Hello - This is my first post here and I am actually really happy to have found this website - it seems like everyone knows what they are talking about or at least dont state that they are right and everyone else is a dooch like you find on so many other forums out there. So I guess everyone give a pat on your back

Okay so a friend of mine got a salt water tank about 6 months ago I helped him install some of it and build his stand and case. It was alot of fun. I am hook is all I have to say. I have been wanting to get a SW tank for some time but now after I have seen his seen yours on here with vids I feel that I want to do it my self.

So I have been to a few stores and see what they have to sell and for the most part the stores are filled with high schoolers that could care less. Every once in a while I have found someone who seem slike they know some stuff. So I have started to educate my self and learn I am in no real hurry, I want to start off slow and progress.

What I have looked into is buying used equipement and slowly going from there setting up the right equipment and then cycle the tank and go from there. First of all I would like to just have a fish only tank, but I would eventually like to get to a coral tank. So my intensions are that if I am going to buy things I would like them to be well made enough so I can continue to use them and large enough so I won't be undersized I guess.

I have read that the larger the tank the easier it is to start it up and keep balanced. I have heard many people say 55 gallon is a good size to start. So i have pretty much just limited my self to not getting these nano reef tanks that I everone is trying to sell bc i have heard that they are actually more work than less.

So i have found a tank through Craigslist and I have been chatting with this woman for a little while. She is asking 600 for everything I wanted to know wath you guys think about buying used equipment and also other comments. Cheers She has a:

Right now I have a star fish,pink tip anemone, sea urchin, blue damsel, green chromis, convict blening,4 astreia snails and a bangal cardinal.
The reason I am selling it is because I will start renovations in my basement soon and I don't want to get any dust/paint...ect on it. I am using a bio tower and the skimmer is a red sea

Some of the responses are to questions I had.

the bio tower and sump are both home made and work very well.and no I have never put in copper.

I have two pictures so I will try and add them

[Nemo 2]

go with a big one.my lil 30 is killing me so badly.i want to throw it out.its not bad but im frustrated with it.

[Matt Rogers]

Thanks for joining 3reef. Glad you like the site.

You are off to a great start... looking at Craigs List - you will find the best deals... my last two aquariums were from there. I got a 75 gallon with stand for $100 and a 20 long - drilled out - with stand for $65!

Personally I avoid those deals that include livestock and like to start with a dry tank. Why? I am a little paranoid about what's in the sand in rocks and they always seem to inflate the price. You can often get a brand new 55 and stand for less than that price.

That said, I am not crazy about the rocks in that tank, but the skimmer is a Berlin which is pretty good and very modifiable. Still, if it were me, I'd pass going off my last finds.

If you are patient, a better deal will come, and for that price, probably a bigger tank. You are right about water volume and nanos. My 20 long was the hardest reef tank I've had - you can hear me talk about it this Sunday!

Anyway, good luck and keep asking questions!

matt

[IBMGeek]

Welcome to 3reef!!! Ask as many questions as you want, theres many knowledgeable people here.

[Big B]

I think a 55 is still on the small side and you should be able to find a better deal. If you are wanting to eventually have a reef tank, I would start with a 75. Just my 2 cents.

[nemo79]

I love having a 55g, not too big and not too small. i would avoid getting a tank that is already set up as you don't know any diseases, medications, etc. that has entered the tank. I got a 55g and stand at walmart for $279 cdn. I would start fresh, you get to decide what you want in the tank and what you don't want.

[silver]

Thanks guys for your input. I Think the tank in this photo is actually an 80 g. I didn't mention that before, so actually this tank would be a bit bigger than I ad originally thought about.

your comments about not knowing what sickness could be in the water is kinda of what I was wondering about too.

Thanks for your guys help.

I actually have a question

I have been reading lots about live rock and sand and have had a couple of quesitons.

First - I understand live rock is pretty much rock that has come from somewhere but it has small organisms in it and such, also that this kinda of rock can really help a tanks filtration system. My question is I guess what do you guys think. See I have read good things about live rock but I have also read bad things like you can bring bad things into your tank with them and little organizms you don't want will tag along. I guess my question is, is it better to start off with clean rock and sand and then let the organisms grow onto it, so essentially make your own live rock.

Second - I am looking into filters - I am a newby for SW so bare with me please. I have looked at protien skimmers and the two basic differences are ones that go on the back of the tank and ones that go in a sump, then there is the size thing, all of these I have to deal with. But I have been looking into filters and so far I have been reading about wet dry filters. Are these things pretty much just bio towers with pumps attached. If that is the case, can pretty much just make your own. As I have said I am a begineer but I would also like to be able to go to coral some day, would you think it is recommended for begineers to use wet dry filters or sumps or bio towers.

Thanks for all your imput so far

I can't wait to get a tank haha

[omard]

To 3Reef!!!

Salutations! Glad to see you found way here!

As Matt said, you are off to a great start! - and, I might say, asking all the right questions.

In response to your last couple of questions...LR (live rock) is practically a "must" to start out a reef tank. It usually rock straight from the ocean that is loaded with organizims that will multiply and help geting your tank cycled to get ready for fish.

You do need a good skimmer - used one fine.

The LR is your filter.

Keep posting those questions - Good Luck!

The Tao of Marine Aquaria
Tips for Our Hobby and Life

© 1997 Adam H. Whitlock
Edited By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/25/00

[pokeyprelude]

hi there i live in the uk and i have found that these guys are the best there is for information. i myself only started a little while ago and i bought everything second hand. i agree about starting fresh because everything in there will be your choice also there will be no disease or unwanted critis i.e the mantis i just found hiding in my last purchase. i just bought a tank for $1000 let me know what you think

[lunatik_69]

Hello silver, welcome aboard. Like matt stated, IMO its better to start from stratch. Who knows what she has in that tank. Not to mention the reason she gave you for selling doesnt make any sense. You can also try ebay for your tank. I bought a 75 gal(drilled & mega flow) and a 30 gal(sump) for $127.00. Later I found out that the 75 is actually a 90 gal tank. That is a great deal. As for the LR, I think it should be cured, much more beneficial. Filters......................hmmmmmmm. That depends who you ask. I have a wet/dry and a very small home made refuguim. If your wallet permits, a wet/dry, refugium combo would be ideal. A skimmer is a must. later down the line you will find that carbon is needed, water changes, additives and salt mixes. My best advice to you is, do all your homework before anything. At the same time, You have to think ahead for the future. For ex. If your planning to have corals in the near future, dont go and buy cheap lights for now. You will have to up-grade them when your ready for corals. Another piece of advice, dont be cheap about any piece of equipment. It will cost you more later, TRUST ME. This hobby/obsession can be frustrating at times, but remember one thing, what might work for me, might not always work for you. Every system is different. Its about trail and error. Hope this helps a little, Luna