Hello Newcomer here seeking advice.

First off I'd like to say this is a really nice site and I look forward to coming here and seeing all the cool things it has to offer.

Ok, I've been a fresh water aquarium guy for 6 years or so. It's been great, but i'm looking forward to a "challenge" or something that requires more attention to detail and maintenance. Im going to school and live in an apartment, so a dog is out of the question lol. So as you are all probably coming to the conclusion, I'm looking to start my first Saltwater Aquarium!

I've been doing my research, and I'm really looking toward doing a fish only with live rock, as a starting point.

I'm in the market for a new fish tank, and that is where im troubled. I don't know if I should look for a tank of craiglist or something for cheap that doesn't have any equipment. Or start out with a Biocube. What do you guys think? I know that they say a bigger tank is easier for new hobbyists to start because the water effects don't change as fast, ect.

Could I get away with something in the 29 gallon Biocube? or should I just look for a 55 gallon tank and buy all the equipment needed?

Thanks I know theres alot of variables, but thanks for the advice in advance,
TheFishMan

 

When I first started out, I had to make this decision too. I choose to set my own tank up rather then go with a kit. IMO, the benefits outweigh the cons. You can choose exactly what you want, you can get better equipment, customize your setup, add a sump, refugium, upgrade easier. It will probably cost a little more money, but you can save alot by buying used equipment. Plus, with a larger tank, you can house more and larger fish.

 

I really like the Biocubes for dorm rooms. They are self contained and have most if not all the equipment needed. Most are very quiet, and look great aesthetically.
The downside of them is that they are for the most part, small in size. An ATO (automatic top-off) is almost a necessity. Not to mention, they don't come cheap.

How much room do you have? Is a 55 going to be too big? A 75 can be had pretty cheap off of CL and is a much better footprint for swimming fish.

 

If you have room for a 55g I would suggest that size. I started my first FOWLR with my 55g about 8 months ago and have since transformed it into a reef tank. The larger the tank, the more forgiving it will also be. Smaller SW tanks have less capacity to adjust to any fluctuations and can crash much quicker.

When I started out I bought all new equipment and have had little probs with it, something about piece of mind when starting with fresh new stuff is nice. You can find good used deals but I find I pay more for that piece of mind in this hobby so the cheap doesn't come out expensive later.

best of luck, you've come to a great place to get info!

This is how far my tank has come in 7-8 months:

 

I have plenty of room in my apartment to fit a 55 gallon pretty easy. About the 75 gal. I can't recall how much bigger they are then the 55's so im not sure.

 

I really like the thought of the bio's and how everything is self contained ect.. but it doesn't seem like they leave you enough room to expand.

If I was to get a 55 gal. Can anyone list all the equipment that would be needed to start?

 

A 75g is just a couple inches wider than a 55. If you get into this get a predrilled tank. My only regret is not getting pre-drilled tanks

 

this is my equipment list:

70lbs Fiji Live Rock
60lbs Aragonite Live sand
1 AquaC Remora Skimmer
1 Phosban 150 Reactor (running Chemi Pure Elite)
2 Hydor Koralia Evolution Pumps (750gph models)
1 300w Stealth Heater
1 Coralife Lunar 260w PC fixture (to be upgraded soon)
1 SpectraPure ProPlus RO/DI 90gpd unit
1 Rubbermaid BRUTE Grey container (for mixing)
1 Refractometer
1 TDS handheld meter

I use Instant Ocean Sea Salt & have an extra maxi-jet 1200 and Stealth 200w heater for mixing saltwater when I do water changes. I do 5g WC a week.

I do not have a sump/refugium and I have been fine.

Your biggest expense will be the Live Rock & your lighting. If you're not going to do corals you can get away with using dechlorinated tap water, but if you want to have a reef you gotta go RO/DI water.

Hope that helps some.

 

A 75 is the same size as a 55 except it is an extra 6" front to back. 48X18X18 More room for a fish to turn around.

Skimmer (dont skimp here), Lights, heater, rock, sand, powerheads

Those are the basics. If you decide to go with a sump, then you would need the sump tank, return pump, overflow (or drill your tank), and plumbing in between.

 

Just for curiosity, would a 29 gallon Biocube be difficult for a first time tank? In terms of size and not being as forgiving?