Don't be too harsh on me!

[SUswimmer]

Unless you live in a really rickety place, I don't think a thirty gallon tank would be at risk for falling through. But yeah, those big ones need some structural inspection/engineering if they're not going directly on a slab foundation. LOL

The Biocubes (29 or 14) seem to be pretty popular. I chose mine in part because of that. There are a number of build threads specifically about those, so it's easy to follow along and know that the various parts and bits suggested will actually fit with the same setup. There are some really great YouTube videos to help setting them up as well.

I have a very limited amount of space and couldn't fit in anything long. The Biocube, with its matching stand, fits perfectly in a very small space.

I love it!! I am looking into the Biocubes... But I might need a second job! Lol!

 

[Russ265]

Think of it like this; you have a five gallon bucket, and you have a swimming pool. You pee in both. Which is dirtier?

this is a good comparison.

as others have stated. 20 gallon+ for marine.

you CAN do 5-10 but man. you gotta be on top of it.

lot of great advice here

 

[SUswimmer]

Think of it like this; you have a five gallon bucket, and you have a swimming pool. You pee in both. Which is dirtier?

I'd like to think the bucket... The pool has chemicals!

 

[Pete polyp]

It's not necessarily the landlord I'm in a quarrel with, it's whether or not the floor will hold.. I'm terrified of having it crash through!

My girlfriend thought the same thing when I put my 29 in her second floor apartment. I had to tell her that I would fall through the floor before the tank because I weigh more than the fully loaded tank does.

 

[SUswimmer]

My girlfriend thought the same thing when I put my 29 in her second floor apartment. I had to tell her that I would fall through the floor before the tank because I weigh more than the fully loaded tank does.

I love it!!

 

[Pete polyp]

I love it!! [emoji14]

I'm not joking......

A 29 will weigh at the most 280

 

[SUswimmer]

I'm not joking......

A 29 will weigh at the most 280

But I also have minimal space... Basically what I'm trying to say is, I need the impossible.

 

[Pete polyp]

A 10 gallon is 20x11. A biocube 29 is 20x21. A standard 29 is 30x12. A 20 tall is 24x12. There's not really that much difference in footprint

 

[runzwithscissors]

Didn't read all the responses but I can say the people here for the most part are not douchy... I really don't see people attack others on here and a lot are quick to help and offer advice.
Just be careful NOT to take everyone advice literal and so quickly. We all have our own experiences to tell people but it doesn't mean its the correct way or best way to go about something.
Good Luck and welcome!!

Hec has a great point. All tank set ups are different so what works really well for one may only work so-so for another. Get to know your tank, and you'll amaze yourself as well as others. You'll know you've gone over the edge when you find yourself staring at you tank at 2 am with a flashlight looking at the things that come creeping out at night. Welcome to the club!

 

[Ahruk]

Have you checked out the nano reefs sub forum? Not EVERYONE on her has giant tanks

 

[Pete polyp]

Have you checked out the nano reefs sub forum? Not EVERYONE on her has giant tanks

Yep, I have a 29 and a 40. Far from giants haha

 

[Z06-Hec]

Hec has a great point. All tank set ups are different so what works really well for one may only work so-so for another. Get to know your tank, and you'll amaze yourself as well as others. You'll know you've gone over the edge when you find yourself staring at you tank at 2 am with a flashlight looking at the things that come creeping out at night. Welcome to the club!

HAAA, before i go to bed every day i take a flash light and point out all the night critters to the wife, she is always like ill dont show me that its nasty....

 

[Zoaeasy]

I started by reading "Mr saltwater tank"s
two e books and videos
Bulk Reef Supply is currently running a weekly video series on setting up a reef aquarium.

 

[TreyC2010]

I started by reading "Mr saltwater tank"s
two e books and videos
Bulk Reef Supply is currently running a weekly video series on setting up a reef aquarium.

Those BRS videos are great!

 

[SUswimmer]

Those BRS videos are great!

I'll definitely look into them! They seem to have a lot of decent videos!

 

[ebulldog]

A little bit late replying, but craigslist is a really good place to find a used tank that can be purchased 'cheap' if you have not purchased one yet. Just be careful where you meet to do the transaction!!! A 14gl bio as someone mentioned is a really nice starter. The all in one systems is good for a beginner as not to become to overwhelmed.
The only problem with a small tank is soon you will be wanting a larger tank !!!!!
Also check out any local clubs, you will get better info from fellow reefers versus a salesman at a local fish store trying to sell a beginner things not needed.

 

[Browner20]

I'll have to second bulldog, the whole time I was reading this thread I was thinking Craigslist. Most newbies are shocked at the upfront cost not just because of the big items, tank, lighting, pumps but also because of all the little items you need to purchase, test kits, nets, heaters, thermometers, etc. Usually Craigslist has some awesome set-ups with most of the equipment you will need included for pennies on the dollar. I live in a metropolitan area so there are always 2-3 biocubes on Craigslist at any given time. Post a link if you find one you like and we can tell you if it is a good deal and/or what to offer.

 

[eliramos]

Think of it like this; you have a five gallon bucket, and you have a swimming pool. You pee in both. Which is dirtier?

This is possibly the best comparison to why bigger is better I have ever read![emoji23]

 

[SUswimmer]

This is possibly the best comparison to why bigger is better I have ever read![emoji23]

Except most swimming pools have automatic feeders that regulate chemicals of the water.