First tank- I have questions

[Rebelwithoutaclue]

Ok I’ve been overwhelmed trying to decide on what and how to setup my first saltwater tank. I am indecisive in general so with so many opinions I’m going crazy trying to figure it out.

First I’m thinking of a 20g long or 29g tank. I don’t know if the 20g will be cheaper equipment wise or if the difference isnt much. Like I’d prefer the space of a 29 gallon but do I need a skimmer? Id like to do a simple tank on the cheap (I understand is not cheap but I want to choose cheaper simpler options but not sacrificing quality if that makes sense.)

I just want a soft coral tank with some flowy corals, maybe a clown fish or two, some interesting creatures like a crab or shrimp.

Is there a basic setup that’s very specific of what to buy to start cycling the tank?

 

[Dempsey941]

Well Bulk Reef supply has a
Nuvo 20 Complete Kit and it has pretty much every you would need to set up a simple reef tank.
It may be a little pricey, but it would be a one time expenditure. Otherwise you could wait for the next dollar per gallon sale at petco and pick up a 20l/29 for cheap and hard build it together with a wave maker, some leds and some dry rock.

I personally would pick a 20 long over the 29, mostly because a 20 long has a better footprint for aquascaping and coral placement.

 

[CasaReefer]

Hi Rebel... Welcome to R2R... I think you could get by with just regular water changes... There are several videos on BRS Tv about low maintenance tanks and some run on No Sump No Filter . just water changes.. Might want to check those out?.

 

[Rebelwithoutaclue]

Thank you! I’ve watched a few videos like that but I’ll check those out. I was thinking about getting a 20g long today with a stand, an aquaclear 70 filter and ordering some CaribSea pink Fuji sand and dry rock. Also a refractometer and some salt. Which salt is the best?

What do I need to buy to put in the filter? I’ve read different things being used. Do I just not use anything the filter comes with and put different things in it? This is where my brain shuts down a bit and I get overwhelmed Lol.

 

[Jacksmedula]

If this picture doesn’t bother you, you’re ready to start a marine tank.

Best advice I’ve gotten, ignored and paid the price for:

- get the biggest tank you can afford
- buy the best equipment you can afford. You’ll pay for it one way or the other
- budget for some kind of qt system and stick to a qt plan. I’ve lost 2 tanks trying to cut corners. It sucks waiting. sucks way more watching your fish die.

Marine tanks are great but a lot of work and a lot of money. The beautiful tanks you see on this board are what is absolutely possible but... they don’t show you pictures of all the losses, failures and hard work that went into them.

Don’t let your 1st, 2nd and even 3rd setback make you quit. You learn more from identifying, researching and fixing problems than anything.

my personal opinion if I was starting from scratch:

- nothing smaller than 40g with sump
- good return pump
- good skimmer
- good powerhead(s)
- dry rock
- sand is optional but I like it lol
- 20g long qt tank with cheap powerhead, hob filter and heater (this stuff can be cheap). think petco style.

my 2 cents and good luck

 

[Dempsey941]

Thank you! I’ve watched a few videos like that but I’ll check those out. I was thinking about getting a 20g long today with a stand, an aquaclear 70 filter and ordering some CaribSea pink Fuji sand and dry rock. Also a refractometer and some salt. Which salt is the best?

What do I need to buy to put in the filter? I’ve read different things being used. Do I just not use anything the filter comes with and put different things in it? This is where my brain shuts down a bit and I get overwhelming. Lol.

Sounds like a good plan. Instant Ocean makes some good quality salt that is very affordable and is often on sale on amazon. For the filter I would just use the sponge they have packaged with it and maybe the ceramic media, but your live rock/ sand will do most of the heavy lifting with bacteria. Also look into getting an rodi unit so you can start off on the right footing.

 

[CasaReefer]

Well your salt question is a LOADED Question.. You will get several opinions on here put I think that Instant Ocean salt would work great for you and is priced lower then most salts... On the filter I would just buy filter pad and cut your own. Changing the pad will depend on your bio load ... how much your feeding and how many animals your keeping...

 

[CasaReefer]

Sounds like a good plan. Instant Ocean makes some good quality salt that is very affordable and is often on sale on amazon. For the filter I would just use the sponge they have packaged with it and maybe the ceramic media, but your live rock/ sand will do most of the heavy lifting with bacteria. Also look into getting an rodi unit so you can start off on the right footing.

+1 on using the best quality water

 

[Rebelwithoutaclue]

I got this a few years ago.