Getting back into the hobby!

Guitarshredder7 · Apr 28, 2019

hello all!

I recently decided I wanted to get back into the hobby! About a decade ago I had a 50 gallon bowfront tank with quite the array of marine life. I never had any coral or living organisms other than fish or shrimp though. I currently live in an apartment and was wondering if I could get some advice. I’m looking something to fit in my room. I’m in an apartment with 3 others. Was looking at something 40 gallons or less. My main question is, where do I start? It’s been so long I don’t really feel confident delving into this alone. My main goal is to stay somewhat budget conscious, and I don’t want to have any coral or organisms other than fish/shrimp/etc. What are my options in terms of tank size, filtration setups, lights, etc? I want to have 2 clownfish, a shrimp, and an angel. Maybe a couple small gobies as well but that’s really it. I was looking at some of the all-in-one nano tanks and those seem viable but I’m not crazy about them. Thanks!

SPR1968 · Apr 28, 2019

There are lots of choices, I like Red Sea tanks personally but some of the guys with give you other options

And welcome to R2R!

KrisReef · Apr 28, 2019

Hello @Guitarshredder7 .
Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I don't know where you are living, but in my neighborhood, the best place to find aquarium deals is on Craigslist or at local fish stores or at the local aquarium clubs. I would look for someone who is exiting the hobby and who has a nice setup and just wants to get out.

High ICP · Apr 28, 2019

Red Sea and Waterbox appear to have some good systems now. I really like Elos, but these other two seem to have taken virtually all of the Elos selling points and made them better and at half the cost.

I would stay away from used myself, don’t know if they hold water. If you want cheap, the Petco dollar a gallon sales on AGA and Aqueon have been good for me.

Acrylic still scratches too easy for me.

As for lighting, the T5 LED hybrids look awesome, those are new(to me). Best of both worlds.

If you go all in one, stay away from the curved glass models. The have a tendency to crack for no reason.

cracker · Apr 28, 2019

Welcome ! Lot of choices concerning tank size & equipment. This is a great place for insight. Check out our new to salt water forum . Your plan is easy doable on a budget. Good luck !

Jeight · Apr 28, 2019

Welcome to R2R!!!

Auquanut · Apr 28, 2019

Welcome aboard! You've found the best place for friendly people and sound advice. It seems like an AIO might be a good choice for limited space (as big as you can get away with). I have a biocube 29. Not crazy about the curved acrylic. If I had it to do over, I would have gone with flat panel glass. Just my .02.

Jekyl · Apr 28, 2019

Welcome!
Watching the local big box pet stores for deals on a 40 breeder seems like what you would need for that fish stock list. I have an aqueon tank and like it. If doing fish only cost shouldn't be too bad. Just be sure you dont want coral down the road because it'll just cost more to get everything twice.