Getting into salt water!

goodreefcharleybrown · Dec 2, 2015

So I am looking to get into salt water aquariums. I have been reading up the past few weeks and checking out craigslist. What is the best to look for used?
Tank/stand?
Someone getting out of salt water with a full setup?
Buy all new?

pugcrush · Dec 2, 2015

You can probably get the best deal with someone getting out of the hobby. Where are you located? It's great to check in to your local reef club if they got any leads. Or they may be a tank or 2 on their local board.

The biggest question though is WHAT do you want to get? Fish only or reef? Then you gotta consider lighting, filtration, etc. Personally, I'd do some reading on build threads here on R2R to get some ideas on what you'd like before you bite the bullet on one of the first things you see.

klesel · Dec 2, 2015

You can find someone getting out or down sizing you can find complete setups with everything including live stock depends on how fast you want it if you're in no hurry just look every day on craigslist and your local clubs you find what your looking for just a matter of being in right place at right time

twilliard · Dec 2, 2015

First wellcome to R2R!
If you do buy a used tank and is glass pay attention to how they stored it and check all the seams.
I would not buy a large tank that was stored on its ends. Too much stress.

melypr1985 · Dec 2, 2015

Welcome to R2R! Buy used, but make sure it holds water and doesn't need to be resealed.

Dr. Phil · Dec 2, 2015

melypr1985 said:
Welcome to R2R! Buy used, but make sure it holds water and doesn't need to be resealed.

I agree with the above, but I would that if you did buy a full running setup it will mean a lot of work in a very short time. Having said that I have bought at least 5 running systems over the years. It can be well worth it, but many times you are buying the problems someone else decided not to deal with.

Also, welcome to R2R! You will find loads of great advice on here!

goodreefcharleybrown · Dec 3, 2015

Thanks for the replies! I don't think I want to tackle an established tank right away. If I truly had a handle on salt water I would consider it.

I would like to do reef and fish. I know that limits the types of fish and critters for the tank. I have not joined any reef clubs but I will have to look into that. What would represent a "good" price for a tank and stand 50 to 75 gal. With and without all the salt water accessories?

drstratton · Dec 3, 2015

Welcome to R2R! I bought a used 75g for $200, but that was 5.5 years ago. It was an established tank, but I soon came to learn that the equipment was very old and needed replaced the only thing I'm still using is the tank. When I picked it up it was dirty, they had broken everything down and had all of the livestock and rock in large totes with heaters. Because the tank was so dirty and I was so excited about getting a SW tank and I was so new to this, I didn't see or think to check for scratches on the glass, it's majorly scratched and I want a new tank, next year maybe. Continue what you are doing, which is learning about the hobby before you take the plunge, understand the equipment available, when you see something on Craigslist don't be afraid to ask lots of questions about the equipment, then post here about what you've found, there are a lot of experienced reefers to help you out!

drstratton · Dec 3, 2015

Double post!

Naiad · Dec 3, 2015

Yes buying used will save you money but I would suggest looking on reef groups rather than cl if your new to the hobby. Look for a person that is moving or just changing setups. You will be less likely to get a problem tank . You can also look up that members posts to see if they had any previous problems.

My first tank was an established tank from someone moving away! Much nicer than starting from scratch. If you start from scratch you won't have the livestock you want for sometime while the tank cycles and matures. This can be frustrating for some when you are so excited to start a tank.

If your a very patient person starting from scratch is a great way to learn the art of keeping a tank as it matures but if you rush it you will be in trouble. In the end only you can decide the best way to go for you.

goodreefcharleybrown · Dec 3, 2015

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/for/5335517482.html

Found this tank locally. I am in no rush, I would like to see stuff grow and build into it. Seems like live rocks are crazy expensive. I think they were 8$ a lb at my local store.

Dr. Phil · Dec 3, 2015

That looks very nice, I would ask them what kind of lights it has and if the return pump is included.

Naiad · Dec 3, 2015

Price is not bad for everything. You will need to check lights. This was most likely a fish only system as wet dry is not usually used with reef setups.

drstratton · Dec 3, 2015

Aquarium / Fish Tank Solid Wood - $300 (Mentor)

Aquarium 48" x 21" x 18"
- Very heavy thick glass
- Predrilled with internal prefilter
- Acrylic wet dry filter
- 4" Fluorscent Light strip - It looks like this is the only light that it has!
- Heavy Solid Wood cabinet stand
- Heavy solid wood hinged canopy
Asking 300 or best offer

Nice looking tank!

goodreefcharleybrown · Dec 3, 2015

I'll talk to them this weekend. Might pick up the tank and then start looking at what else I need/want. If not I'll keep looking.

Dr. Phil · Dec 3, 2015

drstratton said:
Aquarium / Fish Tank Solid Wood - $300 (Mentor)

Aquarium 48" x 21" x 18"
- Very heavy thick glass
- Predrilled with internal prefilter
- Acrylic wet dry filter
- 4" Fluorscent Light strip - It looks like this is the only light that it has!
- Heavy Solid Wood cabinet stand
- Heavy solid wood hinged canopy
Asking 300 or best offer

Nice looking tank!

I read what the listing said...[emoji23] However, I have found that many times people call lights by the wrong type... Sometimes you get a better fixture than you would think by the way they list them.

Breakthecycle2 · Dec 3, 2015

goodreefcharleybrown said:
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/for/5335517482.html

Found this tank locally. I am in no rush, I would like to see stuff grow and build into it. Seems like live rocks are crazy expensive. I think they were 8$ a lb at my local store.

You don't need to get cured live rock. You can get it much cheaper. I bought 150 pounds of dry rock online for $150. I can give you the name. Very reputable and great rock. Doesn't leach any phosphates back into the water.

drstratton · Dec 3, 2015

diaz2010 said:
I read what the listing said...[emoji23] However, I have found that many times people call lights by the wrong type... Sometimes you get a better fixture than you would think by the way they list them.

You're totally right about that, my brain wasn't completely switched on yet this morning!

drstratton · Dec 3, 2015

Breakthecycle2 said:
You don't need to get cured live rock. You can get it much cheaper. I bought 150 pounds of dry rock online for $150. I can give you the name. Very reputable and great rock. Doesn't leach any phosphates back into the water.

Not trying to hijack this thread, but I would appreciate the name. I'm thinking of setting up a tank for my 84yr old mom!