Hello from Tide Country

bamaborn81 · May 19, 2013

Hello all,

My name is Marshall and I am brand new to this hobby. I have only ever owned a freshwater aquarium and I am ready to give my hand at saltwater.
I have 2 children and I know they will love it! Here is my first question: This is the tank I am looking to buy MarinelandÂ® Euro Aquarium, LED Light and Stand - Over 40 Gallons - Aquariums - PetSmartAnyone have any pro, cons, exp with this brand? I am looking to start a reef aquarium.

I am looking forward to learn from ya'll!! Thanks!

Connie · May 19, 2013

Hi Marshall, welcome! I'm from Alabama too. If you are ultimately wanting a reef, you will have to get another lighting system, as the one that comes with the Marineland will not be enough to sustain coral.

Dmmz · May 19, 2013

Hi Marshall welcome to R2R

Zack · May 19, 2013

Welcome! As already mentioned the lights that come with that system are not enough yo grow coral. Also if possible try to get a drilled reef ready tank. Because you will end up wanting a sump later on. I started with a un drilled tank and regretted it soon after as other people i know have done the same. If you get a reef ready tank with a sump you can put all your equipment in there so your display is neater. Also, you have a MUCH larger selection of skimmers and other equipment to choose from if you have a sump as oppose to the few Hang on back skimmers available. There are hang on back overflow boxes you can install if you decided to get a sump after purchasing a tank like the one you mentioned but they are a pain compared to a drilled tank. So that would be my one piece of advice: PLEASE GET A DRILLED TANK!

bamaborn81 · May 19, 2013

Hey! Thanks for the responses. Zack can you point me to a pre drilled tank as you talk about. Also I was looking to go with a canister filter. Is that the same thing? Thanks!

SeahorseKeeper · May 19, 2013

Welcome to R2R!! I would also opt for a drilled tank. This is so you can have a sump in the stand. The sump can house equipment such as heater and skimmer. A sump also increases the water volume a little bit. Canister filters can be used (I use them), but they require diligent maintenance or else they can become a nightmare.

navila06 · May 19, 2013

hello from north alabama

bamaborn81 · May 19, 2013

Ok I think I may have found one: Reef Ready Aquarium Model 50R 36x15x20 - Rectangular Reef Ready Aquariums
Any thoughts? I really don't want hoses and such showing. What would I need to do option wise on this to make that happen?

Thanks!

VB68 · May 20, 2013

Welcome to Reef2Reef and your new addiction.......I mean hobby.

MelissaKathryn · May 20, 2013

Hello and Welcome to Reef2Reef!

It is so wonderful that you are setting up a reef tank and sharing the experience with your children! I learned so much sharing hobbies with my parents. They were always afraid to try saltwater, though. You are one COOL parent! haha

If I could start all over again, I would look on this forum and on craigslist for a used saltwater aquarium that is already drilled with a refugium, etc. It will be much easier and probably cheaper. You will end up with fewer "unusable" parts as well.

Reefing Madness · May 20, 2013

Bartmmackey · May 20, 2013

bamaborn81 said:
Hey! Thanks for the responses. Zack can you point me to a pre drilled tank as you talk about. Also I was looking to go with a canister filter. Is that the same thing? Thanks!

Check Craigslist. There is an awesome tank with overflow in Bham. I would buy it if I had the need....been on there for a while, so cash may be king. I'm in Nashvile so welcome aboard from a fellow G.O.B.

spspirate · May 20, 2013

Welcome to R2R!!!

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revhtree · May 20, 2013

Roll Tide and welcome to R2R!

JPUA · May 20, 2013

Roll Tide!! From Birmingham here! I started my 30 gallon reef tank over a year ago and its by far the most fun, addicting, expensive and frustrating hobby that I have ever had! I learned to save up and buy the nice equipment instead of buying the bargin stuff first, its just a complete waste! Craigslist is your best friend! I just spent over 400 bucks on the maxspect razor led for my tank. SPS is looking great! Welcome to the most addicting hobby!!