Hi everybody!

Chris_sasser11 · Oct 31, 2017

I am looking for a new hobby for me and my boys. We have researched and researched until our heads have exploded. It’s gettig time to take the plunge into the hobby but have a question. We have been lookin at 80 to 90 gallon aquariums but def. don’t want to go above what a beginner in the hobby should. Is this to big or perfectly?

KJ · Oct 31, 2017

Welcome to R2R!!!

dbl · Oct 31, 2017

Welcome to R2R. At least take a look at a standard 120g. It's a great starter tank in my opinion, and in your case, not much larger than you're already considering.

And if you haven't read through the link below, it's filled with some great information.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

XNavyDiver · Oct 31, 2017

I'd say that's a great size to begin with. Good luck and have fun with it.

KJ · Oct 31, 2017

Chris_sasser11 said:
Is this to big

No It's perfect

Flippers4pups · Oct 31, 2017

Welcome to Reef2reef! I started out with a 75 gallon back in the day, so I’d say it’s fine.

Chris_sasser11 · Oct 31, 2017

Perfect! We are super pumped. Lol I even think I got my wife on board for the most part as long as she gets to pick out some of the fish and corals lol. It was a bargain. Thanks for all the help guys.

Ludders · Oct 31, 2017

Hi Chris and welcome.

I don't think there is a minimum or maximum for a beginner.

80-90g sounds great to me.

When I started, I had a 24g AIO, which was tricky to keep for a beginner if I'm being realistic.

The small capacity meant that it was susceptible to swings in parameters very easily and I had to be careful and precise with maintenance.

80g would be much less susceptible to such swings and spikes and you should find maintaining the stability of your water chemistry easier as a result.

One piece of advice I would give, is to buy quality equipment. Pumps, lighting, skimmer etc etc.

nautical_nathaniel · Oct 31, 2017

Welcome to R2R! 80-90 gallons is a great starter size. I started with an 8 gallon and it was an uphill battle the whole way haha

KJ · Oct 31, 2017

Chris_sasser11 said:
pick out some of the fish and corals

Remember to quarantine you fish and corals

nautical_nathaniel · Oct 31, 2017

I'll throw this out there too, everything in this hobby seems super daunting at first. Lighting, water chemistry, choosing the right fish and corals for every situation imaginable, but don't let all of that overwhelm you, it will be very rewarding the in end! Just be sure to research stuff before you make any decision and be sure to ask for help if you need it and you'll do great!

Chris_sasser11 · Oct 31, 2017

Definitely noted Ludders!
I’m not sure yet but I’m almost positive I am going with a T5 fixture from ATI and a gyre for movement. Not sure about the tanks yet. I know Red Sea is awesome but it’s in the air between the 425xl and a planet crystalline 85 gallon. Not to sure on skimmer. There are so many dang options

DLHDesign · Oct 31, 2017

Welcome to R2R!

KJ · Oct 31, 2017

Chris_sasser11 said:
Definitely noted Ludders!
I’m not sure yet but I’m almost positive I am going with a T5 fixture from ATI and a gyre for movement. Not sure about the tanks yet. I know Red Sea is awesome but it’s in the air between the 425xl and a planet crystalline 85 gallon. Not to sure on skimmer. There are so many dang options

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/general-equipment-hardware-filtration.30/

Shadowspop · Oct 31, 2017

That's awesome. We just got back into it about 8 months ago and set up a 93 cube. We absolutely love it, but truth be told, we're planning a 250 in the near future.

Ranjib · Oct 31, 2017

Welcome. 90G is a great size.
Most importantly, have patience, think twice and read as much as you can before making any changes/upgrades etc. Take it as slow as possible, and be diligent about husbandry,,, generally, people lost tempo for regular maintenance once the initial super pumped state is settled.