How Do I Start
- Thread starter iraheta2389
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cristata.reef
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Well first you need a tank of course (couldn't help myself) I recommend 30 gallons or larger since nanos are not beginner friendly. A protein skimmer would be nice but you don't need it during cycling. You'll need some live rock and live sand and some RODI water, all of which you can get from a reputable LFS
HotRocks
Fish Fanatic!
Welcome to R2R!!! 
This is a great read to get you going.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/
This is a great read to get you going.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/
dede
Active Member
Start by doing a lot of research. Think about how much you want to spend, this can be an expensive hobby. Are you going to keep just fish or coral and fish. How much space do you have available, get the biggest tank you can fit.
I would recommend buying a used, running setup. Depending on where you live there are a lot of good deals on craigslist.
I would recommend buying a used, running setup. Depending on where you live there are a lot of good deals on craigslist.
LBReefer
Well-Known Member
I'd also recommend checking out the the bull reef supply video series on YouTube. They are definitely trying to support the sales of their products, but I found them to be decently objective and really helpful in all the things to consider.
You're already off to a good start if you found your way to R2R. I've found the forum incredibly helpful.
You're already off to a good start if you found your way to R2R. I've found the forum incredibly helpful.
Sarah24!
2500 Club Member
Hello,
First, welcome to the family of R2R where you will find lots of adorable people and all of them with a wealth of valuable knowledge. All of us here would love to see you succeed, and of course pics once your tank is up.
In your quest for more adventure lol, I would start by doing tons and tons of research. The saltwater side is much more touchy and sensitive then the fresh side. (Not to say fresh isn’t but when things go south in saltwater it’s in a matter of hours if not sooner).
I would also buy your first tank used like others have suggested. Not only is it less expensive, but you can get a nice setup for less than a third of the new price cost. In addition I would definitely see what is the largest size you want and can actually afford, like others have stated. Moving a salt water tank of any size is just well, honestly it just plain kinda is the pits. Not only do you have extreme time constraints but you risk losing everything you worked so hard in keeping.
One of the most important things is go the speed of s frozen snail stuck to a piece of metal that’s been outside in negative 200 degrees for six months. If you move fast in this hobby you will be very frustrated, and it will cost a lot of money. Not only do you go very slow but also try not to make changes and once it is up and running, keep your hands out of the tank. I normally don’t make changes and usually follow the rule of if it’s not broken then don’t fix it. Even I recently broke that rule and it kinda came back and made me pay a little.
Last, please don’t ever feel you can’t ask a question even if you feel it’s embarrassing or you feel silly asking it. We all want you to succeed in this. Another good thing is, as some here are very well known and know their stuff. If they give advice lol it’s extremely wise to listen to them. They definitely know and have the credits as to what they speak.
Good luck
Sincerely
Sarah
First, welcome to the family of R2R where you will find lots of adorable people and all of them with a wealth of valuable knowledge. All of us here would love to see you succeed, and of course pics once your tank is up.
In your quest for more adventure lol, I would start by doing tons and tons of research. The saltwater side is much more touchy and sensitive then the fresh side. (Not to say fresh isn’t but when things go south in saltwater it’s in a matter of hours if not sooner).
I would also buy your first tank used like others have suggested. Not only is it less expensive, but you can get a nice setup for less than a third of the new price cost. In addition I would definitely see what is the largest size you want and can actually afford, like others have stated. Moving a salt water tank of any size is just well, honestly it just plain kinda is the pits. Not only do you have extreme time constraints but you risk losing everything you worked so hard in keeping.
One of the most important things is go the speed of s frozen snail stuck to a piece of metal that’s been outside in negative 200 degrees for six months. If you move fast in this hobby you will be very frustrated, and it will cost a lot of money. Not only do you go very slow but also try not to make changes and once it is up and running, keep your hands out of the tank. I normally don’t make changes and usually follow the rule of if it’s not broken then don’t fix it. Even I recently broke that rule and it kinda came back and made me pay a little.
Last, please don’t ever feel you can’t ask a question even if you feel it’s embarrassing or you feel silly asking it. We all want you to succeed in this. Another good thing is, as some here are very well known and know their stuff. If they give advice lol it’s extremely wise to listen to them. They definitely know and have the credits as to what they speak.
Good luck
Sincerely
Sarah
Welcome,
A couple of questions I would ask:
1. Where do you live, house or apartment, do you own or rent?
2. What drew you to the hobby, what do you like?
3. What's your budget?
Now for the reasons I ask, if you live on the third floor and rent an apartment you probably don't want to go bigger than 40 gallons. A lot of places actually have rules against it. Will you be making your own RODI water or will you be buying water, how far will you have to carry that water. What in the hobby interests you, do you want to have a fish only tank or do you want to dip into corals. Budget, as some have mentioned this hobby can be affordable... ish, or it can get ridiculous fast.
As others have said, if something looks good to you research it and ask questions. Your local fish store (LFS) is a great resource but be mindful of places that are just looking to get you to buy something.
I hope you have a blast and keep us in the loop on your progress.
A couple of questions I would ask:
1. Where do you live, house or apartment, do you own or rent?
2. What drew you to the hobby, what do you like?
3. What's your budget?
Now for the reasons I ask, if you live on the third floor and rent an apartment you probably don't want to go bigger than 40 gallons. A lot of places actually have rules against it. Will you be making your own RODI water or will you be buying water, how far will you have to carry that water. What in the hobby interests you, do you want to have a fish only tank or do you want to dip into corals. Budget, as some have mentioned this hobby can be affordable... ish, or it can get ridiculous fast.
As others have said, if something looks good to you research it and ask questions. Your local fish store (LFS) is a great resource but be mindful of places that are just looking to get you to buy something.
I hope you have a blast and keep us in the loop on your progress.
I totally agree with the BRS videos, I've had over a dozen tanks but am currently in the startup phase of a new one and I'm going back through the 52 weeks series and even as an experienced reefer it's valuable material.
