A family member just recently gave me his 180 gallon tank and stand. I always enjoyed seeing his reef aquariums and wanted my own. This came with just the tank and stand so im looking for ideas on filtration systems, would love to go with a sump filter but that seems to expensive. Also ideas on lighting and heaters. As a beginner ive never had more then a 30 gallon freshwater tank. Any thoughts or ideas would be great
Ideas on setting up
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Ron Reefman
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Tampa Bay Reef Keepers
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First a big WELCOME to Reef2Reef!
A 180g tank is a big way to start. My best words of advise are, take your time and read, read, read!
There is a good series of articles for people starting in the hobby. Here is a link to the first one: https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/checklist-before-you-start-your-first-saltwater-aquarium.676/
BTW, if you think a sump is expensive, maybe you need to consider again just what you are getting into. This hobby can get very expensive at the worst. But even at the best it can and will cost more than you think. This article compares 2 tanks I set up and how much they cost. https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/decisions-decisions-decisions-part-2.680/
BTW, good luck!
A 180g tank is a big way to start. My best words of advise are, take your time and read, read, read!
There is a good series of articles for people starting in the hobby. Here is a link to the first one: https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/checklist-before-you-start-your-first-saltwater-aquarium.676/
BTW, if you think a sump is expensive, maybe you need to consider again just what you are getting into. This hobby can get very expensive at the worst. But even at the best it can and will cost more than you think. This article compares 2 tanks I set up and how much they cost. https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/decisions-decisions-decisions-part-2.680/
BTW, good luck!
Thank you for the articles. I have been reading and watching videos for weeks. I realize that its going to be expensive ive usually been one to save money and cut a few corners. I'm realizing that will not be the case on this.
Billldg
My Gem Tang Is Watching You
With a 180 gal tank, I would take my time and save for a sump. It is worth it in the long run. As far as lights, it depends on what you plan or want to keep. I always recommend multiple heaters, that way if one go's bad the temp doesn't drop instantly.
CasaReefer
Promoted To Sponge
Hey What's up 2018... Welcome to R2R... My advise. Take Your Time..... Listen to multiple sources. BRS has some great videos on every aspect of a salt water tank and they give great recommendations on their equipment. Don't listen to everything that said out there. The next big thing might just be a lot of hot air. Research the forums on here. And ask questions a lot of them. The only dumb question in the ones you don't ask. Good Luck My friend. 
Samina
Valuable Member
Welcome to R2R and to the hobby!
Good advice here your getting. Definitely read and take it slow. Save up and buy the correct equipment, cutting corners in the beginning leads to more money spent correcting and changing down the line.
Good advice here your getting. Definitely read and take it slow. Save up and buy the correct equipment, cutting corners in the beginning leads to more money spent correcting and changing down the line.
Auquanut
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Welcome to R2R! This is without a doubt the best reefing resource there is. You've already gotten some really sound advice. If the tank is empty and dry, you have plenty of time to explore your options and associated costs. We're here to help.
