Lots to Learn, Considering the Hobby

nabedell · Oct 18, 2022

Recently picked up the itch to try a saltwater tank. I have to admit that the freshwater tanks I've had in the past have bored me and gone a little under-kept (but never neglected) so I'm doing a lot of research and jumping in slowly.

My dream build is to create an anemone + Clown harem tank. This is what I imagined from the very beginning. I want something that feels like it's teeming with life and would rather have lots of active smaller fish and inverts vs a few big fish. I love the colors, the life, the feeling of a complete ecosystem.

Which brings me to corals. I'm more interested in SPS and LPS corals than softies. I'd be seeking a really natural, calming reef vs something overly intense with color and borderline psychedelic with lots of zoas, for example.

Biding my time for now and learning as much as possible. Once life permits I'll begin thinking about a simple first reef tank to test my dedication and cut my teeth before going after that dream tank.

Peace River · Oct 18, 2022

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

vetteguy53081 · Oct 18, 2022

D3DPrintedThingz · Oct 18, 2022

If you're 'considering' it then that means it's already too late... hehehe

Sean Clark · Oct 18, 2022

Welcome to the party.

dstockwell · Oct 18, 2022

Welcome to the Reef

Jedi1199 · Oct 18, 2022

nabedell said:
Recently picked up the itch to try a saltwater tank. I have to admit that the freshwater tanks I've had in the past have bored me and gone a little under-kept (but never neglected) so I'm doing a lot of research and jumping in slowly.

My dream build is to create an anemone + Clown harem tank. This is what I imagined from the very beginning. I want something that feels like it's teeming with life and would rather have lots of active smaller fish and inverts vs a few big fish. I love the colors, the life, the feeling of a complete ecosystem.

Which brings me to corals. I'm more interested in SPS and LPS corals than softies. I'd be seeking a really natural, calming reef vs something overly intense with color and borderline psychedelic with lots of zoas, for example.

Biding my time for now and learning as much as possible. Once life permits I'll begin thinking about a simple first reef tank to test my dedication and cut my teeth before going after that dream tank.

Welcome to the Dark Side...

A word of advice here. I would not recommend a tank smaller than 55g for a starter tank. 55g is big enough to impress, and more importantly keep stable. Also, the extra real estate allows for more diverse fish and less aggression as things grow out.

nabedell · Oct 18, 2022

Welcome to the Dark Side...

Jedi1199 said:
A word of advice here. I would not recommend a tank smaller than 55g for a starter tank. 55g is big enough to impress, and more importantly keep stable. Also, the extra real estate allows for more diverse fish and less aggression as things grow out.

Go Sharks!.... if we can say that this year.

nabedell · Oct 18, 2022

ilikefish69 said:
If you're 'considering' it then that means it's already too late... hehehe

The key will be getting it to be "my kid's idea". That way the wife can't say no.

Pale Morning1 · Oct 18, 2022

If you grew bored with freshwater and neglected them I would seriously think about a salt water tank. I have both and salt tanks are a lot more effort than fresh. I have found that with salt stability is the key to success which means a whole lot of testing, water changes and monitoring. Add to that the expenses associated with salt vs fresh and I would make sure you are ready for the commitment before diving in.

nabedell · Oct 18, 2022

Pale Morning1 said:
If you grew bored with freshwater and neglected them I would seriously think about a salt water tank. I have both and salt tanks are a lot more effort than fresh. I have found that with salt stability is the key to success which means a whole lot of testing, water changes and monitoring. Add to that the expenses associated with salt vs fresh and I would make sure you are ready for the commitment before diving in.

Absolutely. I know it's a much bigger commitment, although there's no replacement for the experience of it I suppose. Taking my time. Thanks for the word of wisdom!

LisaMarie · Oct 18, 2022

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

ScubaShane · Oct 18, 2022

Do It! Open a savings account just for reefing and I recommend an All In One nano tank for starters like Waterbox Aquariums.
P.S. Welcome to R2R!

exnisstech · Oct 18, 2022

Welcome. At least your thinking about it and researching first not just diving in and then coming asking for advise when things go south. I kept freshwater and salt for a while but only salt now. Had freshwater most of my adult life. I was attracted to salt because of the diverse life forms that can be kept. It is more work for sure. I do everything manually so it's like a part time job for me but I love it because I need something to keep me busy.