New, lost, Overwhelmed and Excited.

Dysert · Mar 7, 2022

Hello all,
I am brand new and have not purchased anything yet. A saltwater aquarium is something I have thought about off and on for a VERY long time (decades). I am finally ready to pull the trigger and dive in, after doing plenty of research. I know that eventually I will want a reef setup and I'm looking to start with at least a 75 gallon tank, up to 90 possibly. I know most of you will say start smaller, but I know me and will regret not getting at least a 75 to start. I would like to start with rocks and beginner fish that are cheap and hearty. My number one concern is where do I start after the tank and stand. Do I get a sump setup or go a little more simple? Thoughts, suggestions and general comments are all appreciated. Looking forward to a new addiction!

Peace River · Mar 7, 2022

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!! You may find the following R2R article helpful:

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is nowhere near simple. This task is going to take patience, a...

www.reef2reef.com

PeterC99 · Mar 7, 2022

Welcome to R2R!

Since you are asking the question - get the sump!

Sean Clark · Mar 7, 2022

Welcome. Prepare to be enabled.

SeaworthyAquatics · Mar 7, 2022

75g isn't a bad place to start. Welcome to Reef2Reef!

rmorris_14 · Mar 7, 2022

Welcome!

Utubereefer · Mar 7, 2022

Welcome to the club. Start with the largest tank you feel comfortable with in my opinion.

X-37B · Mar 7, 2022

tharbin · Mar 7, 2022

Welcome to R2R!

Dysert · Mar 7, 2022

PeterC99 said:
Welcome to R2R!

Since you are asking the question - get the sump!

Thank you! I was leaning towards it but wasn't sure if it would be too much for a newbie like me.

Dysert · Mar 7, 2022

Peace River said:
Welcome to Reef2Reef!!! You may find the following R2R article helpful:

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is nowhere near simple. This task is going to take patience, a...

www.reef2reef.com

Thank you. I skimmed through this yesterday but will read it in more detail and refer to it often.

theMeat · Mar 7, 2022

Welcome
Would say go big. No sense in putting in the time, effort and money, just to go bigger later. My 2 cents

Would also want as big a sump as possible. Leaves room for equipment, refugium, algea turf scrubber, whatever. Also adds water volume.

Would think about designing a system with good nutrient control. Doing water changes gets old quick.

An auto top off always a nice convenience. Good to think about this in the planning stage, instead of finding no good place for it when done.

A Ghost style overflow is the way to go. Worry free, takes little tank room, and silent

gbroadbridge · Mar 7, 2022

Dysert said:
Hello all,
I am brand new and have not purchased anything yet. A saltwater aquarium is something I have thought about off and on for a VERY long time (decades). I am finally ready to pull the trigger and dive in, after doing plenty of research. I know that eventually I will want a reef setup and I'm looking to start with at least a 75 gallon tank, up to 90 possibly. I know most of you will say start smaller, but I know me and will regret not getting at least a 75 to start. I would like to start with rocks and beginner fish that are cheap and hearty. My number one concern is where do I start after the tank and stand. Do I get a sump setup or go a little more simple? Thoughts, suggestions and general comments are all appreciated. Looking forward to a new addiction!

Welcome, lots of helping hand here.

75-90 is a good sized tank. Bigger can be a bit overwhelming starting out.

Definately get a tank with a sump!

bnord · Mar 7, 2022

Welcome!
Better chance you will later wish you had a sump than you are happy you don’t have one

Do you have a good reef shop within an hour drive?

Best of luck!!

Dysert · Mar 7, 2022

bnord said:
Welcome!
Better chance you will later wish you had a sump than you are happy you don’t have one

Do you have a good reef shop within an hour drive?

Best of luck!!

That is one of the things I'm going to look into this weekend. Here in Utah most people like all the outdoorsy stuff. There are a few fish stores about 45 minutes from me that I will be going to. I know a local shop is a good source, but looks pretty limited here.

mdb_talon · Mar 7, 2022

Dysert said:
Hello all,
I am brand new and have not purchased anything yet. A saltwater aquarium is something I have thought about off and on for a VERY long time (decades). I am finally ready to pull the trigger and dive in, after doing plenty of research. I know that eventually I will want a reef setup and I'm looking to start with at least a 75 gallon tank, up to 90 possibly. I know most of you will say start smaller, but I know me and will regret not getting at least a 75 to start. I would like to start with rocks and beginner fish that are cheap and hearty. My number one concern is where do I start after the tank and stand. Do I get a sump setup or go a little more simple? Thoughts, suggestions and general comments are all appreciated. Looking forward to a new addiction!

Welcome to the hobby and R2R!

Personally i would always start with a sump. Just gives so mamy better options for equipment(algae scrubber, protein skimmer, refugium, UV, mechanical filtration, someplace to easily dose, heaters,etc). Not saying buy all that at the start(or possibly ever), but it is nice to easily have the space and setup to easily add those things and not limited to ones that can fit in or off of display.

theMeat · Mar 7, 2022

bnord said:
Welcome!
Better chance you will later wish you had a sump than you are happy you don’t have one

Do you have a good reef shop within an hour drive?

Best of luck!!

What kind of triggerfish is that?

bnord · Mar 7, 2022

Smile, I can see how it looks that way. But that’s my long-term buddy Vlamingi Tang. Just had to rehome him because he outgrew my 180. Best fish ever had.
Thinking about upsizing just so that I can get them back. And there is a blue jar trigger in that tank

bnord · Mar 7, 2022

Dysert said:
That is one of the things I'm going to look into this weekend. Here in Utah most people like all the outdoorsy stuff. There are a few fish stores about 45 minutes from me that I will be going to. I know a local shop is a good source, but looks pretty limited here.

Whether you end up securing your tag from one of these folks or just having somebody else to talk to and look at different set ups you’ll be much better off. If you’re seriously considering up to 90 then yes a Sump will allow you to grow learn and expand and make it a long-term home for your reef
excited for you for your new adventure