New Lurker considering taking the plunge

[Raddock]

HI all,

I had a reef tank 20 years ago and had to give it up due to a series of moves. I'm now retired and considering starting a new tank. I've been reading and watching YouTube videos for a few weeks and just found R2R so I thought I'd see what's up here. It seems that the technology and husbandry has exploded in the last 20 years and there are now many more options and things to consider than there used to be. I'm really getting excited about committing to this hobby, but I need more information to decide how to go about it.

 

[Shep]

Welcome! Do you have any questions right now? I'd be happy to help

 

[Raddock]

Hi Shep! I've been binge watching the BRS 52week tank set up of their 160 gallon tank...caught up through week 36 now. I'm looking at equipment and livestock on line. Looking for a local store with no success, though I have another lead to try Tuesday. I'm looking at my budget and the cost of things to decide whether and how much I want to take on. What size system would you recommend? I'm thinking a 48 X 24 100 gal is about the most I can accommodate both physically and financially. Any recommendations for size and sources?

 

[Kershaw]

100 gal is great size to start. Keep in mind the live stock you want, if you want tangs and angles you might want to think larger. You can find some killer deals on established tanks on Craigslist.

 

[Retro Reefer]

Welcome to the forum! Yes things have changed but a lot has not.. I also recently retired and set set up a new tank after a long absence, decided to go with a nano because of all the things you mentioned

 

[bobman]

Yes craigslist is your friend when getting a new system sometimes you can get a whole system for next to nothing and if needed just upgrade a couple items and your all set to go.

 

[_Conway]

HI all,

I had a reef tank 20 years ago and had to give it up due to a series of moves. I'm now retired and considering starting a new tank. I've been reading and watching YouTube videos for a few weeks and just found R2R so I thought I'd see what's up here. It seems that the technology and husbandry has exploded in the last 20 years and there are now many more options and things to consider than there used to be. I'm really getting excited about committing to this hobby, but I need more information to decide how to go about it.

Welcome
Get the largest tank you think you can manage. [emoji4]
Visit every aquarium store in your city to view fish and research their requirements.
You've already made the best first step and that's research.
Read as many forums as possible.
Good luck and happy reefing

 

[Shep]

Hi Shep! I've been binge watching the BRS 52week tank set up of their 160 gallon tank...caught up through week 36 now. I'm looking at equipment and livestock on line. Looking for a local store with no success, though I have another lead to try Tuesday. I'm looking at my budget and the cost of things to decide whether and how much I want to take on. What size system would you recommend? I'm thinking a 48 X 24 100 gal is about the most I can accommodate both physically and financially. Any recommendations for size and sources?

So typically bigger tanks are easier to keep but they are a whole lot more work and money. I might recommend a 75g tank, they are a great size and shape that allows you to keep cool fish and have great rock work but yet still saves you a ton of cash

 

[dbl]

Welcome to R2R and congrats on your retirement. Do you have any local reef clubs in your area? I know Louisiana has one which isn't too far...assuming you're in Gulfport, MS. May want to take a look at their site, as often members have/want to sell and will list on the clubs site.

http://www.lareefclub.com/community/

As said above, larger is better (at least more forgiving) but it has to fit in to your budget among other things.

Continue your research and you'll find something and take the plunge.

 

[Salty1962]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[Diesel]

 

[ndz98]

Welcome to r2r!

 

[Reeferfourlife]

Welcome aboard! The size of tank depends on what you like to keep. A lot of peeps like more shallow tank nowadays for corals. Also you can have weaker lights that way. Saves a ton of money that way.

 

[Raddock]

Thanks to all for the welcoming and encouraging words! I'll take them to heart and keep you updated on my progress here.

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R

 

[120reefkeeper]

 

[cameronh]

Welcome to reef2reef!

 

[Scottsquatch]

Welcome to R2R! I have only been in a couple of years after a 14 yr absence. I came back in with a 5 gallon nano to get refamiliarized, and am now almost done with a 33 gal build. I already have a 220 waiting on me in the basement for next year. Prepare to fall back in hard. Many great people here always willing to help. Good luck!

 

[Raddock]

Just a follow up- I've decided that I'll take the plunge and jump in in a big way. I've ordered a 180 gallon tank and stand. While it's on the way, I'm setting up my R/O DI system to feed a stacked 40 gallon holding tank and salt mixing tank. I built the stand today and will finish it tomorrow. I didn't think to take pics while building it, but I'll post some tomorrow after it's done.

I found a great LFS with super helpful staff, so I'm inspired and pumped

 

[Pdandy]

Just a follow up- I've decided that I'll take the plunge and jump in in a big way. I've ordered a 180 gallon tank and stand. While it's on the way, I'm setting up my R/O DI system to feed a stacked 40 gallon holding tank and salt mixing tank. I built the stand today and will finish it tomorrow. I didn't think to take pics while building it, but I'll post some tomorrow after it's done.

I found a great LFS with super helpful staff, so I'm inspired and pumped

Now that's how you do it!