My friend has a reef tank that is over 200 gallons I fell in love with seeing this being said I now want to get into the hobby. I have been watching video after video guide after guide but want to hear from others. I am going to be purchasing a 125 gallon tank to have a reef tank. What corals, fish, clean up crews do you all think are going to be ideal (yes im a beginner so don't go to insane!). Will appreciate any feedback or suggestions / what else ill need and to keep in mind! Thanks everyone in advance!
New Reef Tank need advice!
- Thread starter ryan_gook
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Billldg
My Gem Tang Is Watching You
First things first, unless you have some fish in mind, don't worry about that at this time. Patience is key to a successful reef tank. I would start to plan your equipment choices first. Would you like to keep softies, lps, or sps down the road. It will help you in your choices of equipment. I would suggest, if you haven't already seen it, the Bulk Reef Supply, or as we refer it as the BRS 52 weeks of reefing. Welcome to R2R!!!
Jon Fishman
Cleveland Ohio, buy/sell local!
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Welcome!
Kinda depends on what you like, so hard to recommend fish. I am VERY happy with going bare-bottom (no sand) so that's something to possibly consider.
Going slow will save you a lot of money in mistakes, and also buying good quality the FIRST time!
Kinda depends on what you like, so hard to recommend fish. I am VERY happy with going bare-bottom (no sand) so that's something to possibly consider.
Going slow will save you a lot of money in mistakes, and also buying good quality the FIRST time!
Flippers4pups
Fins up since 1993
As others have stated, go slow and read all of the stickies here on Reef2reef on setting up a tank.
I can tell you that you should look at getting a 125 reef ready. It's drilled and has overflows for a sump. You will be much happier down the road.
I have a 6' 125 gallon.
TessGlo
Active Member
Welcome! !!!! I know how exciting it all is, especially when you are just starting, take your time, do all the research you can, trust it will pay off, nothing good happens fast in this hobby. Before I do anything I really try to ask myself if I completely understand why I am doing it. If it's a piece of equipment I ask myself if I understand precisely how it will help maintain say, water quality. It's very easy to think you need every piece of fancy perfect equipment you hear about, but its really about understanding how you maintain basic water parameters and the multitude of ways to accomplish that. For example, UV sterilizers are a great tool but it's not something you absolutely need, like say a heater, so if you decide to add one, make sure you understand precisely what you are trying to accomplish with it.
Good luck and enjoy the ride!
Good luck and enjoy the ride!
Dave1993
2500 Club Member
I'm going to be starting my tank next year too 
i'm ether going to be building my tank around the skeletor eel or the Golden dwarf i have also been watching guide after guide and people on this site have give me great advice wish i trusted my floor to hold a 125 gallon then i would be building my tank around the banana eel lol 
i'm ether going to be building my tank around the skeletor eel or the Golden dwarf i have also been watching guide after guide and people on this site have give me great advice wish i trusted my floor to hold a 125 gallon then i would be building my tank around the banana eel lol 
Welcome to REEF2REEF! We all share the love you are feeling right now. Don’t rush. Do your research and know what you are getting into. It can be extremely frustrating at times. Make sure you keep a positive attitude and never buy any livestock before you know everything you can about it. Enjoy every second of the hobby and ask every question you can!
mike550
Valuable Member
Welcome Ryan! I started about 8 weeks ago with a 120G reefer. Just a few things I’ve learned along the way.
- Patience is key. It takes time for a tank to establish itself. Take your time adding fish, coral, choosing equipment, etc
- If you can afford a small Quarantine Tank for fish that can save your tank from infection.
- Definitely watch the BRS 52 weeks of reefing. It will give you a lot of helpful ideas and best practices but remember you don’t need to buy all of the stuff they suggest.
- There are a ton of people that will offer advice. EVERYONE has an opinion and will disagree. Take the time to learn the facts, and form your own opinions.
- Build your tank over time. Start with the core “must have“ equipment and add as your needs require it.
