New to R2R and the hobby

[Newtoy]

Hello everyone!

My name is Chris, and I'm 38 years old from the Chicagoland area. I'm new to the saltwater reef/coral tank hobby and decided to join this forum to learn and research before diving in blindly and making countless mistakes.

As a complete beginner, I have very little knowledge about this hobby. I'm considering starting with a tank around 30-50 gallons, as I've read that smaller tanks can be more challenging to maintain and keep stable.

I plan to include some corals and a few fish in my setup. Based on my limited research, some beginner-friendly fish I'm considering are clownfish, damselfish (although I've read they can be territorial), firefish (which need plenty of hiding spots), Royal Gramma, and Cardinalfish (which prefer to be kept in groups).

For corals, I'm looking at Zoanthids, Mushroom Corals, Green Star Polyps, Kenya Tree Coral, and Xenia Coral (though I'm concerned because I've read they can spread quickly).

I aim to start with easy species and gradually learn how to care for them and manage the intricacies of maintaining a saltwater reef/coral tank.

Thank you for any advice or recommendations you can provide! I am almost done putting a build list together and will be posting that in the appropriate area of the forums.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family!

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

Welcome to Reef2reef, Chris!

You're on the right track. It sounds like your stocking list is coming together which is exciting! Once you have one figured out (or if you need additional help), you can post in this thread. You've listed some great begginer corals that yes, can become invasive. I'd suggest adding 1 to 2 of those to see how they do, and if they do well you can start adding easy corals that you like more and are less invasive.

If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask! Good luck and happy reefing!!

 

[DDenny]

 

[Reef Wizard]

 

[kvansloo]

Hello, and welcome.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

Hey Chris, its Chris. Welcome!

I'm impressed that you're researching fish and doing your thorough homework before starting a tank. I have a royal and they are great fish once they get comfy. Clowns are great as well for the size range as well. First and foremost, get as much tank volume as you can afford. If you are thinking 30-50, I would say go as high as 75 if you can make it work. But 50 is a great tank. I would shoot for more length than width to give potential fish that like to swim some room. I would go 3-4 feet in length but that's just me. If you are already thinking 50, 75 wont be much more upfront cost.

Corals, be careful with Xenia and GSP unless its on an island and/or surrounded by coral that will sting it back if it tries to spread. I have GSP and do just that. Zoas are awesome and beautiful, and prob my fav coral. Mushrooms- look into Ricordea Yuma mushrooms or Rodactis. Other mushrooms can be very invasive.
Nothing wrong with getting some LPS too like Euphyllia (frogspawn, hammer). Chalices are also great but grow slowly.
-C

 

[Mr Fishface]

Welcome to R2R! You have a really great list lined up already for fish and corals. If you go with a damsel, I really recommend a springeri damsel. Very blue, stays small and has been very peaceful with my other fish (which includes 2 clowns and a goby).

 

[Formulator]

Welcome to R2R! Go Cardinals!

 

[Just John]

Welcome! As someone who has pulsing xenia and really likes it, I would say keep it on an island (as everyone else has said) and also make sure it does not brush up any other rocks in the current even a little, because it can even spread that way. Also, be very careful when trimming it, because any tiny piece that is cut off by accident will grow wherever it lands. Same for Kenya Tree. Now the fun starts!! Enjoy!

 

[CO2TLEY]

 

[Ocean_Queenie]

Hello & Welcome Chris!

 

[Buckster]

Hello Chris and Welcome to R2R! I have a 180 and use three LED lights. I have a sump with 3 socks, a protein skimmer and refugium.

 

[Shnetts]

Welcome to R2R!!!!

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R and the salty world Chris. Take things slowly. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[BlazerPR]

Hello everyone!

My name is Chris, and I'm 38 years old from the Chicagoland area. I'm new to the saltwater reef/coral tank hobby and decided to join this forum to learn and research before diving in blindly and making countless mistakes.

As a complete beginner, I have very little knowledge about this hobby. I'm considering starting with a tank around 30-50 gallons, as I've read that smaller tanks can be more challenging to maintain and keep stable.

I plan to include some corals and a few fish in my setup. Based on my limited research, some beginner-friendly fish I'm considering are clownfish, damselfish (although I've read they can be territorial), firefish (which need plenty of hiding spots), Royal Gramma, and Cardinalfish (which prefer to be kept in groups).

For corals, I'm looking at Zoanthids, Mushroom Corals, Green Star Polyps, Kenya Tree Coral, and Xenia Coral (though I'm concerned because I've read they can spread quickly).

I aim to start with easy species and gradually learn how to care for them and manage the intricacies of maintaining a saltwater reef/coral tank.

Thank you for any advice or recommendations you can provide! I am almost done putting a build list together and will be posting that in the appropriate area of the forums.

Welcome to the fam Chris welcome to R2R !!!

 

[Sumbub]

Welcome to the best forum for reefing!

 

[Newtoy]

Thank you everyone I appreciate the warm welcome messages and the helpful guidance and tips. I made a post on the other part of the forums with my current build list of things I plan on purchasing however I haven't purchased anything yet. I want to get a solid foundation and have a gameplan before blindly buying and messing stuff up.

 

[1112-425XL]