New to reefing

Peli45 · Nov 8, 2022

I am looking to start a cool reef, but I am a bit short on funds to do so. What tank sizes/ fish would be cool to put in for possibly under 1400?
I own a freshwater aquarium and want to try some corals/ more advanced fish.
(PS- I like eels but that does not seem doable for less than 1400)

Mr. Mojo Rising · Nov 8, 2022

unfortunately freshwater experience really doesn't help in the switch over to salt, many things are done very differently in salt tanks.

The most expensive unit on a reef tank by far is the light. With your budget, I would build a 20 gallon tank, sand, rocks, powerheads, and either Prime HD or Kessil (never had a kessil before), and thats it. It's big enough for 3 or 4 small fish, and should still leave enough money to buy some nice corals. Weekly water changes would be the main filtration. I'm sure you have a spare hob filter that you can use to run carbon. This is the most simple basic set up that I tend to like.

Anyway, I find salt tanks a lot more fascinating and rewarding that fresh water tanks, that just my opinion. The most important thing of all is lots of research before any action. Good luck.

dstockwell · Nov 8, 2022

Welcome to the Reef

Check Facebook market place, Craigslist, LFS. You can find good deals on used.

LisaMarie · Nov 8, 2022

Welcome to Reef2Reef! It sounds like you are ready to start the saltwater journey. Secondhand equipment will help keep you in budget but I always recommend buying the tank new (or from someone you know and trust).