New to salt water aquariums

[Steve - Ohio]

I am also a newbie and have a local store that has a JBJ Next Generation 28G for $399.99 and stand for $169.99 that includes water. Because I am new and have wanted to reef/saltwater for a long time, I prefer to start small, lower cost so I don't invest a lot and then decide it's not me or my lifestyle doesn't allow me to keep up with it all. I feel this way I get the learning opportunity while having a tank that fits my condo better for now. That is just my thought process as I know many say go bigger earlier but I want to get into it first and confirm that this lifestyle is for me because it truly is a lifestyle once you start spending money. It isn't like in college buying a 10g goldfish aquarium that you can spend $30.00 bucks and toss it in the dumpster in a year with no pain.

 

[simpleman]

bigger is better welcome to R2R

 

[Salty Lemon]

Depends on what you are wanting to do. Personally I’d go as big as I could (space and budget taken into account) because it opens up more options for inhabitants.

If you go the 32 gallon you may very well end up upgrading later.

What inhabitants are you considering?

I agree with Jason (and it seems most everyone else). Everyone wants to go bigger and you can do so much more with it. A bigger tank is also more forgiving -- but get what you can afford. It is no fun to have a big tank but not be able to support it. It is better to have an awesome smaller tank you can care for and everyone wants to look at, than a huge tank that looks mediocre because you can't afford to stock and maintain it. No matter what -- this forum will help you out.

 

[link81]

IMO a 40 breeder is nearly a perfect size to start with.
Big enough to be stable and have interesting inhabitants. simple to light. can re-purpose tank when (not if) you go bigger. either as a sump or a quarantine tank.

oh...
and WELCOME!!

 

[sfin52]

I agree with Jason (and it seems most everyone else). Everyone wants to go bigger and you can do so much more with it. A bigger tank is also more forgiving -- but get what you can afford. It is no fun to have a big tank but not be able to support it. It is better to have an awesome smaller tank you can care for and everyone wants to look at, than a huge tank that looks mediocre because you can't afford to stock and maintain it. No matter what -- this forum will help you out.

That's sound advice.

 

[sfin52]

IMO a 40 breeder is nearly a perfect size to start with.
Big enough to be stable and have interesting inhabitants. simple to light. can re-purpose tank when (not if) you go bigger. either as a sump or a quarantine tank.

oh...
and WELCOME!!

Agree that's a great recommendation. There are times when I wish I had a smaller tank. When something goes out the bigger the tank the more expensive to replace.

Future maintenance and replacements should be considered as well.

 

[MombasaLionfish]

Usually when you have a smaller tank you have to do more frequent water changes.

 

[MombasaLionfish]

bigger is better welcome to R2R

Wise words.

 

[reef lover]

Welcome to r2r and the salt life!!

 

[Hermie]

I know the fellow from tidalgardens recommends a 150gal for first timers. Changing 10% of the water really isnt that much and there's 5 times the volume of a biocube... a lot more room for error.

 

[oldfishman]

As you are new I advise going with the 32 gal. This will give you a chance to see the work required to maintain a reef tank. You will gain experience and learn what you like and dislike. Everyone wants bigger but how much bigger will change over time. Give it a year or so with the 32 and than if you want bigger you can make an informed decision.