New to Salt Water.

[stowers74]

Hey guys! I figured that I'd go ahead and introduce myself.

I'm definitely not new to aquarium keeping (I've been keeping freshwater for years now). I recently got a second job at an LFS that I frequent, and it sells quite a bit of saltwater fish. It is my goal to one day own a small LFS, so I feel as though I should start getting some experience with saltwater.

I had originally considered a nano(ish) tank (20 gallon), but I am leaning more towards a larger size. Everybody that I've talked to highly advises against nano reef tanks, but I am very comfortable with nano tanks, since the majority of my freshwater tanks have been nano sizes.

I'm considering a 55 gallon (which my boss at the LFS said he doesn't suggest, since the width is so small), or a 75 gallon. Instead of a sump, I think I am going to go with a cannister filter (I have used them forever and love them). I've been hearing mixed things about power heads and skimmers, but I personally think that I'll use them.

I have absolutely no clue what my options are for stock, however. A few fish have caught my eye while working at the LFS (Bangaii Cardinals, and Gobies) so I would love to have a tank centered around them. I'm open to any suggestions as far as stocking!

 

[rayn]

Welcome to R2R!

Reconsider the sump idea. It adds water volume and a good place to put equipment such as heater/s and skimmer. 55 usually aren't drillable, but 75 are. Just make sure it isn't tempered glass.

Being in fresh you may take care of your canister filter, but they can quickly become nitrate factories in salt water and need weekly cleaning at least.

Good luck either way and keep us posted!

 

[twilliard]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[steelheader.262]

Welcome!!!

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R

 

[jsker]

Welcome to R2R. I have a 72gal and a 75 is good to start with. One of my tanks in the past 75gal, I ran a canister filter. It worked but not great, I replaced it with a hang on the back filter and had good luck. I broke that tank down 14 years ago. Over a year ago I started reefing again and did not go large but like the bowl front instead of a box type tank. On my present tank I have a HOB filter and skimmer. It work really well, but I also agree with @rayn I sump with the way to go. In fact I just finished built my first sump that I am going to use and I will have sump online sometime next week. You also have to look at your budget and your budget will be your tank size and setup. You can always grown later.

 

[stowers74]

Luckily budget isn't too big of a factor for me. I can order just about anything for wholesale prices (anywhere from 40-60% off retail) if I have my boss order things lol. I attempted a sump (super cheap DIY sump) on a freshwater tank, and it went horribly lolol. I tried using an old school pvc pipe method into a trickle tower style sump though. If I can get ahold of a pre drilled tank, then I would attempt a sump lol.

 

[jsker]

Luckily budget isn't too big of a factor for me. I can order just about anything for wholesale prices (anywhere from 40-60% off retail) if I have my boss order things lol. I attempted a sump (super cheap DIY sump) on a freshwater tank, and it went horribly lolol. I tried using an old school pvc pipe method into a trickle tower style sump though. If I can get ahold of a pre drilled tank, then I would attempt a sump lol.

Were do you live?

Craigslist. Just do the sump, With your discounts you looking at $100 for a sump

 

[stowers74]

West Virginia haha. I'm definitely going to be checking Craigslist as well haha

 

[jsker]

West Virginia haha. I'm definitely going to be checking Craigslist as well haha

That is almost far enough to drive for a stalking discount.

Still make a budget, I made a budget, and my wife always say " I thought this was supposed to be cheap, I see the receipts" I don't say anything

 

[stowers74]

I got super lucky I guess, my fiancé is just as crazy about fish as me haha!

 

[jsker]

Just follow the Dave Ramsey Plan, and create a cash envelope for the fish tank. If you do not know who he is, find him on talk radio. If you pursue the business, this will be away the you will be successful with out losing your shirt. And if you do, you will not owe anybody. This is how we run our things. Good luck and I want to see a thread with your tank.

 

[stowers74]

I am very familiar with Dave Ramsey. My parents ALWAYS made me listen to him on the radio when I was little lol. I actually already use the envelope system (for things like savings, vacation money, etc, so I think I should easily be able to add an envelope for fish stuff! Do you actually have experience in owning an LFS?