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!

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R

 

[AlexStinson]

Welcome to R2R and saltwater. Your boss was right, a 55 really isn't suited to a reef tank. Pretty much everyone here would recommend a sump, there are just too many peripherals you end up with that make your tank unsightly, plus the added water volume of a sump is a huge benefit. As far as hearing mixed things about powerheads, I'm not really sure what you could have heard, if you are aiming for a reef tank, and not just fish, good water movement is a must. Most people will agree that you need to remove nurtients from the tank in some way, a skimmer is a great way to accomplish that, but people have had a lot of success with algae turf scrubbers, refugiums, even constant water changes (not recommended for a 75 imo). If you are gonna go with a tank that has bangaiis as a centerpiece, I highly recommend getting a longspine urchin, as that is where they host.

 

[Wiz]

Yeah. What he said. ↑↑ lol

 

[stowers74]

Welcome to R2R and saltwater. Your boss was right, a 55 really isn't suited to a reef tank. Pretty much everyone here would recommend a sump, there are just too many peripherals you end up with that make your tank unsightly, plus the added water volume of a sump is a huge benefit. As far as hearing mixed things about powerheads, I'm not really sure what you could have heard, if you are aiming for a reef tank, and not just fish, good water movement is a must. Most people will agree that you need to remove nurtients from the tank in some way, a skimmer is a great way to accomplish that, but people have had a lot of success with algae turf scrubbers, refugiums, even constant water changes (not recommended for a 75 imo). If you are gonna go with a tank that has bangaiis as a centerpiece, I highly recommend getting a longspine urchin, as that is where they host.

One of my coworkers said that he hasn't ever used a power head (his tank did look kinda crappy, though). I just realized that I accidentally double posted the original post. Oops! I think I will definitely do a sump, I'm just leery of drilling holes lol.

 

[Vaiodude]

Welcome to the forum. I would strongly consider a sump. I was really leery at first and was used to canister filters and their benefits in the freshwater tanks. Unfortunately using canisters on saltwater can become a nitrate factory. A sump gives you so much more flexibility.

I know a LOT of people rank on 55 gallon tanks and how they are hard to aquascape. I have had one for 3 years and have received nothing but compliments on the scape and the corals. It's all about the space you have and what you want it to look like.

 

[120reefkeeper]

 

[hybridazn]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[TUSI]

Welcome home to reef 2reef

 

[Bunnee911]

Welcome

 

[PatW]

I would suggest no canister filter and instead go with a protein skimmer. Protein skimmers are almost a must have piece of equipment for any tank over 40 gallons. Canister filters need cleaning out very often to work in marine systems and doing that can get really tedious. In facts, I have never heard of anyone with an established tank who uses one.

It sounds as if you are thinking of a 4' tank. At that range, you are talking about 3 basic options: a 70, 90, or 120 gallon tank. Having more "depth" in a tank, really increases the scope of your aquascape. For that reason the 90 or 120 are generally preferred.

The thing to do is think about what you want to do with the tank. If you want tangs, you need to go with a tank with at least a 6' length. So for tangs, we are talking a 125, 180, or a custom tank. If you want SPS corals, you will need powerful lights, great nutrient export, lots of water motion and dosers to replace nutrients. Many choices will eliminate other options. You can keep small peaceful fish with a frog fish. The frog fish will appreciate the snacks.

 

[armyguy]

Here's my 2 cents, start with a 30 gallon, one kessil 160we, a DIY protein skimmer (pm me for details), some cheap live rock of craigslist, and some cheap 8$ powerheads from eBay! I run my whole system like this, use oceanic sea salt and do water changes so you don't need expensive additives. You do not need a dosing system to keep SPS!!!! I have a dominated sps tank and they are thriving of a simple system. It boils down to whether you want to do the science or spend loads on equipment so you don't have to pay attention to parameters.

 

[stowers74]

I may actually look into getting a 90 gallon. I like the extra width of a 90. Where I work at an LFS, I can have my boss order me tanks/equipment at cost (usually around 1/2 off).

 

[Anirban]

Welcome...

 

[Salty1962]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[cameronh]

Welcome to reef2reef!

 

[Bunnee911]

Now, let's have fun.

 

[stowers74]

Approximately how much do 75, 90, and 120 gallons cost? I'm going to ask my boss what kind of prices he can get for me lol. I am leaning more towards the 90 gallon. I'm assuming that a 40 breeder would make a suitable sump? I would like to do a fairly large refugium. I have made almost every stand, so I think I'm going to DIY this one too.

 

[HardyG]

Welcome to R2R. I would bypass the 55 gallon and go as large as you have the space for. Like your boss said the dimensions aren't that great and you'll be wanting to upgrade to a larger tank after you get the addiction to coral which will surely come lol

 

[ScottMyers123]

Welcome to R2R. As your boss stated a 75 or 90 gallon would be a better footprint. As far as using a canister filter I would not recommend it on a saltwater tank. As stated before a canister becomes a nitrate factory over a period of time. A sump would be your best option so that you can hide most of your equipment (protein skimmer, refugium, heater, etc). As far as flow goes if you plan on having a reef tank you will need a good amount of flow to keep detritus from settling on the sand. I hope this helps and good luck with your system.