New to this forum and this hobby

ziora · Oct 15, 2015

Hi. I've been interested in saltwater tanks for awhile and just recently decided to plan my tank. My only experience with salt water is our salt water pool and the only experience I have with fish (in my adult life) is my dad's beta in his nursing home. It's been alive and healthy for about 6 months! I'm proud lol

I have seen a few used set ups in my area on Craigslist. I'm not sure if we are allowed to post links to things for sale, but I would like to and ask if the price seems ok and to get some advice on questions to ask. Thanks!

Tahoe61 · Oct 15, 2015

Hi and welcome.

Hopefully a mod will wander by and clarify the posting of craigslist links.

If you have a specific tank in mind, what size is it, how does it cost, what comes with the tank? And a brand of tank if available.

Diesel · Oct 15, 2015

Hey there, welcome to the R2R family.

I suggest hang on here and read a lot, go to the tank build section and read how other members went through their endeavor to success with their tanks.
I don't think their is problem with posting the pics by copy and past and all what comes with the tank.
Just leave Mr Craig out of the picture.
Again read up and than decide on what kind of tank and size.
We have plenty of members here that have equipment for a reasonable price for sale.
Again WELCOME!!

ziora · Oct 15, 2015

Thank you for the welcome!

Here is a description of one of the tanks I was interested in. No idea what to do with the livestock since the tank would have to be set up from scratch. It is $850
The saltwater aquarium is a 75 gallon reef ready with no scratches. the tank includes tank, stand, light, skimmer, sump, return pump, reacter, Auto top off system, 400w heater and a Jebo 40. The livestock in included lawnmower blenny, orange shoulder tang sailfin tang, flameback angel, watchman goby,melon Aris wrasse, two ocellaris clowns 1 pyjama Cardinal and 1 Reef safe pyramid butterfly .the coral that are included are 25 head frog spawn 1 Green torch 5 head hammer 8x6 purple gorgonian one Frag Hollywood stunner chalice.

Diesel · Oct 15, 2015

ziora said:
Thank you for the welcome!

Here is a description of one of the tanks I was interested in. No idea what to do with the livestock since the tank would have to be set up from scratch. It is $850
The saltwater aquarium is a 75 gallon reef ready with no scratches. the tank includes tank, stand, light, skimmer, sump, return pump, reacter, Auto top off system, 400w heater and a Jebo 40. The livestock in included lawnmower blenny, orange shoulder tang sailfin tang, flameback angel, watchman goby,melon Aris wrasse, two ocellaris clowns 1 pyjama Cardinal and 1 Reef safe pyramid butterfly .the coral that are included are 25 head frog spawn 1 Green torch 5 head hammer 8x6 purple gorgonian one Frag Hollywood stunner chalice.

That's a awesome setup but jumping in the hobby like this and have no clue how this system is working lets stand to maintain it is asking for trouble.
If you find someone maybe in your local marine/reef club that can take the livestock and start from scratch you learn along the way a lot more and without any trouble and worries about killing the fish and corals.
It takes a lot more than just viewing a tank and telling yourself "I want that".
We all, well most of us started with just a tank and build it up from there.
For example you need to know how the plumbing works, what kind of light and how to set them up, tweak your drains for the right flow, water quality and how to maintain that, feeding, water changes and testing your water on ALK, CAL, MAG, Po4, No3, k, PH and temperature.
I seems like a lot but make it your own while browsing this forum for a few weeks and ask along, we are here to help you be successful as that's one of our accomplishments to fellow hobbyist.

ziora · Oct 15, 2015

Thanks Diesel. I would definitely rehome the fish and corals. The setup sounded good and I think the price is fair. I would be learning from the ground up and take my time before putting anything live in the tank. Ahh, but I understand what you are saying. Don't start with someone elses setup, build my own? It may be cost prohibitive and is why I was leaning more toward a used tank and/or set up minus the fish, of course.

Diesel · Oct 15, 2015

Find your self a used tank with stand and maybe some equipment.
You might like the new LED's lights or T5 maybe MH.
By starting slowly and buy used equipment it wont have to break the bank either.
If you can find some one who can take the livestock than IMO you got a great starter setup for a few years.
Most ppl in this hobby upgrade within a year.
I'm sure other members will chime in soon as there are about 3775 logged in as we speak and it looks I'm the only one here, lol!

Tahoe61 · Oct 15, 2015

Diesel said:
That's a awesome setup but jumping in the hobby like this and have no clue how this system is working lets stand to maintain it is asking for trouble.
If you find someone maybe in your local marine/reef club that can take the livestock and start from scratch you learn along the way a lot more and without any trouble and worries about killing the fish and corals.
It takes a lot more than just viewing a tank and telling yourself "I want that".
We all, well most of us started with just a tank and build it up from there.
For example you need to know how the plumbing works, what kind of light and how to set them up, tweak your drains for the right flow, water quality and how to maintain that, feeding, water changes and testing your water on ALK, CAL, MAG, Po4, No3, k, PH and temperature.
I seems like a lot but make it your own while browsing this forum for a few weeks and ask along, we are here to help you be successful as that's one of our accomplishments to fellow hobbyist.

^ He knows the scoop. Agree completely.

Start with the size of tank you want? Does that size work with the fish you want to keep in the future?....and so on.

Look into local reefing clubs.

If you go to a local fish store, do your research as able before. Came back and research the stores recommendations and then make an informed decision.

steelheader.262 · Oct 15, 2015

Welcome!!!

ziora · Oct 15, 2015

I'm not sure how the quote feature works, so I don't want to mess it up. I didn't want a massive tank in the beginning. I was thinking 20 gallons, an anemone and 2 clown fish. Then I read it is much hard to to keep a small tank going, so I thought a bigger tank is what I should consider. The more I read, the more I think it may be much much more work than I thought. I also realized it will require floor reinforcement. I'm taking your advice, to read, research, and read some more. I'm not going to get a used setup just yet. Thank you so much for your patient replies. I must have sounded like a little kid who points at a pretty toy....I want that now!

Tahoe61 · Oct 15, 2015

No lol.

Look at the Innovative Marine 40 gallons and the JBJ 45 gallons tanks. See link below, do some window shopping.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Innovati...-Innovative_Marine-0I10444-FIAQNCNTOF-vi.html

I have purchased all my smaller tanks through this company. An all in one tank is affordable and adaptive.

ziora · Oct 15, 2015

Thanks Tahoe. Looking at that 40 gallon tank. That size looks much less daunting and won't have to relocate my fiance's tv to fit a larger tank

Diesel · Oct 15, 2015

Floor reinforcement is easier as you think.
Once you find a place where you think the tank will be a asset to the room it will be in.
And don't relocate your fiancé's HDTV.............. relocate him if possible, lol.
As you see we have a sense of good humor too and it will all makes us here more advanced in some way.
I agree BTW the Innovative Marine 40 gallons is a gem look also into the complete setups from Redsea, both setups keeping their value if maintained good for a later resale if you ever may upgrade.

D maul · Oct 15, 2015

The all in ones are a great start for somebody just starting off. Welcome to r2r and go shopping for a new tank!

ziora · Oct 15, 2015

I hope it doesn't seem like I'm not interested in the fine details and all the hard work that goes in to putting together a fabulous system, but I like the idea of buying the complete setups. This one from Redsea looks awesome! I know it seems pricey, but I think by the time I buy all the components, it will easily add up to that and more.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Red_Sea_..._Complete_Kits-Red_Sea-RS40020-FIAQCK-vi.html

Fiance can easily be relocated to his mancave

D maul · Oct 15, 2015

That looks pretty sweet! When fiancé falls asleep get his wallet lol.

KJ · Oct 16, 2015

Welcome to R2R

jt17 · Oct 16, 2015

Welcome to R2R. All good advice above. I bought my 155 on Craigslist not knowing about all the different equipment and if it was good or not. Most turned out not so good and after replacing lights, return pump, sump and skimmer, I could have just bought a new tank. Starting off new is best, if you can afford it. The Red Sea tanks are really nice. Check out the Red Sea reefer series as well. It's not as complete as the c series but is more versatile if you want to try different thing down the road.
I wish I would have found R2R and asked all the same questions as you before I started. I would have saved a lot of money. Keep the questions coming as we all here remember what it was like to first start out in this hobby and how intimidating it can be. There's a lot of very smart people here that enjoy sharing their knowledge and helping new comers succeed.