Newbie to saltwater tanks.

[Camrea47]

Hi there,

New to the forum and new to the world of saltwater aquariums!

I've been interested for a while and finally decided to get a tank of my own.

My first question is are all in one systems like the aqua one aquareef or redsea max c aquariums good for a beginner or is it better off to buy all the equipment separately.

I've done some research and it seems like a lot of people have to replace parts (skimmer etc) in order to make these tanks work well. Is this the case or are they fine to begin with and upgrade later on down the track.

Thanks for your replies!

Look forward to creating my own tank!

 

[Albz]

Im also new too. I purchased the Nuvo 40 gallon reef Tank! I've read a lot of good things on it for a beginner!!! so i went with it! till i get experience...

 

[BummersReef]

Hi there,

New to the forum and new to the world of saltwater aquariums!

I've been interested for a while and finally decided to get a tank of my own.

My first question is are all in one systems like the aqua one aquareef or redsea max c aquariums good for a beginner or is it better off to buy all the equipment separately.

I've done some research and it seems like a lot of people have to replace parts (skimmer etc) in order to make these tanks work well. Is this the case or are they fine to begin with and upgrade later on down the track.

Thanks for your replies!

Look forward to creating my own tank!

First of all, WELCOME. This place is going to be very very helpful for you so ... ask away. There is no stupid question.

As far as an all-in-one versus getting separate - it all depends! lol depends on several things ...
1) how big of a tank/system are you aiming for? for smaller systems, people seem to like the all-in-one. But if you want a bigger tank, the all-in-ones might not be a good idea as the bigger the tank the more important a separate sump/refug becomes (the more total water volume, the more stable the tank is)
2) are you going to do a reef tank or just fish? reef tanks, especially on the bigger side, take all kinds of tweeking and you will find yourself wanting to add different components as it grows
3) how much money do you want to spend?? (big question!)
4) How handy are you? does plumbing freak you out? if so, all-in-one is usually easier to figure out
5) How much mental energy to you want to expend on learning this hobby? if you tend to be on the "lazy" side (which is fine), all-in-ones involve less overall mental figuring (still not easy!)

IMO, if you are going to do a small tank (30 gallons or less) and are very new, all in one might be great. But if you think you are going to eventually go gung-ho and want something that can hold a lot of fish and coral, doing things separately is much more common. This hobby is all about going slow and learning as you go. As you figure out all the different components, you are learning every time and the more you learn the more successful you will be.

 

[Camrea47]

First of all, WELCOME. This place is going to be very very helpful for you so ... ask away. There is no stupid question.

As far as an all-in-one versus getting separate - it all depends! lol depends on several things ...
1) how big of a tank/system are you aiming for? for smaller systems, people seem to like the all-in-one. But if you want a bigger tank, the all-in-ones might not be a good idea as the bigger the tank the more important a separate sump/refug becomes (the more total water volume, the more stable the tank is)
2) are you going to do a reef tank or just fish? reef tanks, especially on the bigger side, take all kinds of tweeking and you will find yourself wanting to add different components as it grows
3) how much money do you want to spend?? (big question!)
4) How handy are you? does plumbing freak you out? if so, all-in-one is usually easier to figure out
5) How much mental energy to you want to expend on learning this hobby? if you tend to be on the "lazy" side (which is fine), all-in-ones involve less overall mental figuring (still not easy!)

IMO, if you are going to do a small tank (30 gallons or less) and are very new, all in one might be great. But if you think you are going to eventually go gung-ho and want something that can hold a lot of fish and coral, doing things separately is much more common. This hobby is all about going slow and learning as you go. As you figure out all the different components, you are learning every time and the more you learn the more successful you will be.

HI thanks for the reply.
I'm the tanks I'm looking at are around the 30-40 gallon mark as that's what I can really fit in my house at the moment.
Money isn't a huge issue as I would like to get good equipment to begin with so I don't have to keep buying new things that I should only have to buy once.
In terms of being handy I'm a builder by trade so have no problem getting my hands dirty and making stuff for the tank.
I really want a reef tank and I've already decided I want live sand and rock (which I've read really helps with filtration?)

 

[Salty1962]

I would figure out what you want in the 3~5 yr timeframe and build from there. The all in ones, like the IMs, are nice but limit what you can do when you get deeper into reefing. I would go with a reputable tank builder and get one with a sump. Plan your tank out, mine took a year, and watch for sales on the equipment you want to put in it. This hobby is very addictive and we start off small but inevitably get big, a few years back I started off softies and ended up 80% SPS in 2 yrs. If you plan it out, read, read, read and ask any questions, then your over all investment will be less, if there is such a thing There are many experienced reefers here that are more than wiling to help you on your journey. The object of this hobby is to have a tank that we can sit back and look at and say "WOW"!

 

[DalPal25]

Just like @Albz said, the 40 NUVO is perfect for beginners. I have one myself! If you are able to (sounds like you are) build your own stand for it. It'll be cheaper and probably easier, I don't know from personal experience but have heard the stand that comes with the 40 NUVO are a real pain to put together. It's the size you're looking for, as close to plug-and-play as it gets and, even though you said money isn't an issue, it's affordable so you can more of your money and spend it on fish/corals

 

[Camrea47]

Just like @Albz said, the 40 NUVO is perfect for beginners. I have one myself! If you are able to (sounds like you are) build your own stand for it. It'll be cheaper and probably easier, I don't know from personal experience but have heard the stand that comes with the 40 NUVO are a real pain to put together. It's the size you're looking for, as close to plug-and-play as it gets and, even though you said money isn't an issue, it's affordable so you can more of your money and spend it on fish/corals

Hmm it seems like the nuvo tank isn't easy to come by in my country (new zealand) from a quick Google search.
Seems like building my own tank will be the best option as from research the aqua one and redsea all in one's have problems with the included skimmers/pumps etc and I'll end up spending more in the long run.
I would like the nuvo 40 if anyone knows where I can source one from as they do look like a good tank.

 

[BummersReef]

If you are in a relatively urban area check online sites (Craig's list or whatever sort of service they have in NZ) as sometimes you can get excellent deals from people getting out of the hobby. 40 gallon "breeders" are fairly common here - the tank itself is one place you can save serious money - as everything else is EXPENSIVE (most important thing to save your money for is the lights if you want a reef tank)
Are you thinking of a hang on back filter or a sump? If sump you need a "drilled" tank

 

[Camrea47]

If you are in a relatively urban area check online sites (Craig's list or whatever sort of service they have in NZ) as sometimes you can get excellent deals from people getting out of the hobby. 40 gallon "breeders" are fairly common here - the tank itself is one place you can save serious money - as everything else is EXPENSIVE (most important thing to save your money for is the lights if you want a reef tank)
Are you thinking of a hang on back filter or a sump? If sump you need a "drilled" tank

I have been looking at sites like that, just wasn't sure on if getting a second hand tank was a good idea to get.
I think I'm leaning towards a sump system, I like the idea of getting frags (correct term?) And growing those in the sump until they are ready for going into the main tank.
Also for the fact that I can get a skimmer later on down the track if need be (I've been told they aren't necessary for a nano tank).

 

[BummersReef]

I think a used tank is a great option (all our tanks have been used with zero regrets) it's best if you can see it up and running but for a small tank like you are talking about you can easily check for leaks. Many people get tank and stand used and save their money for quality other stuff. Sumps are also a favorite especially if you want to add stuff as you go. However I don't see many people using sump for frags as you need a good light for most coral and sump is hidden under tank with no light or small light if it includes a refugium. You can grow frags in your main tank (display tank or DT) Look for a used nano or cube or breeder - good idea. Is this tank going to be in a main high visibility spot in the house? If so then sump is very good idea, to hide all the stuff under the tank. But if you can find a good used all in one system I'd do that - great way to learn. If buying new, I guess I'd go with sump etc. just my opinion of course. Used tank Prices here in US are around $1 per gallon so keep that in mind - of course the stand and other stuff is more. If you get used rock - come here and ask about what to do. I'd advise against used sand. Do you have a good Local Fish Store (LFS) near you? They can be huge help IF they are good.
Good luck and let us know when you get your tank!

 

[Camrea47]

I think a used tank is a great option (all our tanks have been used with zero regrets) it's best if you can see it up and running but for a small tank like you are talking about you can easily check for leaks. Many people get tank and stand used and save their money for quality other stuff. Sumps are also a favorite especially if you want to add stuff as you go. However I don't see many people using sump for frags as you need a good light for most coral and sump is hidden under tank with no light or small light if it includes a refugium. You can grow frags in your main tank (display tank or DT) Look for a used nano or cube or breeder - good idea. Is this tank going to be in a main high visibility spot in the house? If so then sump is very good idea, to hide all the stuff under the tank. But if you can find a good used all in one system I'd do that - great way to learn. If buying new, I guess I'd go with sump etc. just my opinion of course. Used tank Prices here in US are around $1 per gallon so keep that in mind - of course the stand and other stuff is more. If you get used rock - come here and ask about what to do. I'd advise against used sand. Do you have a good Local Fish Store (LFS) near you? They can be huge help IF they are good.
Good luck and let us know when you get your tank!

Okay cool I'll have a look, I was also looking at the redsea reefer nano and reading about it it seems to be an awesome little tank.
Do you know much about it?
Room is the only issue I have and I'm not moving for a long time so I will be stuck with what I have for a few years yet.
Oh I was going to put a light in the cabinet for the frags or do they need some natural light to grow also?
Sorry for all the questions but there is just so much to learn! Thanks for all your responses.

 

[BummersReef]

Never apologize for asking questions here, we all love questions. I'm sorry but I don't know anything about the Redsea nano. You know that the smaller tank you get, the fewer your options when it comes to fish and coral. And with a smaller volume of water the bigger hit to your tank when you make a mistake (which you will, it happens to all of us) Just a friendly word of warning in case you become hooked and then you are stuck with a tank that is too small and the next thing you know you are forking over more money for bigger ... <grin> I just want to go on record on having warned you of the extremely addictive nature of this hobby.
But there is so much to learn that (as long as you are patient) going small and all-in-one can offer a great deal of learning opportunity. You need patience and research ... and then an extra big dose of patience!
Unfortunately I have little info to offer you in terms of frags. I have a little (very little) experience with very basic corals but have never done a "frag tank." But when we talk about light for corals we are talking about artificial light. The amount of light you need all depends on the kind of corals you want to grow. All corals want light but some can take a "low light" environment and others need very high light levels. In very general terms, you will hear about three basic kinds - soft coral, LPS and SPS. The softies need the least amount of light and it goes up from there (but that is a super basic run-down)
This is a grow as you go hobby. Start with what your budget and space can afford and just be fore-warned - it's addictive!
what is your situation as far as a good LFS near you??

 

[Camrea47]

Never apologize for asking questions here, we all love questions. I'm sorry but I don't know anything about the Redsea nano. You know that the smaller tank you get, the fewer your options when it comes to fish and coral. And with a smaller volume of water the bigger hit to your tank when you make a mistake (which you will, it happens to all of us) Just a friendly word of warning in case you become hooked and then you are stuck with a tank that is too small and the next thing you know you are forking over more money for bigger ... <grin> I just want to go on record on having warned you of the extremely addictive nature of this hobby.
But there is so much to learn that (as long as you are patient) going small and all-in-one can offer a great deal of learning opportunity. You need patience and research ... and then an extra big dose of patience!
Unfortunately I have little info to offer you in terms of frags. I have a little (very little) experience with very basic corals but have never done a "frag tank." But when we talk about light for corals we are talking about artificial light. The amount of light you need all depends on the kind of corals you want to grow. All corals want light but some can take a "low light" environment and others need very high light levels. In very general terms, you will hear about three basic kinds - soft coral, LPS and SPS. The softies need the least amount of light and it goes up from there (but that is a super basic run-down)
This is a grow as you go hobby. Start with what your budget and space can afford and just be fore-warned - it's addictive!
what is your situation as far as a good LFS near you??

Okay thanks, looks like I will stay away from the nano then and get something around 40g which is probably as much as the space I have will allow.
But no doubt I'll see a bigger tank and want that so we shall see haha.
My LFS seems pretty good, they have a huge shop and more than half is marine orientated and the staff seem helpful.
I'm already addicted and all I've done so far is research!

 

[Camrea47]

I've decided to go for the reefer 170.
Are there any suggestions for lighting, skimmers and return pumps?
I'm going to be putting in a few soft corals to start with but will most probably end up with a mixed reef.