Terrible idea to start with a reef tank?

[I like pizza]

Hi all,

I’ve been scouring the net for an answer and came here to ask: am I doomed to failure if I start my aquarium hobby with a reef tank? Everyone says to start with freshwater, and then move to saltwater, and maybe eventually get into reefkeeping, but dang it I’m getting into this hobby because I’m fascinated primarily by coral and secondarily by fish. For what it’s worth, I’m a guy with 20 years of education, who works at home, who can constantly monitor tanks throughout the day. Is it really that bad an idea to start my aquarist hobby with reefkeeping? Would really appreciate any feedback!

 

[blaxsun]

Definitely not. Just remember: with saltwater, slow and steady wins the race.

The Fluval Evo 13.5 gallon is a great starter tank.

 

[Cell]

It's only a bad idea if you are on the fence about wanting to keep fish or perhaps cannot afford the ongoing costs long term. It's an expensive hobby, especially when starting up. Some people get bored quickly and change hobbies frequently. If this is you, then starting with FW might make sense in that it's a lot cheaper and less involved. Just do plenty of research before hand and make sure you understand both the time and financial commitment.

 

[mike550]

It's only a bad idea if you are on the fence about wanting to keep fish or perhaps cannot afford the ongoing costs long term. It's an expensive hobby, especially when starting up. Some people get bored quickly and change hobbies frequently. If this is you, then starting with FW might make sense in that it's a lot cheaper and less involved. Just do plenty of research before hand and make sure you understand both the time and financial commitment.

@I like pizza — this 100%. I had small freshwater tanks for a few years and then when Covid started I decided to do a 120G mixed reef. Here are a few things I’ve learned.

1. It‘s more expensive than you think. So pencil out your costs including recurring stuff like salt mix, testing supplies etc

2. The setbacks are bigger and take longer to fix. I’ve had cyano, aptaisia, fish die, etc.

3. You need to be diligent about tank maintenance. You’re managing an ecosystem and it always seems better to have a regular routine.

Patience is a huge part of success. Nothing fixes itself overnight and slow and steady totally works. In hindsight I’m glad that I did freshwater first, but I really think saltwater is much more fun. You can definitely start with saltwater — especially with groups like R2R

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi all,

I’ve been scouring the net for an answer and came here to ask: am I doomed to failure if I start my aquarium hobby with a reef tank? Everyone says to start with freshwater, and then move to saltwater, and maybe eventually get into reefkeeping, but dang it I’m getting into this hobby because I’m fascinated primarily by coral and secondarily by fish. For what it’s worth, I’m a guy with 20 years of education, who works at home, who can constantly monitor tanks throughout the day. Is it really that bad an idea to start my aquarist hobby with reefkeeping? Would really appreciate any feedback!

Start with fish and after a few weeks, add easy coral such as mushroom, leather, zoa and then graduate to other coral as tank continues to mature. Consider the needs for lighting and flow as you show interest in may corals which will need proper light and flow

 

[exnisstech]

Financially pretend your playing the lottery. If you can't afford to toss the money in the trash then you can't afford to play. Thats how I look at buying corals anyway
Really tho I see no need start with fresh water. But..... if you have never had aquariums it may be a a good idea to start there just to make sure it's something you enjoy before dumping thousands of $ into a reef tank that will require even more of your time unless you automate most stuff which comes with its own set of headaches and expenses. You can't have corals of course but I have had some very nice colorful freshwater fish every bit the wet pets as some of my tangs.

 

[Lps_lover12]

I had freshwater for a month before it got boring to me, then I discovered reef tanks and knew I had to have one. Like everyone is saying be prepared to have lots of Paitence and lots of frustration. As well as it’s not cheap, but well worth it. This forum has helped me so mhch which is nice to have. This hobby is truly amazing

 

[Stoney]

There's a huge range of difficulty in reef aquariums. The most basic saltwater tank isn't any more difficult than freshwater imo. Say like a 20 gallon tank with gsp, leathers, and a clownfish or two. Could probably even use tap water in a system like that depending on the water in your area.

 

[Mark Goode]

If you are prepared to spend the money and the time. I costed everything before I started, so I was prepared for that, but time? That's something I wasn't really prepared for, especially with a new tank. I'm hoping things improve later

 

[I like pizza]

Thanks for all the helpful advice! I’ll keep studying up and try to make a decision soon. I’m moving in a month and have a first floor room penciled in for fish tanks. im pretty sure it’s a hobby I’ll enjoy but I guess it’s hard to know for sure. Maybe I’ll start with some cichlids and if I like them jump to SW.

I know it’s a big question but can anybody give me a ballpark estimate for maybe a 75 gallon beginner reef tank set up (without livestock)?

 

[sfin52]

Thanks for all the helpful advice! I’ll keep studying up and try to make a decision soon. I’m moving in a month and have a first floor room penciled in for fish tanks. im pretty sure it’s a hobby I’ll enjoy but I guess it’s hard to know for sure. Maybe I’ll start with some cichlids and if I like them jump to SW.

I know it’s a big question but can anybody give me a ballpark estimate for maybe a 75 gallon beginner reef tank set up (without livestock)?

Is this going to have a sump canister or hang on back filter. Dry rock or live

249.00 75gal tank
300.00 stand
45.00 60lbs of sand fiji pink
180.00 60 lbs of rock Marco dry rock
309.00 Fluval fx 4 filter
76.00 2 buckets instant ocean salt
90.00 jeabo cross flow wave maker
250 vivosun t5 light and bulbs
1499.00.

Took into account you would be getting coral. Left of the list is a skimmer.

 

[I like pizza]

Is this going to have a sump canister or hang on back filter.

Probably a sump.

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

Welcome to R2R I say start it up. Plenty here to help.

 

[sfin52]

Probably a sump.

See above set up with out a sump.

 

[Tamberav]

Hi all,

I’ve been scouring the net for an answer and came here to ask: am I doomed to failure if I start my aquarium hobby with a reef tank? Everyone says to start with freshwater, and then move to saltwater, and maybe eventually get into reefkeeping, but dang it I’m getting into this hobby because I’m fascinated primarily by coral and secondarily by fish. For what it’s worth, I’m a guy with 20 years of education, who works at home, who can constantly monitor tanks throughout the day. Is it really that bad an idea to start my aquarist hobby with reefkeeping? Would really appreciate any feedback!

I don't know jack about freshwater.

Start with a reef tank. I doubt freshwater teaches much of anything that useful to saltwater outside the nitrogen cycle.

Think of it this way... you won't bring any bad thinking habits from freshwater that simply don't apply to saltwater... like "community tanks" and cramming 30 fish into a 20g.

 

[tydeck]

@I like pizza — this 100%. I had small freshwater tanks for a few years and then when Covid started I decided to do a 120G mixed reef. Here are a few things I’ve learned.

1. It‘s more expensive than you think. So pencil out your costs including recurring stuff like salt mix, testing supplies etc

2. The setbacks are bigger and take longer to fix. I’ve had cyano, aptaisia, fish die, etc.

3. You need to be diligent about tank maintenance. You’re managing an ecosystem and it always seems better to have a regular routine.

Patience is a huge part of success. Nothing fixes itself overnight and slow and steady totally works. In hindsight I’m glad that I did freshwater first, but I really think saltwater is much more fun. You can definitely start with saltwater — especially with groups like R2R

#1 Is the biggest hurdle for me. Followed by 2. Nothing good happens fast in a reef.

 

[FurrierTransform]

Thanks for all the helpful advice! I’ll keep studying up and try to make a decision soon. I’m moving in a month and have a first floor room penciled in for fish tanks. im pretty sure it’s a hobby I’ll enjoy but I guess it’s hard to know for sure. Maybe I’ll start with some cichlids and if I like them jump to SW.

I know it’s a big question but can anybody give me a ballpark estimate for maybe a 75 gallon beginner reef tank set up (without livestock)?

Scour Craigslist and the classifieds here; tanks can be had for much cheaper than new. Where are you located?

 

[BaliReefBox]

tonight go out for dinner. Have a lobster starter then the biggest prime rib on the menu and a nice bottle of red....follow it up with a double chocolate cake...
tomorrow start a reef tank and in the future look back at that last wonderful meal and enjoy your mac and cheese

 

[I like pizza]

Scour Craigslist and the classifieds here; tanks can be had for much cheaper than new. Where are you located?

I’m in south Alabama, near Mobile. Haven’t seen much on Craig’s but will keep looking. Just joined a Facebook group for fish keepers here that has some good deals.

 

[tydeck]

Adds up fast.


75 gallon tank stand
lights
pumps
sump
lids
ATO
heater
plumbing


then:

live rock
substrate

then:

fish and corals