Terrible idea to start with a reef tank?

[Viking_Reefing]

No, it’s not a bad idea at all. There are very little transferable knowledge that you will gain from keeping freshwater tanks.

 

[nuxx Verified Sponsor]

Just start with easier corals and make sure you know their growth rate and patterns.

Don't buy a $500 frag...

 

[StatelineReefer]

Just start with easier corals and make sure you know their growth rate and patterns.

Don't buy a $500 frag...

But, but, it's a special limited edition super ultra mega indo rainbow pearly googaw!!!


Yeah, don't fall for the hype and don't buy the expensive corals.

 

[reeftankdude]

Keep things simple and it wont cost much at all. You really do not need a skimmer, sump, live rock, and a $400 canister filter. Fill one third the tank up with base white rock seeded with a few small rocks from an established tank. Hang on the back a Seachem Tidal filter with Seachem Matrix carbon and Polyfil. Add a heater, some pumps, and substrate. Do not put substrate under the rocks. Do invest in a quality water purifier that removes silicates. Add the fish and clean up crew that have green or purple carolline algae growing on their shells. The fish and CUC should be added a few at a time. Do not add corals until you see things start to hatch in the tank or coralline algae spots. These are images of some items that you will need.

 

[Scooter21]

I'm probably not qualified to give my opinion, as I'm new to this, but from what I've seen, everyone in this hobby assumes everyone wants to get a very complex and expensive setup that will maintain very sensitive corals.

There's no reason you can't just get a cheaptank and stand and some hang on the back equipment.

I bought a "complete" 36g setup used off Craigslist for $125. Then my costs have been

$125 RODI filter
$10 tds meter
$25 new heater
$45 more dry rock
$25 pump for mixing salt
$10 vinyl tubing for pump
$50 salt
$20 refractometer
$10 calibration fluid
$135 fish
$15 fish food



It definitely has had more cost than I thought it would, with all the accessories I needed. I feel like I could just get a new light and add some beginner corals. If I decided to do a bunch of upgrades, there's very little money wasted, as I would still need all the accessories


My point being, if you want to get your feet wet, do a fish only tank and don't let it get complicated. You'll learn more doing that than a freshwater tank.

 

[nuxx Verified Sponsor]

But, but, it's a special limited edition super ultra mega indo rainbow pearly googaw!!!


Yeah, don't fall for the hype and don't buy the expensive corals.

It's a super rare bright white color and comes fully grown!

 

[SlugSnorter]

Is that because it gives you more flexibility to add filtration later? Or is it it just easier to work with?

Both, and also automation

 

[rckfsh44]

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!

Go to the library there is a book titled Saltwater Aquariums for Dummy’s , it’s a great book I have one

 

[MrPiGuy]

It definitely is not impossible. I am a testament. That being said, DO YOUR RESEARCH! It really is wild how much there is to learn just to start a saltwater tank when you do it from scratch. I find enjoyment in the continued learning process and maintenance. There are so many things that go into it. There are also many options and opinions for each individual topic. Learning as much as you can so you can make the best decision on the route you want to take will make the transition into the hobby enjoyable. There will also always be something new to learn as well as questions to ask. Thankfully this forum is a godsend to the reefing community. Use it and go watch BRS beginner guide series on YouTube. Should give you a good idea on whether it’s a good fit for you or not. Good luck!

 

[Joe.D]

@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

Mike is spot on here!

I did freshwater I high school and college back in the ‘80s and always wanted to do saltwater with the more colorful fish and corals. Finally, now in my late 50s, I started my first saltwater tank back in May and I love it!

Everything above is true and more, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows - but, having patience (and some faith that everything will work out) is key.

Get as big of a tank as you can afford and have space for. I have a Red Sea Reefer 350 and was thinking a 70 gallon display was a big tank (my wife still thinks it is) - I’ve since learned that it’s maybe on the large end of a medium tank. Seems to me that many more doors open as far as fish varieties if you can do a 125 or 150 gallon display.

I say to go for it! Just make sure you do a ton of research ahead of time. You’ll still have a lot to learn, but get a good base of knowledge. This place really is a great resource for info and questions!

One last thing… I bought my setup new. That’s a big decision, new or used. I chose new as I really didn’t want to buy someone else’s problems. That said, used is much cheaper - but you just don’t know what you don’t know. I had my LFS set everything up for me and I learned a bunch that day. This is obviously the much more expensive way, but it’s what I wanted to do. There’s nothing wrong with going used and DIY. That choice is up to every individual based on their desire and abilities.

Best of luck to you and Happy Holidays!