Thinking of taking up the hobby

Henry Sheehan · Jan 20, 2017

Hi everyone. I'm currently building a new house and instead of putting in a double sided gas stove I've decided to put in a 3 sided tank into the pensulia. Looking for something around the 80 gallon size. I'm completely new to this and any advice would be greatly appreciated. I did price the red sea reefer DELUXE XL425. All in with 30kg of rock was going to be just under 5000 euro (I'm from Ireland) Any thoughts?

MaiReef · Jan 20, 2017

Welcome to R2R!

Daniel@R2R · Jan 20, 2017

Welcome to R2R! The Red Sea tanks are great! I can't speak to the price of the rock bc I'm not sure what normal prices run on the other side of the water.

Definitely start a build thread once you get your reef going. I'd love to follow along.

dbl · Jan 20, 2017

Welcome to R2R. Since you're new to the hobby, I would like to suggest taking a look at the thread below for some great, basic information.

http://reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

Henry Sheehan · Jan 20, 2017

Thanks everyone. Ya it works out at 18 euro per kg. Is 30kgs of rock sufficient for a 80 gallon tank. Also been told by the guy in the shop to go with the Triton system. Seemingly it means less water changes.

Salty1962 · Jan 20, 2017

Welcome to R2R!

revhtree · Jan 20, 2017

Do it and go bigger!

Henry Sheehan · Jan 20, 2017

Go bigger [emoji3]
At this rate I'll have to go bigger house!!

KJ · Jan 20, 2017

Welcome to R2R

cromag27 · Jan 20, 2017

Welcome!

Henry Sheehan · Jan 20, 2017

The tap water I'll be using is hard water, full of limescale. Will this be hard on the RO system?

4FordFamily · Jan 20, 2017

Welcome home, you will love it here!

Keep us posted on your build!

Oscaror · Jan 21, 2017

Welcome to R2R! I think 80 gallons is a bit too small, how about 800?

Henry Sheehan · Jan 21, 2017

No 800 gallons really isn't an option due to cost. I'm not looking to go bankrupt here but everyone on this form seems to say bigger bigger more more. As a newbie the thought of spending the bones of say 5000 euro (estimate5500dollars) for a fish tank is insane enough. Why is everyone advising me to go bigger? The cost of running these things must be astronomical to say the least. I'm looking for a nice sized tank for my sitting room that won't cost me the entire GDP of Luxembourg to run week in week out.

Ineedhelp · Jan 21, 2017

take your time and research it will save you sooooo much money

Mike_J · Jan 21, 2017

Once you're in the hobby a while you'll understand why everyone says to "go bigger."

Do all your research now and stay within your comfort zone as well as your budget. These forums are a a wealth of knowledge so take great advantage of it! Welcome to R2R and the hobby. You'll be addicted before long! (and you will want to go bigger

)

Henry Sheehan · Jan 21, 2017

Thanks Ineedhelp. It's all very daunting to say the least. And it's not so much the upfront cost that's got me bedazzled it's the monthly/yearly cost of running one of these things that's really scaring the bejasus out of me and my bank account. It's all an unknown but I'm trying my best to educate myself as much as possible.