Thoughts on First Reef/Tropical Fish Tank!!

[Scalawag]

Hey everyone,
My name is Anthony Scalia and as I titled this post this will be our first Reef Tank. My wife and I for years have wanted to start a Tropical Fish Reef tank and I have been trying so as much research as possible about the hobby, ie Youtube, Forums & my not so LFS. That being said we have the room to do a decently large tank. Larger tanks from what I’ve read can be easier due to less swings in nutrients &levels. Also more room for the fish we would like to own. Really I’d like to have this tank 5-10years. I honestly try not to buy things twice so going bigger knowing I would already love reefing is for me cheaper lol. I’ve had my eyes on the RedSea 900 due to there simplicity, customer service & plug n play so to speak. People seem to really enjoy the brand. I would really like for people to give there advice on this size of a tank for a beginner, also any suggestions on different equipment and gear. In all this I would love for this tank to not be a chore everyday and to not worry when we go on vacation. I love the ocean and would love to have a piece of it in my home. I know it’s a hobby and you grow into it but I don’t want to have a big Paper Weight in my house that’s overwhelming. Hope any one can help!!! Thank you.

 

[thonis]

Hey everyone,
My name is Anthony Scalia and as I titled this post this will be our first Reef Tank. My wife and I for years have wanted to start a Tropical Fish Reef tank and I have been trying so as much research as possible about the hobby, ie Youtube, Forums & my not so LFS. That being said we have the room to do a decently large tank. Larger tanks from what I’ve read can be easier due to less swings in nutrients &levels. Also more room for the fish we would like to own. Really I’d like to have this tank 5-10years. I honestly try not to buy things twice so going bigger knowing I would already love reefing is for me cheaper lol. I’ve had my eyes on the RedSea 900 due to there simplicity, customer service & plug n play so to speak. People seem to really enjoy the brand. I would really like for people to give there advice on this size of a tank for a beginner, also any suggestions on different equipment and gear. In all this I would love for this tank to not be a chore everyday and to not worry when we go on vacation. I love the ocean and would love to have a piece of it in my home. I know it’s a hobby and you grow into it but I don’t want to have a big Paper Weight in my house that’s overwhelming. Hope any one can help!!! Thank you.

I would suggest a slightly smaller reefer 350 - 425 XL to begin with as water changes will be a big chore. However, if you invest in a mixing station the big system will be an excellent choice .

 

[davidcalgary29]

I started three builds at pretty much the same time last December -- a 13.5g Evo, a 40g IM Nuvo, and 66g RSM 250...and the Evo is my runaway favourite. It needs a few minor tweaks out of the box (I replaced the stock pump with a Sicce, got a media basket, and plugged the hole in the back wall), but it's a great little system. It's also cheap, which is a major plus in an expensive hobby.

My IM and RSM are still in the ugly algae stages and suffering from cyano outbreaks. The Evo moved past that stage quickly, and is supporting SPS, LPS, and softies with the stock lighting, and is full of 'pods and baby snails. I used live rock (not "life rock") for all three builds. I thought a nano build would be very limiting, but I realized that it's liberating, as you can experiment with fast-spreading "problem" corals and be able to root them out of the tank without getting wet up to your shoulders or having to disassemble hundreds of pounds of aquascaping.

 

[Ghost25]

Everything in a big tank costs more. While there is some truth to the notion that a big tank is more stable, most people should have no problem managing a 20-50 gallon tank.

Personally I'd recommend starting smaller, maybe a 40 or 80 gallon. Yes you may have to buy bigger equipment if/when you upgrade but it will be easier to get a handle on things and you will learn a lot.

 

[Dave1993]

i would say go with the 900 i started 2 months ago have a 200xl going with the 350 ordering next month wish i could go bigger but i cant so save yourself some money and go with what you want to start

 

[Scalawag]

Everything in a big tank costs more. While there is some truth to the notion that a big tank is more stable, most people should have no problem managing a 20-50 gallon tank.

Personally I'd recommend starting smaller, maybe a 40 or 80 gallon. Yes you may have to buy bigger equipment if/when you upgrade but it will be easier to get a handle on things and you will learn a lot.

Thank for the info. I’ll definitely keep it in mind.

 

[Scalawag]

i would say go with the 900 i started 2 months ago have a 200xl going with the 350 ordering next month wish i could go bigger but i cant so save yourself some money and go with what you want to start

I’ve heard the same thing to just go with what I want if I can afford it and just take it slow.