What is the right tank?

[TideNumOne]

Hello – I have done freshwater tanks my entire life...I won a 36 gallon bow front kit at a charity event a few weeks ago. I showed my 9-year-old daughter several different options on what we could set up and she choose something that would allow us to have a starfish, shrimp and some of the other saltwater fish. My biggest concern is maintenance and weekly effort to keep the tank up, so want something that will be as easy as possible. Should I stay with the 36 gallon and use hob filters or go with a Coralife BioCube (32 gallon) or something like the Innovative Marine 20 gallon peninsula tank? Do not want to spend a fortune here, but want a setup that will work and is going to be easier/less maintenance for a new saltwater person. Thoughts or suggestions?

 

[TideNumOne]

Another tank option is also the Innovative Marine 40 gallon NUVO fusion....

 

[PDR]

Welcome to R2R!

I have run several successful reef tanks with just a hob filter. I actually don't like the AIO tanks that much, but that is just personal preference. Just make sure you take your time, don't overstock and you should be fine with biweekly to monthly water changes. Start a build thread here https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/member-tanks.52/ when you get a chance and make sure you ask any questions you might have.

Also give this a good read: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[reef lover]

Welcome to r2r!!

 

[LetItReef]

Hello- If you do not want to spend a fortune, use the 36g and probably start with FOWLR tank.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Welcome and go with bio-cube which is reef ready, easy to maintain with built in filter housing and not requiring a lot of space or need for sump.