Which Aquarium for beginners?

Gorg17 · Nov 30, 2013

Hi, have kept tropical fish for a few years now and would now like to try marine.

RalphsReef · Nov 30, 2013

The larger you can go, the better. It helps with water parameter stability. It also helps the inevitable "this first tank is too small, I need to upgrade" urge that almost all of us go through. I would recommend at least a 75 to start. The 75 has good dimensions. Unless you go with a 120 (48" x 24" x 24"), which is a very popular tank due to it's size and dimensions.

DaniSLOelle · Nov 30, 2013

While I do mostly agree with the 'bigger is better' idea, I think nanos have their place for a beginner. I was just like you and purchased a JBJ nano 28G to start. I just don't have room for a huge tank and I'd rather not do 15G water changes. With the right advice(not usually from LFS) a nano can work. You're already on the right track asking for advice on here. Check you fish and invert purchases too. That will save you countless hours trying to trap somebody and a lot of heartache!

Usatennisfan · Nov 30, 2013

I started with a 10 and upgraded pretty much immideatly. I went from 10 to 16 to 29 to 40 breeder as j am on a budget. I love my 40, great dimensions that let you do pretty much anything you want. After that I agree bigger is better to start but not a necessity as long as you stay on top of your water.

glb · Nov 30, 2013

I did freshwater for years but started with a 12g nano for my first saltwater tank. I didn't want to make a huge investment in case it wasn't for me. I did a ton of research before I bought anything and kept it fowlr for three years while I learned the ropes. You really have to be on top of water quality with smaller tanks, but I was willing to be disciplined. I also bought very hardy livestock, only have 2 fish and now stock soft and lps corals only. I don't spend a lot of money on corals while I'm learning. I'm planning on upgrading soon but see the pros of a small tank as long as you're willing to do the work to keep it stable. Just my 0.02.

Aqua fire/medic · Nov 30, 2013

40 breeder IMO is the best dimensions for beginners..... And you can pick them up for $40 at petco on the $1 per gallon sale.

TJ's Reef · Nov 30, 2013

I agree, a 40B is a great size non-AIO Aquarium to start with if you have the room and budget to put together a system with sump. Big enough not to be to limiting on livestock choices. The newer and more affordable LED's will give you good coverage as well for lighting. Five gallon WC's on a regular schedule can be effective on this size and can be done with 5g buckets using RO/DI from a LFS before investing in a unit of your own.

Cheers, Todd

inurocker · Nov 30, 2013

40B is a great size. I've been away for 10 years and that is what I am building now.

Gorg17 · Nov 30, 2013

Hi. thank u for your advice. I was loking at purchasing a 3ft long tank. Aquarium to keepf corals and fish.

Gorg17 · Nov 30, 2013

Does anyone ave any recommendations for buying a tank and quipment. Working with a 3ft long tank.
A local marine shop quoted a price of Â£1800 for a 3ft x 24 inches x 26 inches including sump ad quipment and live rock.

Gorg17 · Nov 30, 2013

I hve never been on a forum before and I am unsure how to reply so apologies if not doing things right.

tupes · Nov 30, 2013

You're everything them just right.

3Twinklets · Nov 30, 2013

If you start off with a smaller tank you can always use it for a quarantine tank if you decide to upgrade to a larger tank later.

Dan1789 · Nov 30, 2013

Honestly, go with the biggest one you can afford. Be careful purchasing cheap equipment. You get what you pay for.

Aqua fire/medic · Nov 30, 2013

While I believe you can find some amazing deals when you buy a complete package aquarium...... You have to make sure you research the equipment that is included. You may find you want to upgrade it in the near future and end up spending even more money than you would have originally if you just went with the equipment you REALLY wanted

SeahorseKeeper · Nov 30, 2013

Moved to current forum: New to the hobby.

I agree with the advice being given. As far as buying equipment, I would look into a local reef club. Many times you can find a great deal on tanks and other equipment.

ethridge78 · Nov 30, 2013

I think a 40b would be perfect

mrcoffee2 · Nov 30, 2013

I am also fairly new. I am 2 months in with an 8G innovative. Most people told me that a smaller tank is usually harder so that is why I went with it. I figure if I can maintain a healthy ecosystem on an 8G then I can handle it anything. Long story short my wife and I are looking at the SR-80 now

ethridge78 · Dec 1, 2013

right on good for you

Gorg17 · Dec 1, 2013

Hi Folks, thank you for all your advice. First thing first any recommendations for a tank. Manufacturer name would be good so I can research pros and cons.