Just Thinking Out Loud

[Salam]

Right, I might venture into marine this summer but obviously I need to do lots of reading and do my research. What would be the ideal start-up size? Was thinking about a nano reef at first, but having read through some of the pinned posts in this section it seems like the bigger the easier. Obviously I don't want too big, but I am thinking something like 100l to 150l? Does that sound ok? Is there anything I should consider regarding the shape of the tank? Is a cube form better or should I go more in width and less in depth?

 

[ZoddyZod]

I am way out of my depth here, but generally it's considered the bigger the better, simply due to the fact that the water parameters offer you a large margin of error in a bigger volume....which is handy for someone learning marine for the first time.

150L sounds a decent size though....it's just a lot trickier when you move down to nano/pico sized tanks.

 

[Salam]

I am way out of my depth here, but generally it's considered the bigger the better, simply due to the fact that the water parameters offer you a large margin of error in a bigger volume....which is handy for someone learning marine for the first time.

150L sounds a decent size though....it's just a lot trickier when you move down to nano/pico sized tanks.

Thanks. Yes, that's what I read regarding the parameters and a larger margin of error hence I think it will be better going straight for a small marine rather than nano.

Someone in my area (on a local fish forum) is selling this for £110. It's 135l, measurements 70W 40D 50H (cm). Does that sound like a good tank? If my car passes its M.O.T. tomorrow I'd have the cash to get it.

 

[lljdma06]

While it's not a bad sized tank, the lights are not very good. You'll need to upgrade your lighting significantly if you want to keep corals successfully.

What are your goals with your Marine tank if you plan to set it up.

L

 

[Salam]

My goal is to have a beautiful little mini reef. I know it will take many, many months (years?!) to achieve this.

I was originally looking at the Resun dms-500 tank, but just missed out on an ebay auction. I cannot find any others for sale at the moment, but will keep my eyes open.

This youtube link is my inspiration. I would love to have something like this in the future.

Fish I am interest in are clowns, yellowtail damslefish and midas blenny. Depending on what size of thank I get I might add a little more, but those three are my favourites.

I am open to any coral suggestions, just a good variety and as colourful as possible as long as they are compatible. Obviously I'd built it up in the order I read here: live rock - clean up crew - fish - coral.

Could anyone recommend me a good starter tank? Would the resun be good if I found another one somewhere?

 

[Salam]

Still thinking (this is going to take a while, eh?). At the moment I am again swaying more towards nano, mainly for space reasons. Just can't make up my mind. Could someone help me think this through? I am very organized and disciplined, so if I got a nano, how much time would I have to spend on it to make sure the parameters stay stable? What is the ideal size for nano? 50l?

 

[lljdma06]

Anything between 10-30g is considered nano. Sorry, I'm from the US & it's 6am, so my brain isn't up for converting yet.

The bigger the tank, the more stable it is. I like 20g longs personally. Great shape, shallow for good light. Nice & wide for scaping & fitting extra equipment, and it's a standard length, that'll fit many lights. 40g breeder is also a great size. Not a nano technically, but small enough that you probably won't need a sump or a skimmer if you are very smart with your planning.

I'm not good to ask about maintenance. Not because I don't do it. On the contrary, I do a great deal. But I don't skim nor do I have sumps. I opt instead to do much larger water changes. This takes care of my dosing as well. The majority of reefers don't go in this direction. Have you read through MARC?

I gotta get ready for work now, but that'll get you started.

 

[Salam]

Thanks! If you are thinking in US gallons it is something between 35 l and 130 l (or thereabouts).

So, 20g long - do you mean something like this?

This is one of my tropical tanks, it is 2.5 feet wide, 12 inch depth, 16 inch height which makes it 25 US gallons or 21 imperial gallons according to the calculator on this site. I got the tank itself for £10 on ebay, so if I found another bargain like this, would I be able to convert it to marine?

 

[lljdma06]

That's not a bad start up size and the dimensions are actually really good. Yes, I've got a few tanks that I've converted from FW to SW by just piecing together the right equipment.

L

 

[Salam]

Thanks, that is really helpful. I am sure I will fine one with similar dimensions for a bargain.

Now, I know you are busy, but what exactly do I need on top of that to make it a proper SW tank?

 

[Salam]

Thanks, that is really helpful. I am sure I will fine one with similar dimensions for a bargain.

Now, I know you are busy, but what exactly do I need on top of that to make it a proper SW tank?

 

[Salam]

Ok, a slight change of plans. I won't start this summer, but in autumn. I am hopefully starting a new job in September and I will have enough disposable income to treat myself to the PERFECT tank (plus enough income to build it up and keep it running). I'd rather wait until then and go for something awesome and as I am a newbie to marine I'd rather get something that is ready to go instead of me trying to piece it all together.

I have been looking and I am in love with the Red Sea Max 130D. My LFS has the full setup for £650, online prices seem to be around that mark. It would fit perfectly into the kitchen/diner where I seem to spend most of my time in anyway, so I can adore my mini reef. Now, I know I will have much more money than now, but I wanted to limit myself to £400 (£500 at a push). Is there anything like that a little cheaper? Or is there an online shop that I haven't found yet that sells the Red Sea Max cheaper than those high street prices? Or should I just forget about my budget and go for it for the full price because someone here will tell me that it is the best starter marine tank?

 

[Salam]

I got a tank!!! EEEEKKKKK

I picked up a couple of airpumps from someone local yesterday (they were advertised on a local FB group) and when I saw his tank that was up for sale I couldn't resist.

Now, wait for the measurements.

*drumroll*

Length: 48 inches (yes, four foot!)
Depth: 18 inches
Height: 24 inches

That's 350 l / 75 g / 90 USg!!! (Can you guess I am excited?!)

It is amazing! It comes with a beautiful handmade stand, all in black. Enough space to add sump and the lot. No scratches on the tank and cabinet whatsoever, perfect condition. Poor bloke only has to sell as baby on the way. And the best is - it only costs me £100! Can't wait to pick it up next week.

Once I have it I will post pictures and it looks like I will start my first marine journal. Oh my, the possibilities! My own little reef!

 

[FishAreFriendsNotFood10]

Hope that job of yours pays well because your pennies will be going into that massive tank

i would sump it, be so much easier for you and it will keep that pretty black tank looking good aesthetically (i haves a black tank and stand myself ) ..... i think "little" reef will be a understatment when you see the size of that tank lol
that video you posted give me some ideas of my own so thanks

ill keep a eye out for your journal and maybe i can help with basic advice ( and i do mean basic im no expert lol

) as im a few months into my own mixed reef experience

 

[Salam]

I just picked it up and it is amazing. Had to re-arrange all the furniture in the kitchen / diner, but it got a perfect spot now.

Yes, that job pays very well and just before I left to pick up the tank I got a call and I was invited to interview. It must be a good sign! I need to get this and I will be rich Lol, not rich, but it pays very, very well. Oh, the disposable income I'd have. I'm already dreaming away. *must keep feet on the ground* Problem is the job won't start until September, so until then it is really just planning and calculating costs.

It will definitely get a sump as I don't like unsightly equipment and I want it to be beautiful. He also chucked in a 300w heater and lights, hope I can use them.

Will add a picture of the tank later and then I will have a look at your journal. I will surely learn from you and will be back if I have questions.