Absolute beginner question - tanks

[Elenathion]

Hi there,
I've just joined and thought this would be a good place for my first post =O)
I'm planning on starting a reef aquarium but I have no idea where to start with basic equipment.
My main query is regarding the actual tank. I've seen the advice about the recommended size being at least 130l but I don't actually know what tank I should be looking at. I've been looking at online retailers and there is a massive range of different makes and I'm a bit lost. I don't have unlimited funds also so I really don't know where to start. Are any makes better than others or can any tank be used? Also can I buy a ready constructed sump or do I have to make my own?
Apologes if this sort of question has already been asked.
Any help or pointers as to where I can find this really basic info would be really appreciated.
Many thanks,
Rob.

 

[jrgilles]

I just got a cheap 75 for mine. All-glass aquariums or something. Don't need anything designer. There are better qualities of glass, etc you can get, but you should be fine with whatever. Beware of used tanks though, as you might get some leaking problems (silicone is old and starts to leak, maybe the tank was set up unlevel before, etc.) I had a sump spring a leak on me. Had to gut it and get it repaired, huge pain in the butt. So, for a smaller size tank, i would recommend getting something new to save yourself the headaches that could come with a used tank.

As for the size, 130 liters (about 35 gallons to use US folk) would probably be ok. The more water you have, the more stable the chemistry is going to be. I would maybe even recommend getting a 50 or 55 gallon. You also don't want a tall tank, as you need a lot more light to penetrate deep. It is easier to light a shallow tank than a tall one.

There are premade sumps you can buy (although I don't know anything about them.) A lot of people (me included) made our own. I just attached some plexiglas baffles that I picked up as scraps from work into a glass tank with I think weld-0n 40 (would have to double check that) and silicone. Very happy I built my own. There are lots of options though. Maybe someone who has looked into premade sumps could help you further.

I think most of the premade sumps are fairly small, unless they are custom made. Another advantage to building your own would be you could make it bigger, and try to incorporate a refugium into it. A refugium can really help simplify chemistry. You can google it if you don't know about them. Pretty much, it is an area where you just grow macro algae, which eats up the nitrates and phosphates. You can then remove the plant matter and trash it, and that will remove some unwanted biproducts from your system. Helps keep chemistry in check and keeps algae growth in your display from getting out of hand.

 

[Peppie]

It would help you very much if you read thru all the ""STICKYS"" at the top of this page.

IMO you should start with a tank no smaller than 40 to 50 gals. Sumps are nice for the extra water volume and equipment placement but are not necessary to have a stable reef tank.

Also Read, Read, Read,

BTW Welcome to FR

 

[TJL]

Yes a BIG :welcome: to Reef Frontiers, hope you enjoy the ride. Alot of great Reefkeepers here to help you on your way. Reeftanks are definitely easier/more stable the larger they are, especially larger footprint layouts such as 'Breeder Style' so budget and physical room allowing get what you think can easily care for.

Cheers, Todd

 

[Krish]

Welcome to RF!! :welcome:

As already stated, the bigger the tank the better as more water volume equals more stability simply because things like temperature etc aren't as easly influenced. With that said, the bigger the tank, the more money you will have to spend to get it all set up and possibly more money to actually run it (energy consumption wise). I guess you will have to determine what size tank appeals to you most in addition to what space you have to work with where the tank will be placed. I've had tanks as small as 24 gals up to 90 gals. My favorite was my 38 gal. Best piece of advice would be to dig and dig as much as you can into the hobby itself and ask whatever questions come to mind. We don't mind repeat questions here so just toss them out. Also, there are many ways to go about doing things in this hobby and be successful so find the route that suits you best and go with that.

Good luck and looking forward to seeing you getting something up and running in addition to your inquiries on the hobby itself.