Getting back into the hobby

[kevgib67]

Welcome, glad you are here! I live in the Youngstown area but work in Solon, O-H! A 32g BioCube is a very straightforward and easy to maintain AIO.

 

[Brisk]

Welcome!

 

[Ocean_Queenie]

Hello & Welcome back!

 

[tharbin]

What advice would you give for somebody who's not in a rush to get back into the hobby or seems somewhat tentative about it and wants something that's very straightforward?

Don't do it!!

Just kidding. I've been in and out a half dozen times over the years, basically every time I've moved. I think once it is in your blood it is there to stay. I started back in last time very small with a 15 gallon nano. Kept costs down while I decided if it was really something I wanted to start up again. It was.

Welcome to R2R!

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R and back to the salty world.

 

[phillyb614]

 

[Adolfo]

 

[shakacuz]

welcome aboard the r2r board. hello from PA!

 

[MDAquatics]

Welcome! I would dig in around the 75-100 gallon mark. Keeps your cost down a little over something much larger but easier and more forgiving than something smaller. Plus its more expandable.

 

[PharmrJohn]

Greetings and Welcome to our collective obsession!!!!

 

[Gman83]

Welcome!

 

[voelter76]

Welcome back!!!

 

[dschuffert]

Welcome!

 

[danreef55]

The best advice I can give is research and plan before pulling the trigger. Personally, I don't like the preconfigured systems because it constrains what can be done with plumbing and equipment selection

 

[jmc289090]

Welcome. Being in a similar boat, I learned not to jump on the "new" easy method of tank setup. Like dry rock only, or some instant start additives. They are not bad, but are not really amazing either. Definitely slow and steady.

Yes I'm thinking just some clean life rock, some dry base rock, and let it sit for a couple months is a good way to go.

 

[jmc289090]

The best advice I can give is research and plan before pulling the trigger. Personally, I don't like the preconfigured systems because it constrains what can be done with plumbing and equipment selection

Welcome, glad you are here! I live in the Youngstown area but work in Solon, O-H! A 32g BioCube is a very straightforward and easy to maintain AIO.

Nice looking setup!
I kept a 20L and a 30H tank -- so I'm thinking maybe a 15g with a built in back chambers would be alright to try.

 

[jmc289090]

Welcome! I would dig in around the 75-100 gallon mark. Keeps your cost down a little over something much larger but easier and more forgiving than something smaller. Plus its more expandable.

I'd probably be moved into the basement by my better half.
I did keep a 20l and 30h for a good while -- so I'm thinking maybe 15g.
The only wrinkle -- I might be gone a week at a time, and if we ever loose power keeping it going could be a major concern.

 

[jmc289090]

Don't do it!!

Just kidding. I've been in and out a half dozen times over the years, basically every time I've moved. I think once it is in your blood it is there to stay. I started back in last time very small with a 15 gallon nano. Kept costs down while I decided if it was really something I wanted to start up again. It was.

Welcome to R2R!

Wife is a bit reserved -- but I'm thinking 15g aio, a cheaper but decent light, and go slow.
Less water volume sounds good since the water changes are easier and she'll worry less about 'size'/'cost'.

 

[BryanM]

I kept a reef tank from my mid teens to early 20's -- I've been out of the hobby for about a decade.

Now I can afford what's need -- but I've been passively looking into what I'd like to do for a lower maintenance smaller setup.
Occasionally I'll have dreams about my old fish and livestock -- I did break it down due to being too busy with college and only recently have had the time/resources to consider it.

What advice would you give for somebody who's not in a rush to get back into the hobby or seems somewhat tentative about it and wants something that's very straightforward?

I realize that's an odd question -- perhaps some of you have had this sort of a feeling when looking to get back into the hobby again.

welcome.

research whatever tank you are going to buy, there are some with known issues that you'll want to avoid.

Budget more than you think.

Use live rock if you can

 

[kevgib67]