Help needed. feeling overwhelmed :(

[thisismyusername]

I'm a first timer for all this so I need some help. I have done some research but I feel it's still to confusing to navigate all the diffrent products and sites. Honestly I'm getting a bit overwhelmed the only things I am sure on getting is a 65 tank (48x18x17) and an oak stand with canopy. Other than that what are some good products to buy for starting out? Any suggestions or personal preferences?

 

[mike007]

Is this going to be a reef tank? If so is it drilled and will you be using a sump? Need more info on what your plans are so we can help.

 

[thisismyusername]

I've got that much figured out lol I'm looking to make it a reef tank with a sump and I've found a kit off of glass-holes.com to drill some holes. I believe it's a kit that includes:
1 1/2" Bulkhead Thread x Slip
1 1/2" Bulkhead Gasket
1500 gph Overflow Box
2 3/8 Glass Cutting Holesaw
1 1/2" 90 degree Street Elbow Mpt x Soc Sch 40 Black (410)
Is this a good overflow to start with?

 

[bkv1997]

If you haven't purchased the tank yet and are new to the hobby I'd recommend just going with a Reef Ready (pre-drilled) tank.

After that just make your own sump a 20-30 gallon tank with some baffles siliconed in will work great.

Next Invest in a good skimmer, lights, and test kits.

 

[thisismyusername]

I was thinking about a pinwheel skimmer maybe? But when it comes to this stuff I don't see much of a difference in the kinds. Also as for lights I've looked in to LED but I'm not sure if that's the best for starting.

 

[thisismyusername]

When it comes to reef ready tanks they seem a bit high in price. The 65g tank I'm looking at costs 149$ where as a rr tank I looked at (55g) was costing close to 400$ being in a place where there are no pets hops or places specializing in reef tanks it's hard to find a place to buy and take home a tank so I have to order online.

 

[bkv1997]

When local people join the hobby and start asking for advice on equipment I always ask what is the budget? and how much do you want to spend on nice vs practical?

You can find some cheap used MH kits right now that would work great at a fraction of the cost of the new LED systems, but they aren't as visually appealing. Same thing with skimmers i've seen great tanks run Octopus and ASM skimmers, but you can spend 1000s on a bubble king.

Unfortunately this is a critical piece of information. There are alot of things that will work, but you may want to pay more for appearance. To ask the question differently how much do you want to spend on the frame or do you want to spend most your money on the picture.

 

[thisismyusername]

My longterm goal is to have a stunningly beautiful aquarium the stand and tank aren't a big worry for me I'd like to have a big beautiful reef system one day but as for now I'd just like to start it. That's not saying I just want cheep stuff to start ether. I know if I start this I should start it right but I definitely don't want to pay thousands of dollars for one piece of equipment.... just yet anyway.

 

[thisismyusername]

As for a budget I CAN dump money in to this but I'd rather be smart about it for now and stick to equipment under 500 if I can. I'm willing to go over that if I absolutely have to.

 

[Eienna]

SWC skimmers work well and are comparatively low in price. Check Amazon.com and drsfostersmith.com for low-priced new equipment. I'm not big on buying used...I've had problems with used equipment failing just after purchase.

Make sure your proposed tank is NOT tempered glass. If you try to cut holes in tempered glass you will shatter it.

Are you sure you can't go bigger? Larger tanks give you tons more stocking options, and larger tanks are also more impressive (you said you wanted gorgeous ;) ). I currently have a 50 and it severely limits my options, even in regard to corals.

 

[bkv1997]

Just my 2 cents:

1) look online and make a DIY sump with an old aquarium.
2) For a return pump I personally like Eheim, but there are others cheaper.
3) Skimmers look at the octopus brand and go as big as you can. I went cheap on this starting out and ended up buying 3 different before it was done.
4) Look for a T5 or MH setup for lighting

Spend some time looking at the BulkReefSupply sponsor website. If your new pretty much anything they recommend is decent equipment and they seem to keep a good balance between cost and function.

 

[thisismyusername]

I'll definitely look in to all of that thanks! As for the tank being lager, for now I'm sticking to a 65g tank just because of budgets. A bigger tank means a bigger stand which can cost a bit more. I have a 40 breeder tank at home and comparing that and the 65g one I think I'd be happy with it for now :) but I would love to get a big 250g tank or something to place in an island or in the wall .... hmm. One day :smile:

 

[Eienna]

You end up spending more buying both ;)

 

[thisismyusername]

Currently I'm looking ahead.. like buying stuff that will work in a 65 as well as a 110g but I see what your saying... i just don't want to dive in and spend 1000's on something I might kill :( I'm already at 1.5 grand to start up! This dream might have to hold off until I save enough for it

 

[adupree]

I would look online for a tank/stand. That's how I found my 210g, 75g, 55g and the 20L I used for my sump. I paid literally nothing for them. Also be aware if you go with MH they eat electricity. You'll also need powerheads. The Ecotechs are awesome, but pricey. I use both the Sicce and Koralias and prefer the Koralias. For skimmer look at Sea Side Aquatics. If I remember right, they are Bubble Magus knockoffs, but use Sicce pumps, which are high quality.

 

[Fin]

Do you have a local reef club? You can often get really good deals from people getting out of the hobby and selling their systems at reduced prices. Maybe keep an eye out on Craig's list.