How big for my first tank

[fresh water]

I control around a 1000 fresh water gallons at home the big tank is a 700. Wanting to try salt and maybe get another big tank or a something like 250 to 350 gallon range and let what I put in there just go free. And I if possible I wanna put in a say 3 fish being predator stye like a jaguar grouper and some other bigger pretty that it couldn't eat. Is that possible or am I dreaming in the salt water world. I do things differently for fresh I dont follow the rules after 18yrs of it

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

#WelcometoR2R

I think a lot depends on your budget. In general, saltwater tanks tend to be a lot more expensive than freshwater tanks.

I might honestly suggest a much smaller tank to see if you like saltwater before jumping into a 250+. But, if you've got the cash and think you'll like it, then go for it!

@vetteguy53081 is knowledgeable with truly huge tanks, maybe he would have some insight here.

Good luck!

 

[Rocks reef]

Agree. Start smaller and see how you like it.

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[backbayreef]

Welcome aboard!

Try reading this thread? ;)
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/3...s-and-a-plan-all-for-this-dream-fish.1053463/

Since you’re already familiar with with large tank, I would go 500gal+ salt. Large marine fish are so majestic.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I control around a 1000 fresh water gallons at home the big tank is a 700. Wanting to try salt and maybe get another big tank or a something like 250 to 350 gallon range and let what I put in there just go free. And I if possible I wanna put in a say 3 fish being predator stye like a jaguar grouper and some other bigger pretty that it couldn't eat. Is that possible or am I dreaming in the salt water world. I do things differently for fresh I dont follow the rules after 18yrs of it

I recommend a 90 or 125g tank to start with for available room, reduced maintenance and lower equipment requirements opposed to a 210, 300 or more volumed tank. Once you conclude you are truly loving this hobby, you can then get that BIG tank and use the 90 or 125g tank as a quarantine system

 

[Michael Hughes]

I agree wholeheartedly with Vetteguy. Something else to keep in mind is salt mix is not cheap, especially for larger tanks. You'll be doing water changes - especially with predatory fishes - and the salt cost will add up.

Since it sounds you're leaning toward a predator tank with some other cool fish, I've always thought the following would be a fun stock list for a 125 (though I'm not sure it would work in practice):

Snowflake eel
Zebra dwarf lionfish
Red coris wrasse
Harlequin tusk
Foxface rabbitfish
Australian stripey

 

[DCR]

If you are sure you want a large predator fish only tank, then I would go large like you plan as you will need a large tank to successfully keep those type of fish (triggers, groupers, large angels etc). Keeping that type of tank is not a lot different or more expensive than a similar sized freshwater tank. You would want a sump and a protein skimmer, but other than that and the salt cost, the set-up is similar to freshwater. It is when you decide you want a reef tank that the costs really sky-rocket with increasing tank size. For a reef tank I would not recommend much more than a 75 gallon as a starter.