Came across a great deal on a newer marineland dual corner 220 that's been run as fresh for its lifetime (5 years so says the owner). Great shape, 500 bucks with eshop sump and a stand etc.
I'm kind of intimidated to do this as a first reef. Is it insane to try? To much to take on? What about lighting half of it, and doing 1/2 in coral, rock, such and leaving the other side as a sand bed for expansion, room for fish to free swim, and so on? I also don't know if I can afford the huge amount of money it would take to fill this thing with corals. The tank is in great shape and a steal, and big tanks will not be getting cheaper any time soon. I was looknig for a 120 used, but they've been impossible to find lately.
Thoughts?
I'm kind of intimidated to do this as a first reef. Is it insane to try? To much to take on? What about lighting half of it, and doing 1/2 in coral, rock, such and leaving the other side as a sand bed for expansion, room for fish to free swim, and so on? I also don't know if I can afford the huge amount of money it would take to fill this thing with corals. The tank is in great shape and a steal, and big tanks will not be getting cheaper any time soon. I was looknig for a 120 used, but they've been impossible to find lately.
Thoughts?