Just starting out

wynagain · Apr 19, 2026

In the process of picking out a tank and trying to learn all the new to me terminology. Have a spot picked for 36 inch long tank so trying to decide new or used, aio, sump or hob. I'm in southwestern Oregon and a couple hours from fish store. Hoping to see if anyone near me could recommend a good lfs. Ty for having me

revhtree · Apr 19, 2026

Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family! :D

Uncle99 · Apr 19, 2026

And welcome to R2R!
Let the fun begin!

Evil1 · Apr 19, 2026

B&CinB.C. · Apr 19, 2026

Hello . Welcome to Reef 2 Reef

vetteguy53081 · Apr 19, 2026

Gman83 · Apr 19, 2026

Welcome!

Bucrob · Apr 19, 2026

wynagain said:
In the process of picking out a tank and trying to learn all the new to me terminology. Have a spot picked for 36 inch long tank so trying to decide new or used, aio, sump or hob. I'm in southwestern Oregon and a couple hours from fish store. Hoping to see if anyone near me could recommend a good lfs. Ty for having me

Welcome to R2R!

I would recommend going used, cheap way to get same quality products. Most people that are selling their tanks on marketplace or ebay had it running for a year and figured this hobby wasn't for them.

At 3ft of length, you're unlikely to find an AIO system so it would likely have a sump. If you want to go HOB, it would likely be cheaper but at that size tank I would rather run a sump since it allows for more filtration like a skimmer, roller mat, or reactors.

Have fun and I wish you the best!