Need help choosing a beginners kit for some fish

[dgvmiranda]

Hello,

First of all I am a complete begginer when it comes with saltwater tanks. I have had some fresh water tanks but only for a year or two for like a 5 years ago then my tank broke and I didn't have more fish tanks since and I was looking to start a saltwater system.

I am seing somw different tanks, various types of tanks and its too overwhelming so I think I will set in with a all in one. So I am seing the following options:
- HelloReef Clownfish Kit
- Innovation Marine Fusion | 25 AIO Lagoon Aquarium
- Tropical Marine Center First Wave Aquarium Set 78L
I want to have a pair of Clownfish and a pair of Royal Grammas because of color contrast and I love the purple. I don't intended to have corals and anemones for now because I know that they are not good for beginners. Having this in mind I need some opinions to those tanks above and also the more items I need. Also I don't want some extremely expansive for reference I am in Portugal.

Thanks very much for the help in advance.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

First off, welcome to Reef2Reef and the hobby, we are glad to have you!

There are a lot of people on here who have the HelloReef kit and IM's. Both are great for beginners.

Clown pairs are perfect for 15g or bigger. However, a royal gramma pair isn't something I would recommend in anything below a 30g due to potential aggression. Bear in mind the Helloreef kit is only 15g vs the IM being 25.

I also would do coral in the future. While it might seem daunting at first to do coral, honestly, it isn't too bad. If you start with some of the more basic ones like zoas, duncans, gsp, or mushrooms, you will be perfectly fine!

I am also going to link you to this article we put out that is perfect for new reefers like yourself. If you ever have any questions, feel free to share them with us, and many of our members will help you out!

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is nowhere near simple. This task is going to take patience, a...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Tahoe61]

Welcome.

Here are some IM 25 Lagoon threads to give you ideas.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/dines-im-25-lagoon-office-tank.969956/

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-mandarin-paradise-im-lagoon-25g-setup.1132656/

Build Thread - Innovative Marine 25 Lagoon Nano Build

Was going to wait until I got home for initial pictures but too eager and bored at work right now lol. And so it finally begins. I bought this tank almost 6 months and have not been able to set it up since moving and other things like wanting full automation. But with that sweet christmas bonus...

www.reef2reef.com

Remember if the tank is fish focused you not need expensive lighting or dosing equipment.

 

[dgvmiranda]

First off, welcome to Reef2Reef and the hobby, we are glad to have you!

There are a lot of people on here who have the HelloReef kit and IM's. Both are great for beginners.

Clown pairs are perfect for 15g or bigger. However, a royal gramma pair isn't something I would recommend in anything below a 30g due to potential aggression. Bear in mind the Helloreef kit is only 15g vs the IM being 25.

I also would do coral in the future. While it might seem daunting at first to do coral, honestly, it isn't too bad. If you start with some of the more basic ones like zoas, duncans, gsp, or mushrooms, you will be perfectly fine!

I am also going to link you to this article we put out that is perfect for new reefers like yourself. If you ever have any questions, feel free to share them with us, and many of our members will help you out!

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is nowhere near simple. This task is going to take patience, a...

www.reef2reef.com

Thanks that's really helpful.
I said the royal gramma because they have vibrant colors and I would like to have some more fish apart from the clownfish. With this in mind is there any fish that is easy to take care and as some cool colors to contrast with the white and orange of the clown fish ?
Regarding the corals I know that there are some that are hardy enough for beginners but that would be a later expansion I want to first learn about keeping a reef tank stable first and then buy a few corals to play around because they are expansive and they are not as hardy as the some beginners fish (from what I saw in videos).

Thanks for the help

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Thanks that's really helpful.
I said the royal gramma because they have vibrant colors and I would like to have some more fish apart from the clownfish. With this in mind is there any fish that is easy to take care and as some cool colors to contrast with the white and orange of the clown fish ?
Regarding the corals I know that there are some that are hardy enough for beginners but that would be a later expansion I want to first learn about keeping a reef tank stable first and then buy a few corals to play around because they are expansive and they are not as hardy as the some beginners fish (from what I saw in videos).

Thanks for the help

Gobies make a good addition to any tank if you do a sandbed bottom. Possum wrasse is another good option. Firefish are one I have always loved, and they are active fish as well.

 

[MC Blowfish]

Gobies, blennies, and firefish would make great options. A smaller wrasse would look great as well.

 

[dgvmiranda]

Gobies make a good addition to any tank if you do a sandbed bottom. Possum wrasse is another good option. Firefish are one I have always loved, and they are active fish as well.

And regarding a clean up crew ? I saw the recommendations that you sent and I love a pair of red firefly fish.

 

[dgvmiranda]

First off, welcome to Reef2Reef and the hobby, we are glad to have you!

There are a lot of people on here who have the HelloReef kit and IM's. Both are great for beginners.

Clown pairs are perfect for 15g or bigger. However, a royal gramma pair isn't something I would recommend in anything below a 30g due to potential aggression. Bear in mind the Helloreef kit is only 15g vs the IM being 25.

I also would do coral in the future. While it might seem daunting at first to do coral, honestly, it isn't too bad. If you start with some of the more basic ones like zoas, duncans, gsp, or mushrooms, you will be perfectly fine!

I am also going to link you to this article we put out that is perfect for new reefers like yourself. If you ever have any questions, feel free to share them with us, and many of our members will help you out!

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is nowhere near simple. This task is going to take patience, a...

www.reef2reef.com

Also reading the article I came up with this gear list:

Fusion | 25 AIO Lagoon Aquarium [Desktop Starter Kit] - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/Fusion-25-AIO-Lagoon-Aquarium-Desktop-Starter-Kit-p647391065
BioSkim 24-Volt DC™ Nano AIO Protein Skimmer - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/BioSkim-24-Volt-DC™-Nano-AIO-Protein-Skimmer-p184821690
SafeScreen™ Preassembled Aquarium Mesh Screen Lid - For Nuvo Fusion 25 Lagoon - https://www.innovative-marine.com/s...reen-Lid-For-Nuvo-Fusion-25-Lagoon-p665566032
SpinStream Wavemaking Flow Nozzle - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/SpinStream-Wavemaking-Flow-Nozzle-p184809140
Fluval Reef 4.0 LED, 32W, 23-35″ / 59-89 cm - https://fluvalaquatics.com/uk/shop/product/reef-4-0-led-32w-23-35-59-89-cm
TMC Therm 100w Heater 220v 50Hz UK/EU - https://tropicalmarinecentre.com/uk/therm-100w-heater-220v-50hz-uk-eu-1446
Caribe Sea, Aragalive Special Grade 9.07 kg
AF Rock 18Kg - https://aquaforest.eu/en/products/seawater/aquascaping/af-rock/#asl-storelocator
AF, Reef Salt 10kg - https://aquaforest.eu/en/products/seawater/marine-salts/reef-salt/
BIO-S - https://oportoreef.pt/produto/bio-s/

What do you guys think ? Unfortunately this is more expansive that what I was expecting is there any piece of equipment that I can cheap out or its not needed for starting the tank ? This is around 830€ in my country :(

Thanks for all the help provided.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Also reading the article I came up with this gear list:

Fusion | 25 AIO Lagoon Aquarium [Desktop Starter Kit] - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/Fusion-25-AIO-Lagoon-Aquarium-Desktop-Starter-Kit-p647391065
BioSkim 24-Volt DC™ Nano AIO Protein Skimmer - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/BioSkim-24-Volt-DC™-Nano-AIO-Protein-Skimmer-p184821690
SafeScreen™ Preassembled Aquarium Mesh Screen Lid - For Nuvo Fusion 25 Lagoon - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/SafeScreen™-Preassembled-Aquarium-Mesh-Screen-Lid-For-Nuvo-Fusion-25-Lagoon-p665566032
SpinStream Wavemaking Flow Nozzle - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/SpinStream-Wavemaking-Flow-Nozzle-p184809140
Fluval Reef 4.0 LED, 32W, 23-35″ / 59-89 cm - https://fluvalaquatics.com/uk/shop/product/reef-4-0-led-32w-23-35-59-89-cm
TMC Therm 100w Heater 220v 50Hz UK/EU - https://tropicalmarinecentre.com/uk/therm-100w-heater-220v-50hz-uk-eu-1446
Caribe Sea, Aragalive Special Grade 9.07 kg
AF Rock 18Kg - https://aquaforest.eu/en/products/seawater/aquascaping/af-rock/#asl-storelocator
AF, Reef Salt 10kg - https://aquaforest.eu/en/products/seawater/marine-salts/reef-salt/
BIO-S - https://oportoreef.pt/produto/bio-s/

What do you guys think ? Unfortunately this is more expansive that what I was expecting is there any piece of equipment that I can cheap out or its not needed for starting the tank ? This is around 830€ in my country :(

Thanks for all the help provided.

I did a DIY screen kit for maybe $20 from the hardware store. I would never cheap out on a light and heater; those are two very important things for a reef tank.

 

[dgvmiranda]

Also reading the article I came up with this gear list:

Fusion | 25 AIO Lagoon Aquarium [Desktop Starter Kit] - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/Fusion-25-AIO-Lagoon-Aquarium-Desktop-Starter-Kit-p647391065
BioSkim 24-Volt DC™ Nano AIO Protein Skimmer - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/BioSkim-24-Volt-DC™-Nano-AIO-Protein-Skimmer-p184821690
SafeScreen™ Preassembled Aquarium Mesh Screen Lid - For Nuvo Fusion 25 Lagoon - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/SafeScreen™-Preassembled-Aquarium-Mesh-Screen-Lid-For-Nuvo-Fusion-25-Lagoon-p665566032
SpinStream Wavemaking Flow Nozzle - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/SpinStream-Wavemaking-Flow-Nozzle-p184809140
Fluval Reef 4.0 LED, 32W, 23-35″ / 59-89 cm - https://fluvalaquatics.com/uk/shop/product/reef-4-0-led-32w-23-35-59-89-cm
TMC Therm 100w Heater 220v 50Hz UK/EU - https://tropicalmarinecentre.com/uk/therm-100w-heater-220v-50hz-uk-eu-1446
Caribe Sea, Aragalive Special Grade 9.07 kg
AF Rock 18Kg - https://aquaforest.eu/en/products/seawater/aquascaping/af-rock/#asl-storelocator
AF, Reef Salt 10kg - https://aquaforest.eu/en/products/seawater/marine-salts/reef-salt/
BIO-S - https://oportoreef.pt/produto/bio-s/

What do you guys think ? Unfortunately this is more expansive that what I was expecting is there any piece of equipment that I can cheap out or its not needed for starting the tank ? This is around 830€ in my country :(

Thanks for all the help provided.

I did a DIY screen kit for maybe $20 from the hardware store. I would never cheap out on a light and heater; those are two very important things for a reef tank.

And the ones choosen are good ?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Also reading the article I came up with this gear list:

Fusion | 25 AIO Lagoon Aquarium [Desktop Starter Kit] - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/Fusion-25-AIO-Lagoon-Aquarium-Desktop-Starter-Kit-p647391065
BioSkim 24-Volt DC™ Nano AIO Protein Skimmer - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/BioSkim-24-Volt-DC™-Nano-AIO-Protein-Skimmer-p184821690
SafeScreen™ Preassembled Aquarium Mesh Screen Lid - For Nuvo Fusion 25 Lagoon - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/SafeScreen™-Preassembled-Aquarium-Mesh-Screen-Lid-For-Nuvo-Fusion-25-Lagoon-p665566032
SpinStream Wavemaking Flow Nozzle - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/SpinStream-Wavemaking-Flow-Nozzle-p184809140
Fluval Reef 4.0 LED, 32W, 23-35″ / 59-89 cm - https://fluvalaquatics.com/uk/shop/product/reef-4-0-led-32w-23-35-59-89-cm
TMC Therm 100w Heater 220v 50Hz UK/EU - https://tropicalmarinecentre.com/uk/therm-100w-heater-220v-50hz-uk-eu-1446
Caribe Sea, Aragalive Special Grade 9.07 kg
AF Rock 18Kg - https://aquaforest.eu/en/products/seawater/aquascaping/af-rock/#asl-storelocator
AF, Reef Salt 10kg - https://aquaforest.eu/en/products/seawater/marine-salts/reef-salt/
BIO-S - https://oportoreef.pt/produto/bio-s/

What do you guys think ? Unfortunately this is more expansive that what I was expecting is there any piece of equipment that I can cheap out or its not needed for starting the tank ? This is around 830€ in my country :(

Thanks for all the help provided.

Looks good but I would suggest to pick a different light, I never heard good things about this light, and 32 watts for a 25 gallon is pretty low, I would want at least 50-60 watts.

 

[dgvmiranda]

Also reading the article I came up with this gear list:

Fusion | 25 AIO Lagoon Aquarium [Desktop Starter Kit] - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/Fusion-25-AIO-Lagoon-Aquarium-Desktop-Starter-Kit-p647391065
BioSkim 24-Volt DC™ Nano AIO Protein Skimmer - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/BioSkim-24-Volt-DC™-Nano-AIO-Protein-Skimmer-p184821690
SafeScreen™ Preassembled Aquarium Mesh Screen Lid - For Nuvo Fusion 25 Lagoon - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/SafeScreen™-Preassembled-Aquarium-Mesh-Screen-Lid-For-Nuvo-Fusion-25-Lagoon-p665566032
SpinStream Wavemaking Flow Nozzle - https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/SpinStream-Wavemaking-Flow-Nozzle-p184809140
Fluval Reef 4.0 LED, 32W, 23-35″ / 59-89 cm - https://fluvalaquatics.com/uk/shop/product/reef-4-0-led-32w-23-35-59-89-cm
TMC Therm 100w Heater 220v 50Hz UK/EU - https://tropicalmarinecentre.com/uk/therm-100w-heater-220v-50hz-uk-eu-1446
Caribe Sea, Aragalive Special Grade 9.07 kg
AF Rock 18Kg - https://aquaforest.eu/en/products/seawater/aquascaping/af-rock/#asl-storelocator
AF, Reef Salt 10kg - https://aquaforest.eu/en/products/seawater/marine-salts/reef-salt/
BIO-S - https://oportoreef.pt/produto/bio-s/

What do you guys think ? Unfortunately this is more expansive that what I was expecting is there any piece of equipment that I can cheap out or its not needed for starting the tank ? This is around 830€ in my country :(

Thanks for all the help provided.

Looks good but I would suggest to pick a different light, I never heard good things about this light, and 32 watts for a 25 gallon is pretty low, I would want at least 50-60 watts.

What about this light ?
AI Blade (Aquarium stand included) - https://oportoreef.pt/produto/ai-blade-suporte-para-aquario-incluido-2/

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Thats the good light

 

[TOM-779]

Evo 13.5 - even if you opt for TMC you will probably still upgrade certain parts of equipment and add wave maker

 

[dgvmiranda]

Evo 13.5 - even if you opt for TMC you will probably still upgrade certain parts of equipment and add wave maker

What's that tank ?

 

[TOM-779]

Fluval Evo 13.5. The lid on TMC will mean more water evaporation - where as the Fluval evo has better fitting lid.
The evo has lots of upgrade options - including large market of 3D printed items. Also because of its popularity there is a large information base to help researching beforehand. Just Type Fluval Evo in search above

 

[dgvmiranda]

Fluval Evo 13.5. The lid on TMC will mean more water evaporation - where as the Fluval evo has better fitting lid.
The evo has lots of upgrade options - including large market of 3D printed items. Also because of its popularity there is a large information base to help researching beforehand. Just Type Fluval Evo in search above

I see, but isn't that a bit small for a couple fish (like 4) ? I intend to have a pair of clownfish and a pair of firefiah goby.

 

[Fish Fan]

I very much second the IM 25 lagoon, especially if fish are your focus. Smaller tanks greatly minimize what fish you can have.

If you're not aware, the Hello Reef kits include an Innovative Marine 15 gallon tank, but I'd still suggest Just going with the IM 25 Lagoon.

I also agree that the Fluval light isn't the best choice. That AI Blade is better, you could also look for something like a couple of Noopsyche K7 Mini's I think would work well and are affordable.

I'm going to suggest that you look for Random Flow Generators from Vivid Creative Aquatics. They make really good Random Flow Generators for these IM tanks, much better I believe than the SpinStream nozzles. From experience, the SpinStream can sometimes be noisy, and I think the VCA nozzles look better in the tank.

I checked VCA's website, looks like they do have some stores in Europe that sell VCA products, maybe one of these can ship to your location:

Europe | Vivid Creative Aquatics

vividcreativeaquatics.com

Good luck!

 

[TOM-779]

most people with the evo opt for ocellaris clownfish pair and others but you need to search above 'stocking fluval evo' and you will get all info you need. Do lots of research

 

[TOM-779]

I particularly mentioned the Fluval Evo tank - as the availability of
IM products is not easy to find in Europe. Stock hard to find and I would not want to risk paying for shipping of such a delicate item all the way there