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.

 

[dgvmiranda]

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

I see, thanks for the tip mybe I need to lokk because I didn't considered that.

 

[TOM-779]

Theres lots of options for you so no worries. I do like the evo as there are so many upgrade so you can choose what you want.

The TMC is still relatively new - so not much reviews online yet - however the reviews that are available are already mentioning needing to upgrade on equipment. See

 

[TOM-779]

All the tried and tested information/upgrade equipment is allwidely available online and more notably on this website if you search for information
good luck

 

[dgvmiranda]

Theres lots of options for you so no worries. I do like the evo as there are so many upgrade so you can choose what you want.

The TMC is still relatively new - so not much reviews online yet - however the reviews that are available are already mentioning needing to upgrade on equipment. See

The thing about TMCis that they will have a 78L tank and I maybe eyeing that. Since its 20 galleons that would allowed me to have 4 fish maybe ?

 

[TOM-779]

For what you want I think that would be a good option. However, I would expect that due to the air gaps in the lids you will have to watch water evaporation carefully- and make sure you top up regularly.

Thats the reason I favour the evo as it has better fitting lid and less loss of water evaporation. You also have good options of fish also in fluval if you stock correctly and do regular water changes.

More and more people are now buying the TMC so new reviews should appear more often now.

Although people are already posting the need for upgrading the equipment on the TMC 78. IThis appears to be mainly around lighting and the need for a wavemaker. However, this is usually because most people are wanting more demanding corals and to have more control over light levels etc. But as you are starting out this tank is a god place to start. And if you want to keep the stock lighting it will be great for soft corals and less demanding LPS coral. So good luck and enjoy whatever tank you go for.

And dont for get to research research research

All best

 

[thh9227]

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.

I started with the Evo 13.5 and I feel it was perfect for a beginner. I had 2 clownfish but you could probably add a yellow watchman goby and maybe a purple firefish for some color but also look at different clown fish. They come in different colors. I have an orange and white with a black and white one.

 

[Foxy-88]

For a beginner the helloreef is a great tank. By no means am I a beginner but there were several things that led me to choosing this tank. For the price you get everything to start a tank. All the rock, an ai blade light ,sand, pump ,powerhead, filter sock, heater and for couple extra 100 or so a stand. Along with that, the helloreef offers a step by step instructional how to get it started which for a beginner could be extremely helpful. I specifically bought it for my kids to learn about it and for a temp tank( that has gotten out of hand I'll admit) for my 90 while I rebuild that and to redo my floors in my house. The information is very good and can get the tank cycling with everything it comes with.

Now obviously in the picture I have upgraded literally everything about this. I am not saying that everything in this tank is horrible I just had a different plan for it is all but everything thing about this tank can be upgraded. That to me is the best part about it in my opinion. There is plenty of upgradable parts for this from the filter roller, to the custom mesh top, ato, powerhead, bigger pump, as mentioned above the vca randow flow generator(helps a lot), and the ai blade is a good light. I don't have it on this tank because Im reckless and it fell in tank and was stuck on all white with no control once i dried it off I had a radion xr15 laying around so thats why that light is on there. You can also do what you want with filtration media in the back as it does come with all of that but true to this build I went with something different but I did start with all the factory components to start.

Also dont feel scared by keeping corals, if you keep up on testing and try not to adjust the tank to much youll do fine. Patience is key in this hobby. Regardless of what tank you end up choosing your first purchase after the tank should be an ato.

Good luck with your discussion

 

[-XENOMORPH-]

I was going to vote for Innovation Marine Fusion | 25 AIO Lagoon Aquarium, but after reading foxy-88, ill vote for hello reef. Especially if they have the walk thru guides.
Only advice, add r.o. water weekly, dont add saltwater after filled unless doing a water change. I know these are so obvious, but so many people post that issue. Hahahhahha.
Spend 15 bucks on. A refractometer to test salinity. Good luck

 

[Foxy-88]

I was going to vote for Innovation Marine Fusion | 25 AIO Lagoon Aquarium, but after reading foxy-88, ill vote for hello reef. Especially if they have the walk thru guides.
Only advice, add r.o. water weekly, dont add saltwater after filled unless doing a water change. I know these are so obvious, but so many people post that issue. Hahahhahha.
Spend 15 bucks on. A refractometer to test salinity. Good luck

Believe it or not the helloreef comes with a refractometer as well with the dial in fluid