New fish enthusiast looking for direction

[Fishmacher]

Hi all, I just got my 5 year old son a 10 gallon freshwater tank for his birthday and during the process of multiple fish store visits and buying some used gear on marketplace I think I fell in love with the hobby. I've been spending long night researching the hobby and I getting very close to making a purchase. I'm in no rush to start but I have a few different routes I could go so I thought I'd reach out to the community. Here's what I'm thinking. I got 3 options.

1. High end option for main floor - Innovative Marine EXT 75
2. Basement landing option - Waterbox aquarium 110.4 at half price to msrp but brand new - I just don't trust this type of setup on my main floor with little kids. I've read about stability issues and I have small kids and I'm worried they might bump it. I'd be more comfortable with it in the basement but won't get to enjoy it as much.
3. Budget DIY option - 40 gallon breeder or slightly larger with trigger sump and custom plumbing. I'd have to drill the tank which I'm comfortable doing. This setup would go in the same spot as option 2.

with all above options I was planning on doing fish only to start with inverbs till tank is established enough for corals with the following goodies.

-hydros 4 starter kit
-reef octopus sr01000
- 2x maxspect gyre xf330
- regular led light
- 2x sicce 300w heaters
- live rock
- filter brick
- algae scrubber magnet
- secondary testing kits beyond the hydros


What are your thoughts? I am missing anything?

 

[revhtree]

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

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[Utubereefer]

Welcome to the club

 

[Ocean_Queenie]

Hello & Welcome!

 

[Matt Bravo]

welcome, also be aware that unexpected costs almost always arise. So add an extra few bucks for miscellaneous items that add up. I can start you off, you’re missing the ammonium chloride and nitrifying bacteria of your choice. As well as the container you’ll be using to make water changes if you opt to do so. This is just a small FYI

 

[edsbeaker]

Hello and welcome!

 

[Fishmacher]

welcome, also be aware that unexpected costs almost always arise. So add an extra few bucks for miscellaneous items that add up. I can start you off, you’re missing the ammonium chloride and nitrifying bacteria of your choice. As well as the container you’ll be using to make water changes if you opt to do so. This is just a small FYI

Thanks for that. I was thinking I'd be cycling with CaribSea LifeRock Shelf Rock 40 lb. Do I still need that ammonium chloride and nitrifying bacteria or can they be used in conjuction with liferock?

 

[BonnieB]

Welcome to our T2R family!

 

[BonnieB]

Welcome to our T2R family!

Bad typing R2R Family!!!

 

[Matt Bravo]

Thanks for that. I was thinking I'd be cycling with CaribSea LifeRock Shelf Rock 40 lb. Do I still need that ammonium chloride and nitrifying bacteria or can they be used in conjuction with liferock?

I would buy the ammonium chloride to ensure the rock stayed “live.” If the ammonia gets processed then you’re good, if not you have to get the bacteria to cycle it

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[fishface NJ]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

 

[BryanM]

Hi all, I just got my 5 year old son a 10 gallon freshwater tank for his birthday and during the process of multiple fish store visits and buying some used gear on marketplace I think I fell in love with the hobby. I've been spending long night researching the hobby and I getting very close to making a purchase. I'm in no rush to start but I have a few different routes I could go so I thought I'd reach out to the community. Here's what I'm thinking. I got 3 options.

1. High end option for main floor - Innovative Marine EXT 75
2. Basement landing option - Waterbox aquarium 110.4 at half price to msrp but brand new - I just don't trust this type of setup on my main floor with little kids. I've read about stability issues and I have small kids and I'm worried they might bump it. I'd be more comfortable with it in the basement but won't get to enjoy it as much.
3. Budget DIY option - 40 gallon breeder or slightly larger with trigger sump and custom plumbing. I'd have to drill the tank which I'm comfortable doing. This setup would go in the same spot as option 2.

with all above options I was planning on doing fish only to start with inverbs till tank is established enough for corals with the following goodies.

-hydros 4 starter kit
-reef octopus sr01000
- 2x maxspect gyre xf330
- regular led light
- 2x sicce 300w heaters
- live rock
- filter brick
- algae scrubber magnet
- secondary testing kits beyond the hydros


What are your thoughts? I am missing anything?

Welcome to the forums!

 

[Fish Styx]

Greetings and welcome to the reef!

 

[Brisk]

Welcome!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Welcome to Reef2Reef! Feel free to ask any questions you might have, and we will be happy to help you out!

I also recommend reading this thread I am linking below

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

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome, glad you are here!