I decided about 8 months ago randomly that I wanted a saltwater reef tank with zero idea
of what that entailed. I have a friend that had a large tank and I reached out to him and he spoke gibberish so I knew I was in over my head. I live on the jersey shore surfing, spear fishing, fishing, and love the ocean. I went down the rabbit hole and realized their was a lot it learn before a purchase. I have been reading the forums, listening to podcasts, and consuming all saltwater material I can. I feel like I am back in 7th grade Science class. My wife Is not sold on a big tank (neither and am I honestly) I am trying to figure out where to start. I am torn between trying out the hobby in a 20 gallon AIO or just jumping in to a 40+ gallon with a sump. I really am interested in keeping a reef and aquarium with as much natural filters and processes as possible including a refugium. I know the aio is limited in this aspect. I also am not sure if I will love the commitment to the hobby and don’t want to over spend and realize it’s not for me. I have given it around 6 months and I can’t shake the itch and am completely obsessed…So I’m debating on trying small and moving up quickly or just going where I want from the get go. I know many of you may have been in my position before so I was looking for advice.
I have 3 children who all love the ocean and fish. My oldest 8 and my middle 6 would truly enjoy a tank with me learning and working through it all. I own my own business and can make time for this hobby but really have to love it. I want a mixed tank with LPS and softies. Would love to have an abundance of fish and life.
Would love to hear opinions on where to begin my journey. Thanks to this community as it has already given me so much knowledge and help. You all are amazing. Thank you!
of what that entailed. I have a friend that had a large tank and I reached out to him and he spoke gibberish so I knew I was in over my head. I live on the jersey shore surfing, spear fishing, fishing, and love the ocean. I went down the rabbit hole and realized their was a lot it learn before a purchase. I have been reading the forums, listening to podcasts, and consuming all saltwater material I can. I feel like I am back in 7th grade Science class. My wife Is not sold on a big tank (neither and am I honestly) I am trying to figure out where to start. I am torn between trying out the hobby in a 20 gallon AIO or just jumping in to a 40+ gallon with a sump. I really am interested in keeping a reef and aquarium with as much natural filters and processes as possible including a refugium. I know the aio is limited in this aspect. I also am not sure if I will love the commitment to the hobby and don’t want to over spend and realize it’s not for me. I have given it around 6 months and I can’t shake the itch and am completely obsessed…So I’m debating on trying small and moving up quickly or just going where I want from the get go. I know many of you may have been in my position before so I was looking for advice.
I have 3 children who all love the ocean and fish. My oldest 8 and my middle 6 would truly enjoy a tank with me learning and working through it all. I own my own business and can make time for this hobby but really have to love it. I want a mixed tank with LPS and softies. Would love to have an abundance of fish and life.
Would love to hear opinions on where to begin my journey. Thanks to this community as it has already given me so much knowledge and help. You all are amazing. Thank you!