NEWBIE With lots of questions!

PTXReef · Jul 21, 2020

MaxxuM said:
Yes, a 10 gallon aquarium can work, but it isn't optimal for a beginner. Saltwater aquariums require a lot of attention in the beginning and if you mess up just a little it can be a disaster very fast with such a small aquarium. The smaller the tank the faster bad things will happen. So, more water = slower changes = more stable system = better for beginners. There is a popular YouTube video called "$146 Nano Reef..." by Inappropriate Reefer. He details his journey with a 10 gallon reef aquarium. It would be good to watch that series of videos. The price is probably closer to $300-$400 after the first year though.

My top advise is go slow and do your research... Then emulate somone else that has had success and you'll do fine.

Welcome btw

Great advice! Definitely like Inappropriate Reefer's videos

For the video you watched, "topping off" refers to adding new RODI water to lower the salinity back to your desired values (1.021-1.026). Definitely do your research and patience is key!
Happy reefing and welcome to R2R!

Jimbhoy13 · Jul 21, 2020

Welcome to R2R and the salty world Maria. Just to add, hopefully not too obvious, as well as RO water you will need salt. For a small tank you could buy RO water and salt water by the barrel from LFS. Lots of knowledgable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

Billldg · Jul 21, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!!

SCReef'n · Jul 21, 2020

Hi Maria
Welcome to R2R!!!

Peace River · Jul 21, 2020

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!! A lot of good resources shared above - good luck!

Evanbardiel · Jul 21, 2020

Welcome to the reef! 10 gallons is doable but 29 gallons is a bit easier than the 10.

ajhudson15 · Jul 21, 2020

Welcome. I live in Indiana. Let me know if you ever have any question I could help with

MightyMO · Jul 21, 2020

Hello Maria from Kentucky!!! I'm Mike from Missouri... Welcome to Reef2reef and to the hobby!!! The aforementioned advice is great! All these folks here have tons of combined knowledge of saltwater, it's critters, and what they need to survive. I will give you a heads up, they use alot of acronyms here... lol I'll give ya a breakdown of the more popular ones I see mostly...
Lfs=local fish store
Nems= anenomes
Sw= saltwater
Nsw=natural saltwater

Other members add to the list of anything I missed... But if you have a question or need help, feel free to message people or start a thread... Everyone is really helpful here...