Questions from a newbie entering this world

[Kayden]

Happy Saturday,

This is my first post in this community. Please forgive my lack of knowledge and the many questions I have about this hobby.

1. I’ve been doing some research and read that an Innovative Marine 15-gallon tank would be a great choice for a beginner. (I was considering a 13.5-gallon Fluval Evo, but I heard that its included components—like the skimmer—are of poor quality, so I’ve decided against it.) Would you recommend the Innovative Marine tank?

2. What lighting options would you suggest that offer good value for the price? I’d like to start with some easy-to-care-for corals and a couple of clownfish (I know, that’s a very common choice!). I’ve read that a Fluval Nano 4.0 or a Higger light might be good options for a beginner.

3. What protein skimmer should I use? I’ve heard the Bubble-Magus MiniQ is the best, but I’d love to hear your thoughts or if there are better alternatives at a similar price point.

4. Any advice or tips for a newcomer would be greatly appreciated.

Apologies if anything is unclear or poorly phrased; I’m using a Spanish-to-English translator, so I’m not entirely sure if the translation is accurate.

Have a great day!

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

IME the fluval products I have used were replaced very quickly with something of better quality. The IM is much a much better choice than the fluval.

For a 15 gallon tank, I would suggest any light 50-60 watts. Again stay away from that fluval light, there are lots of choices such Nicrew, Jebao, Vivarspectra, Popbloom, AI Prime, and many others.

For this size tank, there is really no need for a skimmer, that is overkill on this size tank IMO. My 15 gallon has no filtration at all, just weekly water changes.

Those are good questions, feel free to ask any others, good luck.

 

[Uncle99]

Happy Saturday,

This is my first post in this community. Please forgive my lack of knowledge and the many questions I have about this hobby.

1. I’ve been doing some research and read that an Innovative Marine 15-gallon tank would be a great choice for a beginner. (I was considering a 13.5-gallon Fluval Evo, but I heard that its included components—like the skimmer—are of poor quality, so I’ve decided against it.) Would you recommend the Innovative Marine tank?

2. What lighting options would you suggest that offer good value for the price? I’d like to start with some easy-to-care-for corals and a couple of clownfish (I know, that’s a very common choice!). I’ve read that a Fluval Nano 4.0 or a Higger light might be good options for a beginner.

3. What protein skimmer should I use? I’ve heard the Bubble-Magus MiniQ is the best, but I’d love to hear your thoughts or if there are better alternatives at a similar price point.

4. Any advice or tips for a newcomer would be greatly appreciated.

Apologies if anything is unclear or poorly phrased; I’m using a Spanish-to-English translator, so I’m not entirely sure if the translation is accurate.

Have a great day!

Welcome to R2R!

Innovative marine makes a good tank and is not a new player. My 80 AIO came as a kit, complete, with return pump and including mesh lid, media caddy.Set up was super easy.

For lights I use AI Prime HD 16. A little more than three “Chinese black box” type but light is so important and the controllability fab.

For the skimmer I use the mini-Q, but need two. Works great for me.

Good luck, ask what you wish

 

[ScottJ]

Welcome! Check out these guide;
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

Lots of good info in there. Also the best advice I can give is to read and research as much as you can, don't trust everything your local fish store tells you (they are in the business to sell fish), and have patience!

 

[Tahoe61]

IME the fluval products I have used were replaced very quickly with something of better quality. The IM is much a much better choice than the fluval.

For a 15 gallon tank, I would suggest any light 50-60 watts. Again stay away from that fluval light, there are lots of choices such Nicrew, Jebao, Vivarspectra, Popbloom, AI Prime, and many others.

For this size tank, there is really no need for a skimmer, that is overkill on this size tank IMO. My 15 gallon has no filtration at all, just weekly water changes.

Those are good questions, feel free to ask any others, good luck.

All of the above^^^^^

And I would upgrade the stock return pump. Hygger has some decent nano wave makers and nano lighting.
I wouldn't go anything less than 65 watts for lighting.

 

[slingfox]

You should look into the Innovative Marine 25 Lagoon. The extra water volume should help with stability and will provide more options for livestock and coral.