Another thing to think about is the tank size. How much space do you have where you think you want the tank? Under 4 feet might get you 20, 30 or 40 gallon tank (standard sizes). If you have enough space for a tank that is 4 feet long, you could go 55, 75 or maybe a 90 gallon. A 55 is 4 feet long by about 12 inches wide. A 75 is about 4 ft long by 20 inches wide (approx). The 55 gal isn't very wide. I started with a 75 (only because I already had it) and am glad I did. If I had started reefin in a 55, I think I would have gone to a larger tank soon after seting up.
To get an idea on tank sixes and weights (really important too), look here:
http://alysta.com/books/fishtank.htm
Go to some stores or friends houses and look at the different size tanks. Look around for a used tank before you jump out there and get a brand new tank, unless you really want a new one. A used one, it might need to be resealed, maybe not (it's fairly easy to do). Might have some scratches. $1 per gallon is a decent price to pay, maybe more. Larger tanks, maybe $1.5 to $2 per gallon. Look around on craigs list in your area. Also call around to some LFS (local fish stpres) and ask them if they have any used tanks or equipment.
A new tank, no scratches, won't need to be resealed. Set it up and put water in it. If you decide to sell it, you may not be able to get out of it what you put into it. Same thing with any equipment that you decide to buy. Try and get them used. If for some reason you decide to sell things, if you are asking used prices, sell quicker. Asking new prices, probably won't sell as fast. If you are buying used, look around local so you can go over and see the equipment working before you buy it.
These are just my opinions and experiences in my area. Others may tell you different.
Oh, BTW, plan on a reef. Start with softies. They can look really good. Call it a FOWLR and softies lol.
Good luck
To get an idea on tank sixes and weights (really important too), look here:
http://alysta.com/books/fishtank.htm
Go to some stores or friends houses and look at the different size tanks. Look around for a used tank before you jump out there and get a brand new tank, unless you really want a new one. A used one, it might need to be resealed, maybe not (it's fairly easy to do). Might have some scratches. $1 per gallon is a decent price to pay, maybe more. Larger tanks, maybe $1.5 to $2 per gallon. Look around on craigs list in your area. Also call around to some LFS (local fish stpres) and ask them if they have any used tanks or equipment.
A new tank, no scratches, won't need to be resealed. Set it up and put water in it. If you decide to sell it, you may not be able to get out of it what you put into it. Same thing with any equipment that you decide to buy. Try and get them used. If for some reason you decide to sell things, if you are asking used prices, sell quicker. Asking new prices, probably won't sell as fast. If you are buying used, look around local so you can go over and see the equipment working before you buy it.
These are just my opinions and experiences in my area. Others may tell you different.
Oh, BTW, plan on a reef. Start with softies. They can look really good. Call it a FOWLR and softies lol.
Good luck
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