Total beginner here

[moishy]

Hi everyone!

I started my first freshwater tank a few months ago and have been absolutely loving it. But recently I stumbled across saltwater and reef tanks on YouTube… and now I’m completely hooked. I’ve gone all the way down the rabbit hole, and I think I’m ready to take the plunge.

What’s the smartest approach for a beginner who wants to keep things as simple as possible but still end up with an awesome-looking reef tank? Any advice on tank size, equipment, livestock, or common mistakes to avoid would be hugely appreciated.

Also… does this reefing fever ever wear off? I’m way more excited than I probably should be!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

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

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

 

[Gman83]

Welcome!

 

[fishface NJ]

Welcome

 

[CoralB]

Welcome !!

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome, glad you are here!

 

[TylerHaworth]

Welcome!

There are many beginner friendly AIO systems out there, may be a good way to get your feet (arms!) wet.

Beware of social media, this hobby requires more time, money, patience, and resolve than you will be led to believe.

Tell us more about what your goals are - What fish do you just absolutely have to get? What corals do you want? Certain inverts?

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

 

[BryanM]

Hi everyone!

I started my first freshwater tank a few months ago and have been absolutely loving it. But recently I stumbled across saltwater and reef tanks on YouTube… and now I’m completely hooked. I’ve gone all the way down the rabbit hole, and I think I’m ready to take the plunge.

What’s the smartest approach for a beginner who wants to keep things as simple as possible but still end up with an awesome-looking reef tank? Any advice on tank size, equipment, livestock, or common mistakes to avoid would be hugely appreciated.

Also… does this reefing fever ever wear off? I’m way more excited than I probably should be!

Welcome to R2R!

 

[Ocean_Queenie]

Hello & Welcome to R2R, definitely taking everything slow is best in my opinion. My husband has been a refer for over 30 years and he still loves it, I think I love it more than 26 years ago! Plus, being a member here, you can get a lot of really good information!

 

[moishy]

Welcome!

There are many beginner friendly AIO systems out there, may be a good way to get your feet (arms!) wet.

Beware of social media, this hobby requires more time, money, patience, and resolve than you will be led to believe.

Tell us more about what your goals are - What fish do you just absolutely have to get? What corals do you want? Certain inverts?

I’m not really looking for specific coral or fish, I first want to make sure that I get some hands on experience before investing that much money only for me to experiment and kill all my fish and coral.
What do you recommend?
What fish are pretty and also help out with pest and algae control?
What type of coral don’t require a ton of experience?

Thanks

 

[TylerHaworth]

What size tank are you leaning towards?

Clownfish are a classic, but they can be very territorial to tankmates, I love me a good Royal Gramma, also lots of Flasher Wrasses are good for smaller tanks, Possum Wrasses are really cool little guys, Yellow Watchman Gobies are also great.

Soft corals are the easiest for beginners, but look out for Anthelia, Green Star Polyps, and Palythoas as they can become quite invasive. Palys also pack a serious toxin that can cause some very serious health effects.

 

[edsbeaker]

Hello and welcome!

 

[winxp_man]

And patients is key!