Rate My Fish Tank Forum Index - Saltwater / Reef Tank Discussion - first tank? - Reply
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Hi I'm a 18 year old student I'm looking to get back into the hobby since a long absence with a new reef tank. I have yet to purchase a tank or any of the equipment necessary for a reef. I have two spaces in mind for a tank one being a built in shelve measuring 48 by 24 and height is not an option but seeing as it's built into the wall this would eliminate a sump as a option for filtration and such. And a area besides this shelve being about 40 inches in length and 26 inches in depth, where i could put a stand making it much easier to house a sump. Being a student cost is a huge concern to me and i was wondering what size tank i should go with that will still be able to house a wide verity of fish and inverts yet remain fairly cheap to start out with and not to difficult. It would also be of great help if you could also advise me in what equipment i should be purchasing along with the tank and recommend any good, cheap hardy fish & coral species to start the tank of with.
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30-50 gallon is a safe bet. Not too much cash but good fish options. Sumps are a plus and having the tank drilled with an overflow. Do lots of reading and look at tank threads on forums, they are interesting and informative. |
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yeah i have been doing plenty of reading. I also came across the red sea max 130 and the 130D along with the solana all in one aquariums and was wondering if these are reliable starter options seeing as they contain everything that is needed |
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Craigslist...You can get insane deals there right now with the economy the way it is. People have to decide fish or food for the family....and thats an obvious choice. So check craigslist. Im 20 and so is blueshoes....both in college.....and we understand your pain. Money is TIGHT. so squeeze those pennys and buy used. :) I would probably do a 36" tank. With a 20 long as a sump. then your in business. Use a trash can for an Auto top off resevoir and your in business for sure! |
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my family is starving right now... lol...
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i got a 20 gallon for free yesterday!
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free is a good price. Now.....what are you going to put in it....fish? Reef? Live rock? Bare bottom or sand bottom? We can help from there. :) |
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yeah i was on craigslist but Edmonton Alberta Canada doesn't really have to many used aquariums floating around my dad is will to help me out on a red sea max though because he feels its a nice enough aquarium that he to can enjoy it so i was wondering if anybody knew anything about what kinda quality they are |
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Yeah get the 65 gallon. :) And you will be happy as hell. Its already got T5's on it. And you can buy a dimmer for them to slowly go from day to night. sick setup! |
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I feel your pain Gong. I'm in Regina, and there is NOTHING on craigslist, usedregina or kijiji (worth buying anyways). Plus, compared to the stuff I've seen in the states, the prices aren't as low as stuff you can find down there. |
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I looked at some Red Sea Max's and they are really nice tanks. I like the fact that they are all inclusive. Less wires and mess to deal with. I was thinking about getting one until I got a killer deal on my 24 gallon on Craigslist. The only downside is that it doesn't have MH's, but it seems that people are doing well with the T-5's. I would definitely get the 130D or 250. I'm actually thinking about getting one for my office. |
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Where are you thinking about getting the Red Sea Max tank kit? What shops in Canada carry them? |
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Kelbri i know that Big Al's Aquarium superstore carries them in Canada but they are going to set you back about a grand |
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Thanks Gong. I'll have to check into it to see if they are a good price option for me. |
Rate My Fish Tank Forum Index - Saltwater / Reef Tank Discussion - first tank? - Reply