I am thinking about getting ready to start my first SW tank but basically I'm not sure if I want to get a 90 gallon tank or a 55 gallon tank? Does anyone know what the price difference would be all set up for each of those (filter, heater, etc.). Because if the 90 gallon isn't too much more expensive then I will go with that. Also would there be a large difference in the difficulty of maintaining either of those? Thanks
55 or 90 gallon?
- Thread starter pillzburypimp
- Start date
Hello pillzburypimp, nice to see another new member on here like me..
I would not of thought there would a vast amount in difference in cost between the two tanks..The advice that i was always given is buy the biggest you can afford and space allows. Also on size wise, the bigger the water volume you have, the easier it is going to be to maintain as there is more time to realise a problem in the water or innhabitants than there would be in a small tank..
The actual cost involved is obviously determined on what it that you want to keep in the tank... "Fish only" or "Corals" etc etc....
Let us all know what you have in mind and any progress, and i am sure that with the vast amount of experience here, we will help you out the best we all can..Welcome to the board.
Niko
I would not of thought there would a vast amount in difference in cost between the two tanks..The advice that i was always given is buy the biggest you can afford and space allows. Also on size wise, the bigger the water volume you have, the easier it is going to be to maintain as there is more time to realise a problem in the water or innhabitants than there would be in a small tank..
The actual cost involved is obviously determined on what it that you want to keep in the tank... "Fish only" or "Corals" etc etc....
Let us all know what you have in mind and any progress, and i am sure that with the vast amount of experience here, we will help you out the best we all can..Welcome to the board.
Niko
Well, i was planning to do a FOWLR tank but I have been reading a lot of websites and articles, etc. but I am still not sure the things I need as opposed to things that would make it better. Someplaces say I need certain things while others are extras and other places tell me that the extras are necessary. I really just have no clue where to even begin. It is very confusing at the start I guess.
Yes, i quite agree, it is all confusing...Best thing to do, like i did, was go to your local good book store and get a slack handfull of books on Marine Fish Keeping and read read read...
On keeping FOWLR tanks, the basic things you really need are...
1) Filter ( stay away from undergravel filters...nightmare to keep clean )
2) Heaters ( what ever wattage you need, buy to heaters to make the total....that way, if one fails, the other one will at least keep some heat in the tank )
3) Reverse Osmosis Unit to get the lovely pure water ( we dont want hair algae blossoming in there )
4) Power heads to give you good circulation round the tank so there are no dead spots
5) A UV Steriliser ( my preference, you dont have to have one of these )
6) A good digital thermometer ( stay away from the stick on ones )
7) A calibrated hydrometer, or if you can afford the extra, a refractometer
8) An extra powerhead and heater for your saltwater mixing container
9) Lighting - Deepends on what you are going to keep...or intend to keep in the future..For FOWLR you can use PC lighting, some use T8 lighting, some metal Halide.....For reef tanks, i would always recomend T5
10) Protien Skimmer
12) A very good marine saltwater testing kit
and last of all.....
11) PATIENCE...and lots of
Of course, this is only a basic list...On top of all that, you need your salt, live rock, substrate etc...But i hope it gives you an idea of the equipment your likely to need..
Anybody, if i have missed anything off...please please shout up..
Niko
On keeping FOWLR tanks, the basic things you really need are...
1) Filter ( stay away from undergravel filters...nightmare to keep clean )
2) Heaters ( what ever wattage you need, buy to heaters to make the total....that way, if one fails, the other one will at least keep some heat in the tank )
3) Reverse Osmosis Unit to get the lovely pure water ( we dont want hair algae blossoming in there )
4) Power heads to give you good circulation round the tank so there are no dead spots
5) A UV Steriliser ( my preference, you dont have to have one of these )
6) A good digital thermometer ( stay away from the stick on ones )
7) A calibrated hydrometer, or if you can afford the extra, a refractometer
8) An extra powerhead and heater for your saltwater mixing container
9) Lighting - Deepends on what you are going to keep...or intend to keep in the future..For FOWLR you can use PC lighting, some use T8 lighting, some metal Halide.....For reef tanks, i would always recomend T5
10) Protien Skimmer
12) A very good marine saltwater testing kit
and last of all.....
11) PATIENCE...and lots of
Of course, this is only a basic list...On top of all that, you need your salt, live rock, substrate etc...But i hope it gives you an idea of the equipment your likely to need..
Anybody, if i have missed anything off...please please shout up..
Niko
The 90.
You may pay more, but it's better than getting the 55 and regretting not going bigger.
90's are easier to maintain, and they give you more options for stocking.
No matter what you choose, there are certain things that are essential.
Heater, salt mix, hydrometer, thermometer, test kit, pumps for at least 10x turnover per hour, and a deep sand bed are pretty much essential to even start. Live rock is very important for filtration, so I would say that is a must.
A skimmer can be added later if it is not affordable now. But don't go cheap on the equipment, because it is likely you might regret it down the road.
You may pay more, but it's better than getting the 55 and regretting not going bigger.
90's are easier to maintain, and they give you more options for stocking.
No matter what you choose, there are certain things that are essential.
Heater, salt mix, hydrometer, thermometer, test kit, pumps for at least 10x turnover per hour, and a deep sand bed are pretty much essential to even start. Live rock is very important for filtration, so I would say that is a must.
A skimmer can be added later if it is not affordable now. But don't go cheap on the equipment, because it is likely you might regret it down the road.
Ok thanks a lot guys, very helpful posts I'm probably going to have to print out this page to keep so I don't forget this stuff. thanks again
No problem at all mate..Just keep us informed of your progress and we all will answer any questions you have along the way..
Niko
Niko
I was in the same quandry a few weeks ago. I knew if I got the 55 I could stock it sooner because it would be cheaper for the ls and lr etc etc etc. Then I realized I knew once I got it going I would want a 90 so I waited a little longer and saved a little more and got the 90. Now I am saving for my fuge, skimmer, power heads, etc etc etc. I am glad I waited and went with the 90. Not to mention maintaining good water quality will be that much easier.