Fish only or Reef---29 or 55 gal

[Almondsaz]

I am in the process of doing the research for getting into salt water. I believe that the correct way for me to start is to set-up a fish only tank and then grow into a reef set-up as I become a more competent salt water hobbiest. The fish only would allow me to buy a modest amount of equipment that I could grow with and just add to for the next step for reef keeping. I think this is a good plan...would appreciate your insights.

The other factor is the base. I was looking to start with a 29 gallon set-up in lieu of a 55 gallon. I am not looking to house an ocean of friends just perhaps 4 or so fish...the obligatory clowns. I really like the living rock and will probably get a couple of shrimp or small crabs for the "clean up crew".

Thanks for taking the time to read and commenting.

 

[Reefscape]

personally, a lot of it depends on cost..

Yes, going down the reef route will cost more purely because of the live rock purchased ( 1 - 1.5lbs per gallon of tank water )...However, running wise, a reef is not hard to look after, you just need more patience and research. One example of that is filtration. On a fish only, your going to be doing the maintenance on the cannister filters every week...With a reef, your life rock will provide you with the mechanical filtration, so, it removes that cannister filter out of the equasion...less work for you....one less bit of equiment to buy....on either system, your going to have water circulation, so no differenec there, the only other main difference is a skimmer and once its setup, all you have to do is empty the collection cup and periodically strip and clean it....which itself, is not hard to do.....

So, my answer to you would be a reef in the 55...more water, more forgiving when something goes wrong and quicker to spot a potential problem when one arises..

Just an opinion of course...

Niko

 

[Almondsaz]

Thank you Niko. Would the lighting in the Reef Tank be T5 and then you can keep just about anything? or is their a dependency on the light source and the reef life you can keep?

 

[dogface]

29 was my first reef tank and it was perfect for starters. I purchased about 20 lbs of live rock, couple of powerheads and a cpr bakpak for a skimmer. Bak pak is perfect for a 29 and its a great skimmer. You can go t5 or compact lighting which I like compact better. Actually at the time I just had a t12 50/50 bulb that seemed to do fine.

 

[musho3210]

Thank you Niko. Would the lighting in the Reef Tank be T5 and then you can keep just about anything? or is their a dependency on the light source and the reef life you can keep?

Pick what corals you are interested in first, then pick out a lighting, its what i did and now i have very nice match (lps/softies/clams under MH light)

 

[chris331]

if you can afford the bigger tank, go for it... water levels are easier to control in larger tanks, and like said above, they are more forgiving.

PLUS- you won't have to upgrade later!!:grinyes: