hi everyone. want to start a saltwater tank. have bred and raised freshwater.want to try something diferent.i have really no idea about saltwater. i know it is more difficult. i have a 200gallon tank. wondering though about what i should get as far as filters, skimmers, lighting, etc. would appreciate any help. thanks, den
saltwatertank
- Thread starter biss444
- Start date
This is a decent writeup on setting up your first SW tank, its what I used when I set up my 55 reef.
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79292
A lot of the decisions you have to make regarding equipment are going to depend on your plans for the tank. Are you going for a big predator tank? FOWLR community? Full out SPS reef?
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79292
A lot of the decisions you have to make regarding equipment are going to depend on your plans for the tank. Are you going for a big predator tank? FOWLR community? Full out SPS reef?
Wow, a broad question. My first advice is to take a good, long look at the resources we have here--both stickies and threads. Do a search on your query, limit to marine forums, and you'll uncover a goldmine of info.
Edit: Ninja'd by Matt :silly:.
Edit: Ninja'd by Matt :silly:.
Wow, a 200 gallon tank! The first place I’d look is in my wallet. For saltwater, the tank is the cheap part. It’s all that extra stuff that will cost mucho dollars. In our neck of the woods (central New Jersey), a 200 gallon tank is going to result in a 200 – 300 dollar a month electric bill. If all you have is the tank, all that extra equipment: a sump, pumps, lights, protein skimmer, powerheads, plumbing, etc, etc, etc….on the cheap (and buying used), at least $2000.
I hate to sound like the grim reaper, but you might wish to wet your feet in, lets say a 20 – 55 gallon tank to see if it’s something you want to do. It’s not only a money hole, it’s a time sucker as well…every day maintenance. I’d rather see you check out your interest on a smaller, cheaper tank than go hog wild on a big tank. If you find that it is something you want to do, then you could use this smaller tank for your sump on the big tank.
I’m done with my doom and gloom speech…The first thing you need to do is read, read and read some more. That’s my best advice.
I hate to sound like the grim reaper, but you might wish to wet your feet in, lets say a 20 – 55 gallon tank to see if it’s something you want to do. It’s not only a money hole, it’s a time sucker as well…every day maintenance. I’d rather see you check out your interest on a smaller, cheaper tank than go hog wild on a big tank. If you find that it is something you want to do, then you could use this smaller tank for your sump on the big tank.
I’m done with my doom and gloom speech…The first thing you need to do is read, read and read some more. That’s my best advice.
I started my saltwater journey with a 210g and have thrilled with it. I had no experience with freshwater beforehand, but I did a crapload of research before I started to set it up. I read books, visited my LFS so much that I thought they were going to get a restraining order on me, and frequented several forums, this one being the best :thm:.
One of the best pieces of advice, other than do the research, is to do it right the first time. I skimped on a couple of things, and ended up regretting it when it came time to correct my mistakes. Overall I think I did pretty good (1 1/2 years and no catastrophic failures), but I did not build or buy a sump from the beginning and now wish I had. I have built a sump but have not installed it yet. It would have been SO much easier if I had just gone with a sump in the first place.
Hope this helps!
Robbie
One of the best pieces of advice, other than do the research, is to do it right the first time. I skimped on a couple of things, and ended up regretting it when it came time to correct my mistakes. Overall I think I did pretty good (1 1/2 years and no catastrophic failures), but I did not build or buy a sump from the beginning and now wish I had. I have built a sump but have not installed it yet. It would have been SO much easier if I had just gone with a sump in the first place.
Hope this helps!
Robbie
the bigger the better, especially with saltwater, so if you have the money to set it up properly then you've got a great opportunity on your hands. the lighting is going to get very expensive if you want corals, but if you know what type of set up(reef or fowler) you want then i see no problem with your tank size
The classifieds on Reef Central are a great place to pick up used equipment on the cheap. Lots of serial upgraders out there selling nice used equipment. Also, look into whether you have a local reef club, as that can be a huge help as well.