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Thinking of starting SW

18K views 124 replies 8 participants last post by  Johnwall 
#1 ·
Hello All,

I was gifted a double decker stand with a 25gallon and 20 High tank. I wanted to know if this would be an OK to start a SW tank for a newbie. I have freshwater but im trying to decide what I want to do with these tanks. I cannot fit anything bigger for at least two years, so this is all I have to work with.

I know i would need:
Filter, Heater, hood, etc normal stuff
Protein skimmer
ro/di unit
live Sand/ live rock
API master SW test kit and a refractometer.

FOWLR would be my start, adding easy coral if possible at some point. Also love shrimp/ crabs. Is this possible, and what would be my possible stock list. If i like it and decide to go with SW then ill start picking your brain on equipment.

Thanks.
 
#95 ·
Well, my money situation keeps changing so its gonna be some time. I think I'll be getting some items for Christmas then moving forward after that. I'm also looking into Craig's list all the time for deals and such. I will have this tank!

Thanks everyone. Ill most likely wake this post up from the grave when the times comes. Ill also be creeping around admiring everyone else's setups. I'm so excited but I need to stay calm and say "good things happen in time" or whatever that saying is lol.
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#96 ·
Don't fret! I started looking into SW tanks over a year ago, and just last night did I finally get my tank running! SW tanks are a journey, not a destination, so enjoy the ride :) I should take my own advice, been just about ready to pull my hair out these past few days with this tank lolol
 
#97 ·
YAYYYYY GOOD NEWS!!!

I got a few side jobs going and got paid!
Security deposit from my old apt came in!
My mom's car was totaled (thankfully she is OK) so they got a new car last night and went to the same dealer i went to so im getting a referral check!!! Meaning once all this goes through............DUN DUN DUN



:BIGgrin::BIGgrin::BIGgrin::BIGgrin::BIGgrin:

FISH TANK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
#98 · (Edited)
Sorry, Double post.

What do you guys think of the Red Sea Max 130 compared to my current would be 25gallon DT and 20gallon sump.

Red Sea Max 130

Looks to be pretty dirty, and im wondering if there is extra rock not in the tank because that does not look like 60 pounds to me.

Anyway, I like how the tanks look, and im all for not having to spend the time and money on DIY. But what do you think of the equipment?

Im also thinking a tank like this is better for corals and will maybe allow me to add a few extra fish then planned.

She said it is still available. Should i make an offer for $400 since Its gonna require alot of cleaning?? Is there any extra hardware besides the RO/DI, and maintaince items i would need if i go this route?

Edit: just realized this is only the 130 but I was looking at the 130D before I found this.
 
#101 ·
Could you help me with some specifics to this CL ad?

What do I need to ask her to make sure this is worthwile?
How old is the equipment?
How long has the tank been running?
What chemicals/medicine have been used?

It looks dirty to me....that plus some money conerns for getting RO/DI and test kits immediatly as opposed to me buying some items now over a months time. If I was to take everything now can I let it dry out and I can get it started in a few more weeks after my next checks? Then ill just add a few pounds of LR and Live Sand when im ready to start cycling. Does this still make it worthwhile, taking out the factor that it is already established?
 
#102 ·
Welp, after taking a good hard look at that tank, it looks pretty good to me. A long scraping session with a blade would clean that tank right up, and make it look pretty good. Maybe some more Live Rock, but for the most part, looks kinda on the good side. Now, the cost is a different thing altogether. It all depends on where your at, and if that type of tank is readily available. $400, is reasonable for that tank setup. There are also quite a few modifications that can be made to the tank that I think you may want to do in the future. I belive its a good deal.
 
#103 · (Edited)
I made the offer. Im going to check my LFS and see what I can find. Never saw one used around here, but never seen the 130 new. Only the 130D, and i believe thats closer to $850. LFS has the S line i believe and its amazing and super expensive.

I see other on CL, and they are all 500+. Granted some have more corals and fish, but I want to make this my own tank, and not adopt yellow tangs that should not be in there.

At the same time this is way way way easier than building the 25Gallon from scratch, and will give me more room to do other things.

Im nervous.....i hope she says yes lol

Edit: Plus now I can use the 25 for another FW and the 20 as a SW QT
 
#106 ·
Another double.....

on the two clowns. I wont be ready to keep them this weekend as i have no ro/di etc. I want to start the correct way first. I have two options. What do you think.

1. I give them to my LFS. I dont think they trade for credit or anything............ but i know they take in fry and will grow them and sell them and i see older clowns come and go which i assume are trade-ins.

2. I could set them up in my QT for a month or so while i start fresh with the RSM. Is it OK to keep them in a 20QT with a HOB filter for flow, heater, and some LR? And is it OK to keep them for that long? Possibly two months max.

Im leaning toward option one. Its easier and makes more sense. Im asking though for just general knowledge. Say they were giving me a really expensive fish and I was in the same boat....does it make sense to keep them in a QT for that long?
 
#109 ·
Your pretty much on the mark with everything. Dstilled water is just as good as RO/DI Water. Yes, you should use the same type of water for QT that you are using in the DT. A T8 lamp is fine for a FOWLR. As far as filter media, how about .....none. Think about running GFO later or Carbon here and there. You should try to keep the LR moist,in whatever container you are using for transport. Take along a few extra 5g buckets with lids, and transport all the water you can, won't hurt.
 
#110 ·
Dstilled water is just as good as RO/DI Water.
i believe there are 2 common methods of distilling water, one of these involving copper vats in the process, which i personally dont know how i feel about creating a reef knowing my water was at one point exposed to it. (water does pass through copper pipes in a house,but its before hitting your RO/DI unit though) i cannot argue steamed distilled water with 0ppm and RO/DI water of 0ppm not matching but i thought i would just throw that out there.
im also not saying dont go buy some distilled water, just read the label and/or google the company's process.

i would also suggest using a QT of atleast 2 months to use it effectively. a piece of PVC pipe or two makes a cheap hide for fish.
 
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