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[Madreefer]

Ever wonder about those super enthusiastic people who start out and figure they need every possible piece of equipment and gadget for their new tank? Thinking that's what will give them a nice tank and disregard the advice given to them. What is it usual a year or two and it's all for sale? The sad part is all the fish and coral that perish during that time.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by Madreefer

Ever wonder about those super enthusiastic people who start out and figure they need every possible piece of equipment and gadget for their new tank? Thinking that's what will give them a nice tank and disregard the advice given to them. What is it usual a year or two and it's all for sale? The sad part is all the fish and coral that perish during that time.

+1. And going big to start off is not necessarily a good idea either. Remember Hustler, a couple years ago?

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

And going big to start off is not necessarily a good idea either.

nothing wrong with that as long as you are going to stick with it. the only difference between big and small is the amount of money.

Steve

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

nothing wrong with that as long as you are going to stick with it. the only difference between big and small is the amount of money.

Steve

Yeah, and cost of mistakes are much bigger, too, incl all the livestock that perish due to inexperience and bad decisions. Much easier to manage and correct a smaller system than try to fix a 100+g system that is not working out as planned.

I think the major reason people get out of the hobby is they underestimated the effort and attention needed to learn about and properly care for a good looking and successful reef system.

[mrhasan]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Yeah, and cost of mistakes are much bigger, too, incl all the livestock that perish due to inexperience and bad decisions. Much easier to manage and correct a smaller system than try to fix a 100+g system that is not working out as planned.

I think the major reason people get out of the hobby is they underestimated the effort and attention needed to learn about and properly care for a good looking and successful reef system.

I thought many people say or flame people who start with sizes they can manage (usually on the smaller side) with a very common saying: The bigger, the better

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by mrhasan

I thought many people say or flame people who start with sizes they can manage (usually on the smaller side) with a very common saying: The bigger, the better

Yes, and sometimes that is true, too. A small system, <30g can also be hard to manage with rapidly fluctuating parameters, esp if you don't have a sump or skimmer.

I think a good starting size for a 1st tank is around 50g with a sump and skimmer. That still allows for fast reaction to mistakes (water changes, etc), and provides all the necessary elements for learning. Plus you have some room for fish and corals. And if you do decide to get out of the hobby, your lost investment is not as bad.

But if you do get past all the learning and inevitable frustrations after the 1st year or so, then you will be in a much better position to properly plan and move to a larger system.

[mrhasan]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Yes, and sometimes that is true, too. A small system, <30g can also be hard to manage with rapidly fluctuating parameters, esp if you don't have a sump or skimmer.

I think a good starting size for a 1st tank is around 50g with a sump and skimmer. That still allows for fast reaction to mistakes (water changes, etc), and provides all the necessary elements for learning. Plus you have some room for fish and corals. And if you do decide to get out of the hobby, your lost investment is not as bad.

But if you do get past all the learning and inevitable frustrations after the 1st year or so, then you will be in a much better position to properly plan and move to a larger system.

True that. I always say that a manageable tank is always better than a bigger tank (but who cares, I am a noob after all and my words are of no value ). When I moved from 20gallon to 70gallon, it was bit of a shock, esp with burning pumps (hence gave up on 2nd hand things), buying new salt bucket every 2-3 months (and I have been using non-IO salts), dosing a LOT, not to mention it takes a lot of corals/fishes/time to fill up a big tank One just have to know what it takes to have a saltwater tank; surprise is the biggest enemy in this hobby Having money is not the solution like many thinks; its all about dedication