Starting a saltwater tank

[Aikidoka]

Thank you guys for the input. I think I'll go with small one first then go big.

The smallest tank I got is 29g long then 55g then 75g, they are all empty. What's the perfect size I should start?

So sorry for all the questions guys. Again, thanks for replying.

[mrhasan]

Originally Posted by Aikidoka

Thank you guys for the input. I think I'll go with small one first then go big.

The smallest tank I got is 29g long then 55g then 75g, they are all empty. What's the perfect size I should start?

So sorry for all the questions guys. Again, thanks for replying.

I don't like taller tank with less width so 55g wouldn't be my choice is any way. I don't know the dimension of 29g long. But since you already have experience with freshwater and pretty much familiar with basics, I would go with the 75g and keep the 29g long for quarantine. The dimension is great and you can add few fancy fishes in there. But as you go bigger, remember these few things:
1. More salt
2. More light
3. More filtration

If you are ready for it, for for it

[Reef Pilot]

My recommendation (won't be the most popular opinion, I'm sure) would be go with the 29g, and skimmerless to start. Just a canister filter and lots of live rock. Do 10g water changes every 2 weeks. And a good internal flow pump (like a 1400 gph Koralia).

Again, take your time with the cycle and adding livestock. There will be lots of time after you get started to decide which livestock to choose, and when.

Save your money for the sump and skimmer (big bucks) for later when you are ready to go with the big tank (125g). The 29g can then become your QT or frag tank. In the meantime you will learn a lot, and am sure will get much enjoyment with your new SW adventure.

And small tank mistakes are much easier (and cheaper) to correct than if you have a big tank.

[Dearth]

Originally Posted by Aikidoka

So sorry for all the questions guys. Again, thanks for replying.

That is what we are here for to help you along if you don't ask you won't know

RO/RODI this is a basic need most cities/regions the water has tons of chemicals and nasties in it RO/RODI water will save you a ton of grief

Food safe garbage cans never have enough around for fresh water and per made salt water

Salt most buckets come with the instructions for mixing

Sand this one is tricky and can be controversial some swear by the 3" rule others are happy with an inch and a half I am in the latter part

Egg crate this again is controversial with many in the SW hobby I have it on the bottom of my tank for extra protection in case a rock falls others think it is a waste of space it is totally up to you

Lighting most are going for LEDs expensive to buy but cheap to run and provide good light choices and spectrum few run metal halides anymore T5s are still popular

Test kits all have their pluses and minuses some people are downright anal about testing their water others go for days or weeks before testing once your more confident its your choice

Live rock lots of choices and variations out there this is actually one of the more expensive bits to get for your tank a hundred pounds can set you back several hundred dollars I would try to see if anyone is selling their rock save you some money