Hi, new here!

[HoneyJubilee]

Hi, everyone!
I currently only have a 15 gallon FW aquarium, but I'm trying to figure out how to finance a SW tank or two on a student budget. I'm still gathering information so I can hopefully avoid making any expensive mistakes. I'd like to have a reef tank with seahorses and/or a huge FOWLR with a porcupine puffer.

[DevonM]

Welcome!

[charlie]

welcome to the site

[DevonM]

Hi, everyone!
I'm trying to figure out how to finance a SW tank or two on a student budget. I'm still gathering information so I can hopefully avoid making any expensive mistakes. I'd like to have a reef tank with seahorses and/or a huge FOWLR with a porcupine puffer.

We have had members in the past try to make the "student budget" work, it's difficult. I would go down and talk to Dan at Reefmissoula (on Brooks by Montana Club). He's got a nice selection of nano tanks, some up and running. His number is: 546-0242.

I would say, as most others would also say, don't start with seahorses or a large tank. You should have some experience under your belt before you attempt the seahorses and the "huge" tank is going to be $$$expensive$$$.

[HoneyJubilee]

We have had members in the past try to make the "student budget" work, it's difficult. I would go down and talk to Dan at Reefmissoula (on Brooks by Montana Club). He's got a nice selection of nano tanks, some up and running. His number is: 546-0242.

I would say, as most others would also say, don't start with seahorses or a large tank. You should have some experience under your belt before you attempt the seahorses and the "huge" tank is going to be $$$expensive$$$.

Actually, it was a trip to his shop that started my saltwater fascination. We went in to look at light fixtures for my boyfriend's FW planted tank and I've been researching SW setups ever since.

I'm not in a big hurry to buy a tank or fish. I'd much rather take my time, learn as much as I can about the fish/inverts/corals I might like to have, read up on the advantages/disadvantages of different tank setups, and save for decent equipment. A year or two of research/saving would be way better than throwing something together next week and having it be a disaster.

I'm sure you're right about the seahorses. Most of the places I've been reading give them a moderate to difficult care rating, which is probably more than I can handle in the beginning. I'd like to have them someday, though.

[DevonM]

I'm not in a big hurry to buy a tank or fish. I'd much rather take my time, learn as much as I can about the fish/inverts/corals I might like to have, read up on the advantages/disadvantages of different tank setups, and save for decent equipment. A year or two of research/saving would be way better than throwing something together next week and having it be a disaster.

I'm sure you're right about the seahorses. Most of the places I've been reading give them a moderate to difficult care rating, which is probably more than I can handle in the beginning. I'd like to have them someday, though.

Sounds like you are headed in the right direction. I have have a good sized reef tank and a refugium to look at if you are looking for ideas.