Finding A Correct Tank

[jump629shot]

Could someone please help me find a correct tank for me? I have been looking for the past weeks and I feel as if I've been pulled in 30 directions. I would preferable like to buy a tank that comes set-up with everything so I won't be needing to buy individual parts. I was looking around the 35 to 45 gallon range.

Thank You

[leebca]

Almost any LFS in the marine business will put together a kit for you. Just ask for a quote and 'kit list.' Then post their recommendations on the Forum for others to look at. Others may spot something missing or make suggestions on alternative equipment.

Another approach is to read through this post: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

That post lists equipment and provides you links to other posts with equipment. Take that list of equipment with you and make sure the LFS 'kit list' includes those components.

The more you get into the hobby, the less money you will need to spend. For instance, you can find used equipment and put together your own kit for less than a new kit would cost.

I would mention that if you are looking for a 'turn key' system, it probably isn't going to work for you. The marine aquarium hobbyist needs to know about biology, sciences, physics, chemistry, plumbing, and electricity. Not a lot of each of these areas, but some, in order to be successful. The alternative is to pay someone to setup and run your aquarium and there are those people in that service.

Good luck!

[Ninong]

Hi jump629shot,

I would preferable like to buy a tank that comes set-up with everything so I won't be needing to buy individual parts. I was looking around the 35 to 45 gallon range.

Thank You

The plug-n-play aquarium is attractive to newbies because they don't have to rack their brains trying to figure out what they need. More experienced hobbyists usually prefer to pick and choose the different pieces of equipment that they think will best suit their particular interests.

If you are convinced that you would prefer to start out with something that is pretty much ready to go, then I would recommend either the Red Sea MAX 130D (34 gallons) or the Red Sea MAX 250D (66 gallons).

Red Sea website

Red Sea Max 130D Plug & Play Coral Reef System 34 Gallon Aquarium w/ Stand & Starter Kit


Red Sea MAX 250 Plug & Play Coral Reef System

Marine Depot is a reliable vendor. Free shipping is included in those prices. I strongly urge you to consider the larger aquarium. The smaller tank is suitable for a reef aquarium with a few small fish but it is not suitable for a fish-only aquarium unless you are interested in keeping just two or three smaller fish.

The 66-gal tank is a better size. It will work fine for either a reef aquarium or a fish-only aquarium, provided you don't overstock it.

Good luck!

[jump629shot]

Thank you for the responses! I'll definitely check out both of the suggestions.