Seriously? Lmao That's actually not the worst idea ever outside of Selassie
having Brady in his Bucs jersey as a screensaver!
That's freaking bad ass!
Always wanted a tank but never got around to it and now I'm going out and grabbing all the info so I can start ordering the equipment it seems I'm overwhelmed with information and contradictory information at that. For example, I've watched multiple vids saying it's better to start small, but other reputable people say start large at intended tank since it's not as easy to mess up with all that water etc.
What is a better filter? I've seen some swear up and down by a cannister filter others a reverse osmosis filter?
In general I don't mind splurging a bit to get something really nice that makes you smile when you see it but also know some places sell at a premium where you can get the same or similar product from someone else at a reasonable price. Do you have a go to with your tank/equipment/fish?
I kind of wanted a reef tank with anemones etc. with some cool fish. What are your thoughts?
Haha that bastard looks mean!
I heard those Parrot fish will attack you on the reef and if you get them in your tank the same thing?
Sorry I think I was drinking this night and forgot that I posted it or something! haha
Cheers bro!
The 1st decision needs to be if you want live coral or fish...
Most of the fish you'll want to have are NOT reef safe because they will eat your corals. You can get some fish that are reef safe, but they're not the ones most would consider cool.
Anemones are super cool. Just know that you won't be able to add one in a tank that hasn't been running for about 12 months if you expect for it to live. Plus... they are very pricey, especially the cool ones.
Corals (soft and hard) are expensive. My son has a very nice set-up made by Innovative Marine and it's only 40 gallons. It comes with the entire filtration system already installed in the back of the tank. You'll need to buy a light that can keep coral alive and expect to pay about 400 - 500 dollars for a tank that size for the light. You'll also have to buy an ATO (Automatic Top Off) but those aren't very expensive. That company also makes a very nice cabinet you can buy to fit the tank perfectly, but it is sold separately because some people may put the tank on something else.
Bigger reef tanks are more forgiving with water parameters, but filling one up with coral so that it doesn't look like a desert will cost BIG money. My son's 40 gallon cost him a pretty penny too to fill, but nothing like one my size would cost. He has thousands of dollars worth in his. They are beautiful to look at, but I find reef tanks to be more like having a garden that you have to constantly care for.
I am a fish lover over the live corals. Saltwater fish are expensive too depending on what you like. If you're going to go the fish route don't go smaller than a 55 and that is too small for many of the cooler fish. A 125 would be the minimum size I'd recommend.
Cannister filters are NOT what you want for salt. You'll want to get a sump filter under the tank, a skimmer, and a huge UV filter/light at minimum. I have 2 large pumps under mine that could run a small swimming pool. My tank is on the large range though and most shops don't carry stuff big enough for my needs. Don't skimp on the filtration. My tank has built-in returns so that it can go right up against a wall pretty much... I strongly recommend getting a tank like that. My son's is basically like that too. Lightning for my tank costs a lot more because it requires multiple lights that are much stronger to light deeper water.
You'll also have to pay for the sand and the structures you decide to add. Those aren't cheap if you want something cool. I think the piece my son bought for his cost $600... but it's perfect for his tank and was designed to add the coral on. The bigger you go... the more you're gonna have to pay.
I have mine serviced and I believe it saves me money compared to doing it myself. My son does his own because the water changes don't require near the gallons as mine.
Check out that system my son has. It's very nice and it's not over the top expensive. There are a few cheaper brands that have similar products, but I would pay a little more for quality. It's a great set-up for corals. Especially for a first time person.
Mine is not a beginner size. Most people are more than happy with a 125 - 150 for fish. I wouldn't go smaller because some of the fish you'll really want need at least that much room to survive. That size tank seems giant for most people and it is still affordable for maintenance. My 300 takes up a LOT of space and it's not a cheap toy. You can always go bigger down the road if you get addicted like me.