Hi All,

I just registered with NR after months of romanticizing the thought of a SW reef aquarium. As recommended by everyone I've spoken with I've been researching like a madman. I've read through the sticky in this forum for new folks, most of the articles on this site as well as a couple of books and other online resources. I'm ready to make the leap into beginning to purchase equipment and livestock.

Here enlies the challenge. The chicken or egg dilemma. Do I decide which type of LR and LS I want in my tank and then buy a tank shaped accordingly, more or less fitting my afforded space? Or, do I buy a tank to fit the space and select LR and LS accordingly. I understand lighting is far more specific to what one has in their tank... but in my view, bulbs and ballasts can be changed much easier than an aquarium set up.

Please understand that I have skimmed the forums and read the beginner notes in search of insight on this and haven't really found any committed response.

Furthermore... if there's a Canadian contingency out there with any recommendation for suppliers in Eastern Ontario along with resources and clubs I'd love to hear from you!

Any advice, as always, is much appreciated.

Best,
Meech

to nano-reef.com

Your dilemma is misguided. First you should decide what livestock you want to keep, tailor the tank size to be adequate for the livestock, and then decide about live rock and live sand (and other equipment). Moreover, deciding the type of live rock is subjective and based on what kind of aquascaping is desired.