Howdy

[Reed2600]

Hi, I just wanted to say thanks to everybody on the forum for some great contributions. I recently started toying with the idea of getting an aquarium after helping a neighbor move some of his equipment. I had a couple fresh water tanks growing up as a kid and always wanted to a salt water tank. So now that my finances allow I've started looking into it. Considering that was almost 15 years since my last tank its without question a lot has changed. I've been reading the articles on here as well as the stickies such as Steelhealr's 24g Nano setup and frankly its pretty overwhelming but I have time to overcome it. The main piece of advice I have read over and over again is to research before before starting. So I've decided to wait 2 months before buying any equipment.

 

I have decided to go on the larger side of the nano tanks between 24-30 gallons. I've been looking at either the JBJ 28g HQI or the Oceanic 29g Bioqube. I'm also toying with getting a JBJ 28g CF-quad and going hoodless since apparently lighting seems to be a common issue out of the box.

 

As for a pump I'm pretty set on going with a Vortech MP10.

 

As far as filters I've been reading a lot on doing the three chamber setup with the 2nd as a refugium but couldn't I bypass that by using a powerfilter such as Emperor 280?

 

My overall goal is to create a living reef setting with a catalina goby, fire fish, and ocellaris clown along with a blood shrimp. Maybe eventually a clam and a red sea star.

 

Please feel free to give any ideas or opinions. I am still learning and ignorant of a lot.