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TBone12

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First I would like to introduce myself I'm brand new here. Thanks for having me. I'm still in the research phase of this hobby and was looking for some input from experienced people (no matter how little it's still more than me ). I'm looking at getting into saltwater and figured I would start with a nano reef to gain some experience and make sure I really like it before I completely destroy the bank account. Is there a tank or brand that yall recommend for a beginner that comes ready to use and can also be upgraded as more funds become available and my experience grows. I'm not really wanting one frome a store that is already established and running. I want to be more involved than that. Also I'd like to be between 15 and 30 gallons. Any advise will be greatly appreciated.

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:welcome: to Nano-Reef!

 

In the 15 to 30 gallon range, Innovative Marine is very popular. They make a number of All-in-one tanks that make setup quite easy. You should check them out. Another brand that is debatably popular on this site is CADLights. I have one myself and like it, but some others would argue that point. The new Red Sea reefer series tanks are also very popular, but somewhat more expensive. They do come with more accessories, though, that somewhat makes up for the higher price tag. The best advice I could give you is do your research, and then more research, and then some more research. There is a lot to learn, but also a lot of enjoyment to be had at the same time!

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I started with a 12 gallon all in one tank. Just used the stock pump, stock filter media (sponge, and ceramic rings) and $100 LED lighting. I had it started by a LFS and they told me the tank was good to go and all I needed to do was change some water every week. Well that was false. But after a lot of trial and error (read:money wasted), I was able to keep some fish and soft corals with success for a full year.

 

After a year, I wanted to upgrade my tank and make it better, I wanted better coral and more fish, but I couldn't justify spending $2-300 on a light, $100 on auto top of, $140 on RODI filter, $150 on a protein skimmer, $80 on a power head.... etc. just to experiment for my first time with more coral in a 12 gallon tank. Kind of seemed silly to dump so much into twelve gallons when I knew eventually I wanted more. It ended up costing me so much more than I realized (buckets for water, trips to get saltwater, saltwater itself, a timer for the light, power strips, a thermometer, test kits, super glue for frags, replacing fish, clean up crew, new filter sponges, heater, towels, algae scraper, refractometer, all these things add up quickly and you seem to always need something unexpectedly) So now I've upgraded to a 45 gallon and all those additions don't seem so ridiculous because I have plenty of room for a beautiful tank I've had in my head.

 

Probably an unpopular opinion around here, but I'm new as well. Small tanks are great, but they seem to still do better and live up to your expectations when you get all the bells and whistles for it. If you really just want to see how it goes and get started in the hobby I think a 15 gallon tank would be great. But, if you think you will get hooked (like me) maybe go a little bigger from the start. Things tend to go down hill rather quickly in these small tanks, gotta stay on top of everything, not much room for error.

 

But, as for your actual question (sorry no idea why I went on like that) check out JBJ in addition to the Innovative Marine that was already suggested.

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I agree with DZ on the Innovative Marine tanks. They are good looking tanks, reasonably priced, and can be upgraded as needed. The stock pumps on them are not the best, but for a beginner, they would probably be fine. They come in a good range of sizes from 10-50 gallons. I have a little 10 gallon IM Fusion tank, as well as the 30 long IM Fusion, and I quite like them.

 

Also, as a suggestion, this hobby will drain your bank account, no matter the size of the tank :blink:

If you have the space and funds, I would suggest going with a larger tank. Not massive, but if you are looking at the 10 gallon verses the 20 gallon, go with the 20 gallon. You'll find out quickly that "tank real estate" is a commodity in this hobby, and the bigger the tank, the easier it is to keep the water quality in check. I, like many before me, started out small, and upgraded to a larger tank within a few months. If I could go back, I would have started larger and saved myself a lot of money and headache with upgrades.

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Ur gonn destroy your bank account even with a nano!! Welcome!! This place is awesome with good info. Good luck! Try not to become to addicted like the rest of us here.

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