I know many people that started with a nano reef and upgraded every couple years. I would say you can start with any size tank and just eventually go up the chain of tanks
As a novice, I found these insights very enlightening. As a physician, your last comment, never adding what you do not test for, reminded me of something one of my old mentors would have said. He also had 2 corollaries: 1. Never do a test for something you do not plan to treat. 2. Never do a panel of tests when you only want one. You will start chasing false values and do harm. Than, you have the wisdom of a good caretaker, Jim
Great advice Than. I took a 25 year absence from the hobby and now it's like a new planet to me everything is so much better. Wish you had done this video 3 years ago when rejoined the hobby.
Great advice, went with a 110g for first tank! Also, DELAY DELAY DELAY! Let that initial excitement die down to a simmer before purchasing anything! Do the research, shop around, and you'll end up much more satisfied with the equipment you chose and the price you paid. Know what you need, and why you are getting it. Don't let the LFS staff sell you stuff that you don't fully understand/research beforehand. Calcium reactor? No thanks, I think I'll keep things simple in the beginning with manual dosing (part of the fun, and gives me a chance to get in tune with my tank). Chiller? Not now, I want to do more research on the upper range of temperatures for the fish and corals I want to keep. These are two examples of how I made my choices when getting my equipment. If I get them in the future (probably might, how cool is the calcium reactor right?), it will be because I have done the research, and understand how it achieves my objectives.
@@HeTookThem Aye men, sacrifices...probably worth it. Take it from the pico gal. At least Than isn't linking you an affiliate code to a 2k tank! In all seriousness, though...keeping more advanced corals sing for the faint of heart or wallet. My advice personally, if you're just starting out, is to get what you can afford and try the hobby out on easy mode - get coralomorophs aka mushrooms, like riccordea and rodactis - they look pretty, dont require high light or low nutrients. Get a taste for the hobby and if you enjoy it, invest in a larger tank, better lighting, dosing equip, reactors etc. It WILL cost more in the long run, but will be less of a loss if you give up and decide the hobby isnt for you. If it is for you, then you have a cool, small, mature tank.full of 'shrooms' and you can branch out from there. Experience is worth the extra money, imo. As an "advanced beginner borderline novice", I can say that I would have saved money on equipment...but at least I have achieved succedd/proven to myself that I pull off something very low tech/low cost. All that being said...go for it. You don't need 2k. When everything was said and done, my tank costed a whopping $130 - livestock not included.
@@OmniversalInsect not even in other countries, a 100 gallon are expensive in general, youll need a bigger reef salt, a reef lighting 4x ( $120 x4 ), starting a reef tank that big is very stressful, im not even talking the stocking yet, for you to feel that tank as to not look empty would require you tons of money, 55 gallon may not be as stable as 100 gallon but, theres more room for error because once that 100 gallon tank fails your money is gone.
I am just starting out and have watched countless hours of youtube videos and I have to say this gave me the most optimistic view of starting my tank. Thank you! I plan to start my tank in two months.
Great advice! I started in this hobby in the early 80’s and left it 2017. I’ve missed it ever since and I have been planning to get back in. I’m still working on what tank I will get so this was helpful to adding clarity to my planning. Thanks!
I like this advice. Was in the hobby 10 years ago. Learned a lot and spent a lot. You’re spot on with the narrow tanks. The lengths and heights usually aren’t a problem. It’s that front to back dimension that matters most to me now. Waiting before buying is also a smart move. You have a long way to go before any livestock should be purchased. Just leave it dry and start compiling equipment that you need. You need an RO/DI unit and make your own water. They’re very easy to install. I’ve installed 3 of them and I’m not a plumber. Learn what fish are compatible!! This is highly important. Just because you want 3 different types of clownfish and 3 different angels with some damsels mixed in because you love all the colors equally doesn’t mean it’s a smart thing to do. Eventually you won’t have several of those fish as they die from stress or you take some back to the store. If you don’t want to learn, leave the hobby to people who are willing to. Don’t overstock. The tank is a small box. Too many fish makes it too chaotic and unnatural. It will save you $$ and the fish you do have will be happier and less stressed. Really think about what corals and fish you want to focus on before you dive in. A lot of stuff is really common and you may get bored with it. To be honest most people who think they want to do this should just sit down and start compiling an equipment list along with prices. Once added up you will weed out 90% or better from ever starting. And that’s just an equipment list. Not materials or livestock. People who study it and read forums and books on it are more likely to have success. Especially if they’re still passionate about it after the initial newness has worn off. You ready don’t need to get a 120 gal IMO. Salt is expensive too. Nano tanks are popular and can work if taken care of. Just start slowly and slowly gain confidence for more. You have to learn what’s using what elements. Some demand much higher calcium than others and then even more once they grow larger. LEDs will help keep electric bills down much better than halides of the old days. But even a modest tank may raise your electric bill 20, 30, maybe $50 a month. No matter where you’re at youll probably be in that 20 to 50 range for most tanks. Minimize electrical demand if you can.
It's a discipline not a television. A way of life some might say ... Been doing it since 92. Passion is greatly rewarded with this hobby. Attention to details has never been so important! Satisfaction, when you're on top of it. Kinda like Everest... Discovery, always something to learn. Still have my old Tunze powerheads. lol
When I started this video I had about $200 dollars worth of equipment sitting in my amazon cart... after I finished the video $0.00 in the cart. Patience & research for me (new to this) is the key, thanks for the heads up!
"Someone who was in this hobby 15 years ago, who is just now getting into it, would have a lot of catching up to do." Haha that's me! Gees, the options and equipment just blew up!
Very well said.. Many years in this hobby and the more you learn the less you run out and buy.. There's no substitute for experience.. love your auctions by the way.
I have had a couple tanks and they are freshwater. My boyfriend and I have been dreaming of having a reef tank, but because they seem so difficult to keep we have waited on it. Your videos are so educational and helpful! Thank you!
I wish I had seen your video three months ago, before two tank crashes and about $300 down the proverbial drain. I'm now on a three-month period of cycling sea water with live rock and sea sand, and putting together a competent refugium tank. It's slow going, but it's going in the right direction. thanks for the video. keep it up. people are learning from you.
Great tips ive kept tropical fish for years im now considering salt water reef tank i no nothing doing lots reserch not rushing into it glad found this channel thankyou
Doing lots of research now will save you a lot of heart ache and money down the line. I am still learning new things and I have been at this a long time.
Thank you! Your video was very helpful! I'm getting a saltwater tank soon and I'm super nervous because people say it's really hard to care for. I almost bought a 55 gallon with everything with it with corals and fish for pretty cheap but I'm definitely going to get a bigger one!
waiting and researching +1 I can't even begin to count the number of videos I watched and how many forums I joined and poured through months and months in advance. It helped IMMENSELY when I finally got a tank. Learned a ton in the year its been up too though.
Purchasing aquatics such as tanks, equipment remain a better time to purchase in December! Especially in Florida. When Christmas time is nearing many folks will look to sell & cash out as well as purchase to begin new. Second hand equipment is a great start up source for beginners.
This video was super helpful I’ve keep tropical for yours so i Didn’t need to buy Much I had a spare 60l tank Heater and fluval U5 filter the only thing I neede to get was a gd protein skimmer difrent lights and testing kits and sult. I ended up get some live sound and a purple rock.
thank you, very informational to me. I recently started getting into aquariums and aquaculture. My wife and kid love it. I would eventually like to have a coral reef tank, but am patiently taking in as much info on everything as I can. Some of these saltwater tanks are so beautiful.
Totally agree on the waiting part. I remember that before I started the hobby I spend like literally one year before I started and it was well worth the wait. Great video!
Great advice. My first 16 gallon tank was replaced within months. My second 50 gallon tank was replaced within a year. I also agree with light considerations.
I agree with the general advice for beginners of getting a relatively large tank. At the same time, though, the whole reasoning about scaling costs with size does not take into account stuff at the onset such as live rocks and ongoing costs such as electrical bills and salt. So, yes, larger aquariums (up to a point) are comparatively cheaper (relative to size), but it's a bit more complicate than just the cost of equipment...
Awesome video, I have a 5 gallon nano with no filter other than live sand and rock. Anytime my frog spawn looks sad I do a water change. But I always do a water change of 1 gallon every weekend. It runs like a top!
i feel i really need to comment on this video as i find it misleading as hell first of all 120g tank is expensive and all this scaling bs is more or less lie i had huge reef tank and my main expense after a year was not equipment or livestock it was electricity and water lighting and heating up 120 will be expensive and dwarf your equipment cost, lets forget 120g for a moment i will say ~30g is good for a beginner and will not break bank do you live close to your fish store ? should be fist question, why ? ro/di system, mixing salt takes up place, time and can be easily messed up buying already salted water from reliable supplier is the way to go, its may be more expensive then mixing your own but it saves times, hassle and potential problems correct choice of livestock will save money, most of soft corals don't need to be fed, require good lightning and they are some of the most beautiful. bam i just saved you huge problem of having a doser there are always good selection of equipment that re as good as big brand but cost less research into that so my advice 30g proper marine tank with under sump ~ 500£ good budget skimmer like bubble magus ~ 100 £ good return pump like eheim ~ 70 £ good budget led lights, hell even chinese ones for 80 £ will work and grow softies, stuff like evergrow cost fraction and are as good as the big expensive brands ~ 200-300 minor stuff ~ 200 £ (heater sand, rock, test kit etc ) nice to have but unnecessary - auto top up (should be your fist upgraded), media reactor so for 1000£ you can get nice looking tank, 200 more should stock it up reasonably well don't go for live rock (use dead rock ) don't overstock take it slow go for hardy fish and corals if your tank is open for love of god check is that fish you buy is a jumper discipline is most important thing owning salt water tank, its not hard, its not that expressive and you defiantly don't need 120g tank to enjoy the hobby
I think the point Than was trying to make was the likelihood of success with a 120 would be higher than a 55 assuming that both were properly setup simply due to the increased water volume. I do agree also that the cost would be much higher, not counting the cost difference between the tanks. The amount of rock, sand(if you don’t go bare bottom), return pump, circulation pumps, stand whether you build it or buy, and I do feel that even a outstanding skimmer rated for a 55 would struggle in a 120 unless it was lightly stocked and/or you did frequent water changes. In short a 120 would cost considerably more to get going than a 55. I would say that a standard 4 foot 75, a 3 foot 65, or a 60 cube would be a good tank to start with. I think a good thing to consider is being patient and look for used equipment. I started with 30 gallon 20 some years ago then to a 3 foot 65 then to a 6 foot 125, sold it for a song because I was tired of it, now running a 35 cube and could not be happier. Deals are out there if you’re willing to put in the effort. I do agree that 4 foot 55’s are the worse, there to tall and way to narrow, I’d take a 40 breeder over a 55 any day. I don’t Than was misleading anyone, he does know this hobby vey well.
I agree with the message of this video. And I'm just over a year old on my reef tank and its going very well. I've spent maybe around $1500 on my whole setup, corals and fish included. I either make my own equipment or find it used, like my 110gal and stand I got for $100. If I knew what I knew now when I first started. I'd probably be around $900...my mistakes were easily with lighting and I've wasted $500 alone. My only original equipment are the tank/stand and heater. I only dose mag/ALK/calc and don't run anything like carbon, gfo or biopellets and I'm trying to keep it as low tech as possible.
Summer time deals.. I'm buying a tank on Monday from someone that is already established and set up, with canister filter and some power heads. They're even bringing it over to my house and helping me set it up and giving me a bunch of information on how they've been maintaining it. Pretty cheap as well, cheaper than the tank would have costed by itself. I'm building a sump for it though.
Thanks for the info very useful for beginners, I'm planning a starter tank I'm planning bubble tips when I've had the tank matured for about 6 months the guy in the marine fish and corals and anemone store gave me good info and listening to your great info is excellent double info the more the better
right on the money Than. I run no skimmer or gfo. I use water changes and low nutrient loads combined with a large volume of water. Water changes are amazing. So true about it being a winter hobby my tank always looks like crap by August. lol. You missed 40 breeder though, great tank size, by two, one for the display on for the sump, and they can be had for 40 dollars once a year still!
@@anannyosamayel1350 i dont think most reefers are that rich to afford 100 gal tank, like buying 100 gal tank and stocking it is a big gamble specially if you dont know whag youre doing.
120 Gallons for beginner? Oh my god ... you are nuts ... I started from 5 gallons ONLY and going to 20 gallons and still very happy and comfortable!!! 120 Gallons ?? Big home to have it?? Nuts ..
Good video as having to start over as my cheap filtration system went down on me and lost almost everything in the tank gonna rebuild the tank the right way this time. Hope to be buying some corals from you in the near future. Keep up the awesome work
This video was so helpful for me. Thanks Than. I am new to the SaltWater Hobby and Im thinking about doing a 40g setup but gonna wait until some more good deals come up. Again Thanks very informative video.
For all the people nagging about Than's advice about the 120g. Ok yes the tank isn't free initially, Duh!!! But you must think about long term in this hobby. Years in the hobby in fact, you buy Rocks, Corals, Fish and long term they will grow out your 30g, 55g, 60g, 75g, 90, ect. Then you say, "shit I need a bigger tank" or "I wish I could keep them nice looking Tangs". Now you need to save money again to buy a bigger tank, move your stock and equipment all over again, that you should've bought in the first place. Chemistry is definitely more stable in larger volumes and yes he's right about equipment. They have a big range of water volume capacity unless you invest in a all-in-one system that will keep smaller equipment and makes you very limited to other things. So there you go again, "I wish I would have bought a bigger tank". For the money you spend early on multiple tanks that one may buy upgrading, that 120g initial expense does become free. This is what Than is trying to say and explain. I agree 100%.
You're acting like your talking to someone who knows this is going to be their lifelong hobby, this video is pertaining to starters. Just as any hobby, only ignorant people will dump so much money into something only to a year later lose interest in it. Start cheap and if it's something you will continue with, then spend more and upgrade as needed.
@@okedokie *facepalm* Most hobbys end within a year. Often because they didnt read enough information and as soon as they run into a issue. They'll stop being interested
One thing to look out for when going with an aquarium larger than 75 gallons is where you can put it. Alll that water, rocks, and sand make larger tanks really really really heavy! If you end up putting a tank somewhere it can't be supported by the existing structure of your house... Well all that hard earned beautiful reef tank and all could end up collapsing threw your floor! Ouch! If you still want a large tank think about the potential extra cost of adding extra support under your floor or restricting you tank to the bacement...(if you have one)
When I started out I would listen to hobbyists and would hear all kinds of advice. The things that everyone agreed on I believed to be good info. Other things not so much, specially info that did not makes sense. How does that work in the ocean. EXP. PROTEIN skimmers and foam washing up on beach. You can see the common ground. That's how I approach the hobby. Thx for your vids.
Hands down the best video I have ever come across on the subject. I can't tell you how many times I have watched this video. It's a good way to stay grounded and remember the basics. Thanks so much for making this Than 👍🤙
Hi there great video I know what you mean with water change lol but I’m in the freshwater hobby looking to do a reef tank and I am a researcher that’s how I found your video iv subscribed aswel very good video I think I can handle a reef tank i have a beautiful high tech planted tank but can’t wait for a reef but like you said hold off I get it and I will thanks for very good info 👍🏻
Great video! I hope to get a coral/topical fishtank in the future! I dont know anything about fish, but I expect the people in the petstore to know alot about it :) And im shure there is alot of tips and how to on the net :D Luckely I can use all the time I need to learn about it before starting! First I need to own my own place so I can do as I please, then I need to have money for the hobby XD Its going to take a while :`D I live in Norway, so we dont have coral reefs or tropical fish in the sea here ( sadly) :) I have always loved tropical reefs and fish, the life and colours ae amazing! What are that wonderful creature on 5:40 in the video? it looks like small grabby hands
Thanks for this, Than. Next week, I hope to purchase ricordea from you. Glad to have you local. Edit: And, yes, I'll be doing a water change on Monday when I pick up my RODI monthly supply :P Counting down the days - these nitrates are thriving!
In my town I think I'm the only aquarist with 2 dead tanks and 1 single fish tank so I need all the help I can get. Thanks for all the videos two help out lone aquarists like me.
I know many people that started with a nano reef and upgraded every couple years. I would say you can start with any size tank and just eventually go up the chain of tanks
As a novice, I found these insights very enlightening.
As a physician, your last comment, never adding what you do not test for, reminded me of something one of my old mentors would have said.
He also had 2 corollaries:
1. Never do a test for something you do not plan to treat.
2. Never do a panel of tests when you only want one. You will start chasing false values and do harm.
Than, you have the wisdom of a good caretaker,
Jim
I like those sayings. Thanks for sharing.
Great advice Than. I took a 25 year absence from the hobby and now it's like a new planet to me everything is so much better. Wish you had done this video 3 years ago when rejoined the hobby.
I love this video... I learned along time ago to never take advise from someone who doesn't have a nice tank. Experience outweighs everything else.
Great advice, went with a 110g for first tank! Also, DELAY DELAY DELAY! Let that initial excitement die down to a simmer before purchasing anything! Do the research, shop around, and you'll end up much more satisfied with the equipment you chose and the price you paid.
Know what you need, and why you are getting it. Don't let the LFS staff sell you stuff that you don't fully understand/research beforehand. Calcium reactor? No thanks, I think I'll keep things simple in the beginning with manual dosing (part of the fun, and gives me a chance to get in tune with my tank). Chiller? Not now, I want to do more research on the upper range of temperatures for the fish and corals I want to keep. These are two examples of how I made my choices when getting my equipment. If I get them in the future (probably might, how cool is the calcium reactor right?), it will be because I have done the research, and understand how it achieves my objectives.
"Here's my tips for beginers. Buy a $2000 tank the size of your living room to save you money"
Yeah but what about the saltwater and the other living things
Lmao right
@@HeTookThem Aye men, sacrifices...probably worth it. Take it from the pico gal. At least Than isn't linking you an affiliate code to a 2k tank!
In all seriousness, though...keeping more advanced corals sing for the faint of heart or wallet. My advice personally, if you're just starting out, is to get what you can afford and try the hobby out on easy mode - get coralomorophs aka mushrooms, like riccordea and rodactis - they look pretty, dont require high light or low nutrients. Get a taste for the hobby and if you enjoy it, invest in a larger tank, better lighting, dosing equip, reactors etc. It WILL cost more in the long run, but will be less of a loss if you give up and decide the hobby isnt for you. If it is for you, then you have a cool, small, mature tank.full of 'shrooms' and you can branch out from there. Experience is worth the extra money, imo.
As an "advanced beginner borderline novice", I can say that I would have saved money on equipment...but at least I have achieved succedd/proven to myself that I pull off something very low tech/low cost.
All that being said...go for it. You don't need 2k. When everything was said and done, my tank costed a whopping $130 - livestock not included.
People living in the US don't realise how expensive anything aquarium related is in other countries
@@OmniversalInsect not even in other countries, a 100 gallon are expensive in general, youll need a bigger reef salt, a reef lighting 4x ( $120 x4 ), starting a reef tank that big is very stressful, im not even talking the stocking yet, for you to feel that tank as to not look empty would require you tons of money, 55 gallon may not be as stable as 100 gallon but, theres more room for error because once that 100 gallon tank fails your money is gone.
One of the most well thought out videos on helping a novice reefer to date I've seen.
I am just starting out and have watched countless hours of youtube videos and I have to say this gave me the most optimistic view of starting my tank. Thank you! I plan to start my tank in two months.
Great advice! I started in this hobby in the early 80’s and left it 2017. I’ve missed it ever since and I have been planning to get back in. I’m still working on what tank I will get so this was helpful to adding clarity to my planning. Thanks!
Meanwhile there's poor me making my 10 gallon somehow work 😂
Nice job. No reason for thumbs down, it's great information.
+melevsreef i can only assume it was a competitor
Don't understand the bad remarks and thumbs down. This is honest and absolutely good information.
Than, without a doubt this is by far the BEST video not only for folks looking to build a reef tank but any tank. So much good and correct info!
I like this advice. Was in the hobby 10 years ago. Learned a lot and spent a lot. You’re spot on with the narrow tanks. The lengths and heights usually aren’t a problem. It’s that front to back dimension that matters most to me now.
Waiting before buying is also a smart move. You have a long way to go before any livestock should be purchased. Just leave it dry and start compiling equipment that you need. You need an RO/DI unit and make your own water. They’re very easy to install. I’ve installed 3 of them and I’m not a plumber.
Learn what fish are compatible!! This is highly important. Just because you want 3 different types of clownfish and 3 different angels with some damsels mixed in because you love all the colors equally doesn’t mean it’s a smart thing to do. Eventually you won’t have several of those fish as they die from stress or you take some back to the store. If you don’t want to learn, leave the hobby to people who are willing to.
Don’t overstock. The tank is a small box. Too many fish makes it too chaotic and unnatural. It will save you $$ and the fish you do have will be happier and less stressed.
Really think about what corals and fish you want to focus on before you dive in. A lot of stuff is really common and you may get bored with it.
To be honest most people who think they want to do this should just sit down and start compiling an equipment list along with prices. Once added up you will weed out 90% or better from ever starting. And that’s just an equipment list. Not materials or livestock. People who study it and read forums and books on it are more likely to have success. Especially if they’re still passionate about it after the initial newness has worn off.
You ready don’t need to get a 120 gal IMO. Salt is expensive too. Nano tanks are popular and can work if taken care of. Just start slowly and slowly gain confidence for more.
You have to learn what’s using what elements. Some demand much higher calcium than others and then even more once they grow larger.
LEDs will help keep electric bills down much better than halides of the old days. But even a modest tank may raise your electric bill 20, 30, maybe $50 a month. No matter where you’re at youll probably be in that 20 to 50 range for most tanks. Minimize electrical demand if you can.
This is by far one of my favorite fishtube channels, great to-the-point-info. Thanks!
It's a discipline not a television.
A way of life some might say ...
Been doing it since 92.
Passion is greatly rewarded with this hobby.
Attention to details has never been so important!
Satisfaction, when you're on top of it.
Kinda like Everest...
Discovery,
always something to learn.
Still have my old Tunze powerheads. lol
When I started this video I had about $200 dollars worth of equipment sitting in my amazon cart... after I finished the video $0.00 in the cart. Patience & research for me (new to this) is the key, thanks for the heads up!
That first tip is spot-on. This time around I went with a 150g that is four feet long, with the extra length front-to-back, and I adore it!!
I am a really experienced aquarist, I never considered the 24" x 24" lighting consideration. GREAT video.
"Someone who was in this hobby 15 years ago, who is just now getting into it, would have a lot of catching up to do." Haha that's me! Gees, the options and equipment just blew up!
Very well said.. Many years in this hobby and the more you learn the less you run out and buy.. There's no substitute for experience.. love your auctions by the way.
+Dee From Brooklyn you are right the auction are like a prime time tv show for my homie and i
I have had a couple tanks and they are freshwater. My boyfriend and I have been dreaming of having a reef tank, but because they seem so difficult to keep we have waited on it. Your videos are so educational and helpful! Thank you!
Don't buy a tank you can't reach the bottom of with your hand.
Well if you put certain critter in there like a Moray Eel then that will cure your problem with wanting to put your hand in there. ;-)
LMAO I know, right?! Still, it's a royal pain to move anything or recapture something you've dropped in a tank that's too deep.
Lisa Foster you just need the right tools :)
scuba gear
Uh... yeah... Made that misstake. Freshwater hobbyist myself with a heavily planted tank so you can imagine how much I applaud my decision to go tall.
best beginner tips video ive seen in a long time.
I wish I had seen your video three months ago, before two tank crashes and about $300 down the proverbial drain. I'm now on a three-month period of cycling sea water with live rock and sea sand, and putting together a competent refugium tank. It's slow going, but it's going in the right direction. thanks for the video. keep it up. people are learning from you.
Patience is the tip he missed. Keep it up you'll do great!
Great tips ive kept tropical fish for years im now considering salt water reef tank i no nothing doing lots reserch not rushing into it glad found this channel thankyou
Doing lots of research now will save you a lot of heart ache and money down the line. I am still learning new things and I have been at this a long time.
Thank you! Your video was very helpful! I'm getting a saltwater tank soon and I'm super nervous because people say it's really hard to care for. I almost bought a 55 gallon with everything with it with corals and fish for pretty cheap but I'm definitely going to get a bigger one!
Great you just shamed me into doing a water change. Thanks
wes
?
wtf
Khabrnama
@@clueless588 lk
waiting and researching +1 I can't even begin to count the number of videos I watched and how many forums I joined and poured through months and months in advance. It helped IMMENSELY when I finally got a tank. Learned a ton in the year its been up too though.
Getting back into the hobby and just been jumping around redoing my homework before diving back in head first. Thanks for the advice.
Purchasing aquatics such as tanks, equipment remain a better time to purchase in December! Especially in Florida. When Christmas time is nearing many folks will look to sell & cash out as well as purchase to begin new. Second hand equipment is a great start up source for beginners.
This video was super helpful I’ve keep tropical for yours so i Didn’t need to buy Much I had a spare 60l tank Heater and fluval U5 filter the only thing I neede to get was a gd protein skimmer difrent lights and testing kits and sult. I ended up get some live sound and a purple rock.
thank you, very informational to me. I recently started getting into aquariums and aquaculture. My wife and kid love it. I would eventually like to have a coral reef tank, but am patiently taking in as much info on everything as I can. Some of these saltwater tanks are so beautiful.
Totally agree on the waiting part. I remember that before I started the hobby I spend like literally one year before I started and it was well worth the wait. Great video!
Great advice. My first 16 gallon tank was replaced within months. My second 50 gallon tank was replaced within a year. I also agree with light considerations.
This has been very helpful clear and to the point 👍👍👍
I love this video specially the guy who's talking. !!! I've been searching for these answers !!! For years!
New subscriber. Love the videos. Love the music and your delivery. Excited to see more!
I agree with the general advice for beginners of getting a relatively large tank. At the same time, though, the whole reasoning about scaling costs with size does not take into account stuff at the onset such as live rocks and ongoing costs such as electrical bills and salt.
So, yes, larger aquariums (up to a point) are comparatively cheaper (relative to size), but it's a bit more complicate than just the cost of equipment...
Awesome video, I have a 5 gallon nano with no filter other than live sand and rock. Anytime my frog spawn looks sad I do a water change. But I always do a water change of 1 gallon every weekend. It runs like a top!
Great video and a must for anyone starting off. But even for us that are hooked already it's a good one.
i feel i really need to comment on this video as i find it misleading as hell
first of all 120g tank is expensive and all this scaling bs is more or less lie
i had huge reef tank and my main expense after a year was not equipment or livestock
it was electricity and water lighting and heating up 120 will be expensive and dwarf your equipment cost, lets forget 120g for a moment
i will say ~30g is good for a beginner and will not break bank
do you live close to your fish store ? should be fist question, why ?
ro/di system, mixing salt takes up place, time and can be easily messed up
buying already salted water from reliable supplier is the way to go, its may be more expensive then mixing your own but it saves times, hassle and potential problems
correct choice of livestock will save money, most of soft corals don't need to be fed, require good lightning and they are some of the most beautiful. bam i just saved you huge problem of having a doser
there are always good selection of equipment that re as good as big brand but cost less
research into that
so my advice
30g proper marine tank with under sump ~ 500£
good budget skimmer like bubble magus ~ 100 £
good return pump like eheim ~ 70 £
good budget led lights, hell even chinese ones for 80 £ will work and grow softies, stuff like evergrow cost fraction and are as good as the big expensive brands ~ 200-300
minor stuff ~ 200 £ (heater sand, rock, test kit etc )
nice to have but unnecessary - auto top up (should be your fist upgraded), media reactor
so for 1000£ you can get nice looking tank, 200 more should stock it up reasonably well
don't go for live rock (use dead rock )
don't overstock
take it slow
go for hardy fish and corals
if your tank is open for love of god check is that fish you buy is a jumper
discipline is most important thing owning salt water tank, its not hard, its not that expressive
and you defiantly don't need 120g tank to enjoy the hobby
Egis Peleda you should make a video your information is way better and not going to kill the bank
I think the point Than was trying to make was the likelihood of success with a 120 would be higher than a 55 assuming that both were properly setup simply due to the increased water volume. I do agree also that the cost would be much higher, not counting the cost difference between the tanks. The amount of rock, sand(if you don’t go bare bottom), return pump, circulation pumps, stand whether you build it or buy, and I do feel that even a outstanding skimmer rated for a 55 would struggle in a 120 unless it was lightly stocked and/or you did frequent water changes. In short a 120 would cost considerably more to get going than a 55. I would say that a standard 4 foot 75, a 3 foot 65, or a 60 cube would be a good tank to start with. I think a good thing to consider is being patient and look for used equipment. I started with 30 gallon 20 some years ago then to a 3 foot 65 then to a 6 foot 125, sold it for a song because I was tired of it, now running a 35 cube and could not be happier. Deals are out there if you’re willing to put in the effort. I do agree that 4 foot 55’s are the worse, there to tall and way to narrow, I’d take a 40 breeder over a 55 any day. I don’t Than was misleading anyone, he does know this hobby vey well.
$200 for stock? Pff cool story.. I only have a 18g and stocked for ~1000 and not even filled yet.
Why do you say no live rock?
Would just an ornament work ? Is that different form dead work? ( might be a stupid question I'm clueless!!)
Tanks for your videos and tips! Your videos are great. From Brazil!
Hello Than! Excelent and precise infomation. Is always a great help learning from your experience. Greetings!
I agree with the message of this video. And I'm just over a year old on my reef tank and its going very well. I've spent maybe around $1500 on my whole setup, corals and fish included. I either make my own equipment or find it used, like my 110gal and stand I got for $100. If I knew what I knew now when I first started. I'd probably be around $900...my mistakes were easily with lighting and I've wasted $500 alone. My only original equipment are the tank/stand and heater. I only dose mag/ALK/calc and don't run anything like carbon, gfo or biopellets and I'm trying to keep it as low tech as possible.
Im totally satified with my basic 55 AND it fills up and looks good really fast.
very helpful info. Doing research now for weeks and you made some great points. Thanks for taking the time to help us newbies out.
Really awesome information. I researched and purchased items for my first tank 6 months before putting a drop of water in it.
Summer time deals.. I'm buying a tank on Monday from someone that is already established and set up, with canister filter and some power heads. They're even bringing it over to my house and helping me set it up and giving me a bunch of information on how they've been maintaining it. Pretty cheap as well, cheaper than the tank would have costed by itself. I'm building a sump for it though.
Thanks for the info very useful for beginners, I'm planning a starter tank I'm planning bubble tips when I've had the tank matured for about 6 months the guy in the marine fish and corals and anemone store gave me good info and listening to your great info is excellent double info the more the better
Very useful tips Sr.Greetings from Miami
Thanks and welcome
I was knee deep in reefing 25 years ago and I agree 110% with your video.
Hardware sure made a giant leap. Falling back into reefing in 3..2..1...
Great video. Very informative. I’m holding off to at least after Xmas to get my first tank. Gonna save so many $1000s!🤑
Very good information for the newbies great video!
Love my 120 and yes it is perfect for a beginner. Loved the advise on water changes as well.
right on the money Than. I run no skimmer or gfo. I use water changes and low nutrient loads combined with a large volume of water. Water changes are amazing. So true about it being a winter hobby my tank always looks like crap by August. lol. You missed 40 breeder though, great tank size, by two, one for the display on for the sump, and they can be had for 40 dollars once a year still!
It's a living art piece, so beautiful! I have too many hobbiesX)
wish i had known this when starting my freshwater micro tank! would have saved me a lot of time and money.
Getting ready to set up my 210 gallon tank great tips thanks
@6:05 I want this tank so bad! I love the dimensions and euro bracing
You hit the nail on the head water change!!!
Make some merch that says "do a water change"
I should...
How often
I'm totally catching up to speed in this changed hobby. Changed for the better for sure.
Hardly for Beginners, you're recommending about 2k-5k start up. You can start way cheaper, and that's called a Beginner.
Maybe you should make a video
Well, some beginners are also rich, this vid is probably for them
@@anannyosamayel1350 i dont think most reefers are that rich to afford 100 gal tank, like buying 100 gal tank and stocking it is a big gamble specially if you dont know whag youre doing.
it's called tax return hehe coz that's where mine is going so i can upgrade from my nano marine tank to 125g :D
@@apdroidgeek1737 Lmaoo exactly I've been into fish keeping for a while but I can't fit nor afford a 120 gallon
Great quality video Than. Very nice
Thankyou, this has been a major help. You're right btw, been out of aquariums for 20 years and I am lost.
120 Gallons for beginner? Oh my god ... you are nuts ... I started from 5 gallons ONLY and going to 20 gallons and still very happy and comfortable!!! 120 Gallons ?? Big home to have it?? Nuts ..
Good video as having to start over as my cheap filtration system went down on me and lost almost everything in the tank gonna rebuild the tank the right way this time. Hope to be buying some corals from you in the near future. Keep up the awesome work
Good tips! Thanks
Really enjoying your channel.
Very nice, Than. Thank you for the tips.
This video was so helpful for me. Thanks Than. I am new to the SaltWater Hobby and Im thinking about doing a 40g setup but gonna wait until some more good deals come up. Again Thanks very informative video.
For all the people nagging about Than's advice about the 120g. Ok yes the tank isn't free initially, Duh!!!
But you must think about long term in this hobby. Years in the hobby in fact, you buy Rocks, Corals, Fish and long term they will grow out your 30g, 55g, 60g, 75g, 90, ect. Then you say, "shit I need a bigger tank" or "I wish I could keep them nice looking Tangs". Now you need to save money again to buy a bigger tank, move your stock and equipment all over again, that you should've bought in the first place. Chemistry is definitely more stable in larger volumes and yes he's right about equipment. They have a big range of water volume capacity unless you invest in a all-in-one system that will keep smaller equipment and makes you very limited to other things. So there you go again, "I wish I would have bought a bigger tank". For the money you spend early on multiple tanks that one may buy upgrading, that 120g initial expense does become free. This is what Than is trying to say and explain. I agree 100%.
Meldium frag them..?
You're acting like your talking to someone who knows this is going to be their lifelong hobby, this video is pertaining to starters. Just as any hobby, only ignorant people will dump so much money into something only to a year later lose interest in it. Start cheap and if it's something you will continue with, then spend more and upgrade as needed.
@@okedokie *facepalm* Most hobbys end within a year. Often because they didnt read enough information and as soon as they run into a issue. They'll stop being interested
@@real_smilegamez So you're admitting it's bad advice to tell people starting out to invest so much?
@@okedokie Not really. Just telling people thats you need patience and be informed of illnesses and how to do stuff that needs to be done
Another Great video from tidal gardens
Where was this when I needed it? Great Video!
🐟🐠 Very helpful tips. Thanks for sharing 🐟🐠
LOL great tips, especially the water change one!
Great information for when I start my saltwater tank. Thanks for sharing the info with us.
When you do water changes do you vacuum the sand bed? Or just pull from the middle of the tank?
kyle nicholls depends on you’re tank what I do is wait 2-3 months to gravel siphon but other then that monthly I just take the water out
great video, fantastic advise
Happy reefing. Great video
One thing to look out for when going with an aquarium larger than 75 gallons is where you can put it. Alll that water, rocks, and sand make larger tanks really really really heavy! If you end up putting a tank somewhere it can't be supported by the existing structure of your house... Well all that hard earned beautiful reef tank and all could end up collapsing threw your floor! Ouch! If you still want a large tank think about the potential extra cost of adding extra support under your floor or restricting you tank to the bacement...(if you have one)
Very informative video, thank you kindly!!!
good advice,as always
When I started out I would listen to hobbyists and would hear all kinds of advice. The things that everyone agreed on I believed to be good info. Other things not so much, specially info that did not makes sense. How does that work in the ocean. EXP. PROTEIN skimmers and foam washing up on beach. You can see the common ground. That's how I approach the hobby. Thx for your vids.
best budget tank for a beginner, a 40g breeder. 36 x 18 x 16 dims, a single LED fixture for Mixed/LPS
Wow the best I've watched thanks
Awesome video!
where was this video 4 years ago when i first started. .. great video bud i followed u when i first started reefing
Hands down the best video I have ever come across on the subject. I can't tell you how many times I have watched this video. It's a good way to stay grounded and remember the basics. Thanks so much for making this Than 👍🤙
Very informational.. thank you
So much good info! Thanks again.
Hi there great video I know what you mean with water change lol but I’m in the freshwater hobby looking to do a reef tank and I am a researcher that’s how I found your video iv subscribed aswel very good video I think I can handle a reef tank i have a beautiful high tech planted tank but can’t wait for a reef but like you said hold off I get it and I will thanks for very good info 👍🏻
Top video than ,, totally agree with everything you said how ever a lot of learning in this hobby is done through trial and error
Great video! I hope to get a coral/topical fishtank in the future! I dont know anything about fish, but I expect the people in the petstore to know alot about it :) And im shure there is alot of tips and how to on the net :D Luckely I can use all the time I need to learn about it before starting! First I need to own my own place so I can do as I please, then I need to have money for the hobby XD Its going to take a while :`D I live in Norway, so we dont have coral reefs or tropical fish in the sea here ( sadly) :) I have always loved tropical reefs and fish, the life and colours ae amazing! What are that wonderful creature on 5:40 in the video? it looks like small grabby hands
Thanks for this, Than. Next week, I hope to purchase ricordea from you. Glad to have you local.
Edit: And, yes, I'll be doing a water change on Monday when I pick up my RODI monthly supply :P Counting down the days - these nitrates are thriving!
Great tips!
great video!
Than great video, i made a lot of mistakes starting out. I'm always learning something everyday.
In my town I think I'm the only aquarist with 2 dead tanks and 1 single fish tank so I need all the help I can get. Thanks for all the videos two help out lone aquarists like me.