i want my own tank!!!!!!

[flojo]

ok so im super tired of reading everyones build threads and being wicked jealous of not having a tank of my own. money is an issue tho. i was really considering a nano for a while because of the instant set up and lower maintenance and wat not. i just assumed it would be a good place to start. but i think i would much more prefer a tank from scratch. i wont have a ton of money to start out with but am definitely committed to wanting a tank now....

so i guess my questions would be 1. should i just go with a nano cuz its cheaper and easier and smarter for a newbie (and no i dont want the easy road out but i am definitely a newbie and want to be smart with anything i get and would hate to jeapordize anything i put in the tank just cuz i didnt know) 2. should i go with the tank cuz its wat i really do want and to me the experience of learning from scratch would be far more rewarding than a set up system and i know that no matter wat it will be a learning experience and 3. wat is the most cost effective way to start this cuz im sick of waiting and researching....

thanks guys, i appreciate your feedback

[reeffreak]

Actually nanos are much more difficult than larger setup.Stability,heat and frequent water changes are some of the reasons.When something dies in a nano,it can crash the whole system.

If all possible start with something a little bigger.Maybe a 30-55g. will be much easier to maintain.Check your local Craigslist and paper for deals if money is tight(isn't it always?).I see complete set ups here for $100 for 55g. all the time.Use caution,of course and haggle,I always do.Another way is to just start with fish and live rocks w/ standard lights,good lights can come down the road,if corals interest you then.

[flojo]

i didnt know that about nanos....i guess i get so used to red's tanks that i dont know a ton about them. i feel silly now.....that would suck!

yeah and i really want the larger set up just because there are so many more possibilites with fish....the smaller the more limited obviously. thanks...ive been trying to keep my eye out but i definitely could be more active...i think im also just waiting for one to magically appear on my doorstep....a girl can hope right?

[reeffreak]

I'm not saying you can't do it,just if you can go even a little bigger than the better.Yeah,larger tanks opens the doors to more options.

Even sometimes the LFS has good deals on use setups.Keep searching,do you have a budget in mine?

[flojo]

im thinking after christmas...realistically ill have about $150 to start with....granted, thats if nothing else comes up in my life...lol.....and i definitely want bigger primarily for more live rock, coral, and fishies!!!!!!!! i was reading up on fish and it seems if you want anything even slightly cool or unique you gotta have a 55 or more....am i right?

[reeffreak]

Yeah go with a 55 gallon,even if it takes longer to get there.Seriously,you should be able to find a use setup for that amount.

What city do you live in?I'm going to check your city's craiglist.

[Alexander]

boise idaho..... shes sitting right next to me, wee have looked tonight, she posted a thread because im not good enough to ask for advice just kidding

[reeffreak]

You've checked Craiglist in you area Red?

I've just seen a 55g. complete reef setup in Nashville for $150.PC lights,pumps,heaters,filters etc.Cheap,cheap cheap......I might have to run down there and get it for myself.

[Alexander]

nothing like that yet. saw a 120 with stand and canopy for 250. thats a pretty good price and it looked great. but no complete reefs under 600 or so. plus she wants to start from the ground up

[flojo]

Originally Posted by s13redline

shes sitting right next to me, wee have looked tonight, she posted a thread because im not good enough to ask for advice just kidding

lol lies from red, i was asking him and he was too distracted cuz he was learning about octopi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so i turned to you guys!

yeah our craigslist isnt doing us much good...ill be moving to nashville soon but the search is on