HELLO advice greatly appreciated

[leroyjenkins]

Hello,
My name is Leroy and I am new to this. I Have read a lot of “How TO’s” on building an aquarium. I’m interested in finding out what the good and bad brands are of materials and supplies needed for fresh or salt water aquariums. Also what size tanks would you suggest for a startup tank? “I haven’t decided yet whether to do salt or fresh water. I understand that the salt water is far more difficult to stabilize and maintain but the tanks are also generally far more interesting and the fish are totally awesome. Any suggestions or ideas would be welcome.

 

[guarda]

Welcome Leroy! All the info you need has already been asked a million times but let me help by saying that my first tank was a 12 gallon. Big mistake. 20-30 gallons would have been a lot better. Less fluctuations in temp, salinity, etc. As for equipment, everyone has their own opinions on what works. Go to tank threads and see what everyone uses in their setups. good luck!

 

[little_fish]

Hello and Welcome!

We are kinda biassed around here because we love saltwater!

But here are some great articles to read so you know what you are jumping into:
https://www.livingreefs.com/water-chemistry-t31270.html
https://www.livingreefs.com/why-using-tap-water-bad-idea-t19865.html
https://www.livingreefs.com/basic-equipment-list-t19611.html
https://www.livingreefs.com/ideal-books-reef-keepers-t19535.html
https://www.livingreefs.com/choose-your-fish-t27083.html

The last one in important in deciding what size tank you want to start with. Many of the fish people love about the hobby need huge, 6 foot long tanks to be happy and healthy.

 

[Smitty]

Welcome to the site bro... :)

 

[ErinCahir]

Hello Leroy!
Welcome to the site!
Salt all the way... and bigger is always better.

 

[SeaBee]

Salt I find easier than fresh, myself. No filter cleaning, or media to buy. Salt is more expensive at the start, mostly on the light, but much more rewarding than fresh, IMO. Welcome aboard!

 

[DAvis]

Hey Leroy, a fellow New Yorker, welcome! I started with an all-in-one 28gal nanocube. It was great, and a challenge, but thoroughly rewarding. I kept freshwater for years, and still have them, but the Reef tank rules! Almost everyday I see something new! Some of it bad, most of it good! I am now well into a 65 gallon st up. It was so much easier in the big tank. So I'm with Erin, bigger is better! My next tank will be 180G! Just don't tell my wife that yet!