In the research stage

[boston_fish]

Hello,
I am purchasing my saltwater equipment shortly but doing a lot of research! Any suggestions for a 30 gal sized set up are welcome. I would like to be conservative with my budget but want to have quality equipment that will leave room to grow to a possible larger set up down the road.

 

[SeaBee]

Hello!!

A 30 and a larger size later can be quite different...

The light and the skimmer will be the major items.

Do you plan on keeping corals?

 

[Bifferwine]

Hello and welcome! I recommend a 48" long tank to start. It limits you less on what fish you can keep.

 

[SeaBee]

It's also a common size for lights that can go to a larger tank...

 

[marcah]

hello and welcome to the site...I agree go with a 48, upgrading later will be cheaper for you...

 

[little_fish]

+1 to everyone!

If you are looking to do things on the cheap, check out craigslist. Lots people getting out of the hobby and selling their stuff for cheap.

 

[Gizmoh]

Everyone has you set here, Hello and welcome!

 

[boston_fish]

Yes, I would like to keep coral but work my way up to it. My main focus at the time is the filter. Can anyone speak to a wet/dry filter that is the best value for your money? Should I look for one with a protein skimmer built in or separate?

 

[little_fish]

Wet/dry filters arent worth the hassle.

In marine tanks, your primary source of filtration is the bacteria living on the rocks (that is what makes them live). Additional things that are helpful are protein skimmer + refuges or an algae scrubber. You can buy hang on the back protein skimmers, or plumb a sump to tank and have all that equipment in the sump.

For protein skimmers, the best for the money are reef octopus skimmers.

 

[ErinCahir]

+1 little_fish.