Starting Marine Setup - Don't Know Where To Start?

[gscooby555]

Hi,

I currently have a tank which is a 240 litre freshwater.

My partner got a tank second hand (90litre) complete with heater and ecco 2334 pro filter. It had been used for freshwater fish also.

We would eventually like to have a 450+ litre saltwater tank but we agreed to start small to learn as we don't know anyone with a marine setup and only have these kind of online forums to go onto for advice.

So here goes...

Where do we start?
What should be on the priority list to buy?

I have been reading up and am aware of all costing etc however we are due our first baby in October and are going to be starting this slowly and gradually - which I'm aware are key words!

Any help would be great.

Cheers.

 

[steelhealr]

Actually, starting large would be better IMO. Start with the larger marine tank unless you specifically are looking to set up a nano reef. Don't let the size fool you. It may not be easier per se. Start in the pinned section and get to work reading.

SH

 

[gscooby555]

So basically sell the 90 and buy the 450 - I wish !

Unfortunately the reason behind not starting at the 450 is due to living on the first floor of a flat.
We intend to move next year to a house and this included purchasing a larger tank, however this 90 litre tank is here and I'd quite like to get started

The only other option could be to move the fish from the 240 into the 90 and convert the 240 tank into a saltwater. This is only possible because it's not stocked above 90 litre thresholds or thereabouts - it's got a lot of items on the tank which make up the difference (these would of course need to go and the 90 would be a bare tank).

Is this a better idea? Or... just sell the 90 litre tank and start with the 450 next year

 

[seffieuk]

If you start with the 90 you will quickly wish you had used the 240 - most people upgrade within a year of starting off with a small nano - so, I second SH, go for the bigger tank, the 240 is ideal, however it will of course increase your set-up costs

Seffie x

ps to the salty side of TFF

 

[gscooby555]

Thanks for your suggestions.

Just did a few figures and it looks like the fish aren't going to comfortably fit into the 90 so that's going to be a no-go.

I'm afraid it's between starting a nano and keeping it for a year or waiting and starting the 450.

I think it's going to work it more expensive in the long run to start small as I'll need to buy new equipment for the larger tank.

So it's looking like I'll have to just start buying the equipment for the 450, although I'm really considering having one made with a full sump along the bottom.