First tank?

[WyoRich]

I've wanted a salt water tank for the past five years or so. I think I want to go with something around 100 gallon. What tank brands should I be looking at? I'd like to stay under $1,000 for the tank only.

[Ron Reefman]

Look here and see if there is a local club in your area.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=80

There may be somebody selling a used tank in good shape.

You might also look at Craigslist. There are almost always tanks for sale on there in our area. Just be careful. And insist on a water test or a refund if you find it leaks. If they won't do it, don't buy it.

Most new tanks are pretty safe and you can certainly find them for under $1000. I just bought a CadLight Artisan 125g with a very slick stand, a sump, a pump, a skimmer and an led sump light for $2400 delivered! I think they have a 100g for $2045 and if you don't want the pump or the skimmer they will knock $275 off the price. They have a 92g Versa with a stand and sump for $1299 delivered. They are here: https://www.cadlights.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=61&zenid=db1b236a7e7284cead9563501b2beb02

[GimpyFin]

Most of the readily available tanks that you can get from your LFS (Marineland, Aqueon) can easily be had for what you're looking to pay for just the tank (Pre-drilled, reef ready too.) They're not custom high end tanks, but they're pretty decent for what you pay, IMO. I got my Marineland 110g reef ready w/ the glass top for about $550.

[WyoRich]

I appreciate the info as I definitely want to get started on this in the next month or so but it's a bit overwhelming!

I really like that 92G Versa tank and it fits my budget.

Do I need a protein skimmer or media reactor? If so, what exactly do those do?


What else would I need in terms of equipment to get this tank up and running?

[Tanthaitrung]

Yes, the skimmer is the heart of your system. Depend on what method you will run, I'm running calcium reactor and 2 reactors for biopellet, PO4X4. But now switching to NO3:PO4-X with dosing pump and stop 2 reactors. That means, less electricity bill and more convenient

You can see more:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593696

Hope these help
Khanh

[Defiant Arms]

look up videos on youtube bulk reef supply has several informative videos

[SFish]

Welcome to the site and have fun. A 100 is a nice tank to start with.