• Beginner's questions

  • Joseph8842

Good day to everyone! I am increasingly interested in getting a reef aquarium, but the prices are intimidating. I have been involved in freshwater aquariums for a long time, and I have no questions about that. I have calculated the costs for the equipment – it adds up to a round sum, but I still have questions about its maintenance. For example, if I have a 100-liter aquarium, live rocks based on volume, 4 fish, and both hard and soft corals (let's assume the sump and skimmer are functioning at 100%). I am interested in the monthly cost of its maintenance. 1) How often should water changes be made and in what quantities (1 kg per 25 liters - price per kilo is 80)? 2) Do corals also require feeding? 3) How often should water tests be conducted and what would that cost? 4) Is there anything I might have forgotten or any mistakes I made? Please correct me. Thank you in advance to everyone who responds!

Angela6489

Good afternoon! From my experience: 1. Water changes once a month of 20 liters result in 5% for me. 2. Coral feeding at your discretion. In principle, it is enough to feed the fish, and the corals will consume small particles of food. You can decide later if this is sufficient or not. 3. I consider it necessary to test KH weekly. Calcium, nitrate, and phosphate every two weeks. 4. We missed the most significant point - electricity costs. If they don't concern you, then other expenses won't break the bank. The desire to buy new corals will be what breaks you.

Rebecca

Four fish and SPS corals are incompatible in a 100-liter aquarium. Either a couple of very small fish and SPS, or four fish and soft corals. This is even assuming that the system will function properly.

Emma

Thank you to everyone who responded! The content won't be that expensive. It's clear that this is assuming a complete balance. The light consumes quite a bit as it is – a 300-liter planted tank. I enjoy the beauty, while the fish are in the background. As for the four fish, I mentioned that just as an example. By the time I get to the fish, I will have read a lot of literature and asked questions on the forum.

Daniel8015

The right solution, also browse the forum, many questions will be resolved.

Michele9664

I brought 100 liters as an example! I actually plan for 200 – 250 liters + sump (about 30% of the total volume – I will base it on the space in the cabinet). I fully understand what fish feed leftovers and waste mean and how they affect water quality. Well, I will return to this issue later. What I don't like about marine aquariums is the prices for equipment. For example, a skimmer costs 700 UAH for plastic, a pump – 5000. A water pump – 100 UAH for plastic and 50 UAH for copper wire – 1500, etc. My conclusion: a freshwater aquarium is like a Zaporozhets, while a marine one is like a Mercedes. Well, we will solve these issues gradually.

Jamie3553

I had similar complaints about prices before the purchase, but if you think about it, it's not that bad. If you still want a marine setup but want to save money, I would recommend: If you don't like a skimmer for 5k, buy a used one for 2k (just make sure the pump isn't worn out). Is a circulation pump for 1500 too expensive? Buy a Resun JVP 101, it costs about 10 dollars on AliExpress. I have one that has been working for about a year, and it hasn't given me any trouble. Check out Atman for a lift pump; they are cheap. I also have one in the sump and completely forgot it was there. Lighting - T5 fixtures are quite inexpensive overall.

Michael

Dear, such prices no longer exist, they are already higher. On the contrary, I really love the sea, and you have to pay for pleasure! Saving on a beloved woman and on a beloved hobby (marine aquarium) is the last thing to do; why live just to eat?