The first mistake many people make is to start out with the wrong size tank. They base their decision on the assumption that if they start small they can cut costs. To a certain extent this is true. If you really want a small tank, that is fine. However, I do not recommend starting with a small tank as an experiment to see how it goes before getting what you really want. A small tank requires all the same apparatus as a large tank. The setup will be the same but smaller. It will cost a little less, but when you change to the larger size you really want, the components of the smaller system will be of little use. Therefore I suggest giving careful thought from the beginning to the size of your tank, as this decision will dictate all the other decisions you will have to make.
The second mistake: trying to cut corners without actually knowing what is needed The second mistake is to try to cut corners with the components needed for a reef. Many times the novice will decide, “I’ll do without this,” or “I don’t need that.” For those of you who do not have the experience needed to actually know what and what not to use on the reef: please do not cast aside the recommendations of experienced reef keepers. You will find that if it is really not needed it will not be on the following list.
