complete newb here with some questions

I don't really like to use gloves, I just clean my hards really good before placing them in the tank. Though...sometimes when reaching into scary caves to save coral frags...gloves would make me less uneasy.

With regards to lighting i agree with aquaboy, t-5s would be good for 55-75 though i have seen t-5s on a 90 (8 bulbs) with sps and clams. Anything much larger would require mh for penetration.

 

Welcome to 3Reef>>>>>

 

Welcome to 3reef and the awesome hobby of reef keeping. This is truly an amazing hobby and as been said already truly addicting...8)

 

sand: 1lb per gallon
type: large grain, i use ocean sand
clown: no anemone needed but it helps the health of the clown
filter: refugium, live rock, skimmer, with media will do
you could wear rubber gloves in case there is anything that will sting you if the rock comes from the ocean. reef tanks rule of thumb for lighting is 7-10 watts per gallon. the anenome has strong lighting needs.

 

if i did it all over again i would just get one of the popular cube tanks that are available with filter and lighting all included and don't need a skimmer.it took me 12 months at about $80 a month to buy and fully stock my 55 gallon tank with a 30 gallon sump.i like it and i'd not give it up but it would of been cheeper and taken up less room in my small living room.bigger tanks are more stable but have alot more involved which means time, effort, study, and money.

 

thanks for all of the advice guys, what kind of books and/or magazines would be beneficial for me to read so that i am well studied on how to keep all of this stuff done correctly?

 

To 3Reef!!!


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Salutations! Glad to see you found way here!

Lot's of fun...Lot's to learn...Enjoy!
;D ​

Information For The New Salt Water Aquarist​

(1st Salt Water Aquarium!) ​

Below are listed a number of links that should answer most of the questions a new saltwater aquarist (or a person interested in taking on the hobby) would need to know/ask about techniques of the "art". While there are literally thousands of pages on the web covering these subjects, these links are ones that state them simply and most completely in a condensed way. They are the links I would recommed to anyone first starting out in the hobby.

(A "must" read!) ​

The Tao of Marine Aquaria
Tips for Our Hobby and Life

© 1997 Adam H. Whitlock
Edited By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/25/00 ​

Knowing How to Set Up a Marine Aquarium, Adam Blundell M.S.

About.com - Saltwater Aquariums 101 "Getting Started" FREE Email Course

Thinking about setting up a saltwater aquarium? (melevsreef.com)

An Introduction to the Marine Aquarium Hobby (Part 1) - Associated Content (Parrothead)

An Introduction to the Marine Aquarium Hobby (Part 2) - Associated Content (Parrothead)

"Getting Started" - Mike Paletta

A List Of Good Beginner Fish

Fish To Be Avoided - I

Fish To Be Avoided - II

Your Aquarium Cleanup Crew

Corals

What They Are and How They Live​

by J. Charles Delbeek​

"They are mysterious guests from an exotic world. Unlike anything else we keep in an aquarium, they represent the essence of the coral reefs that we try to duplicate in our living rooms. Our success at this effort depends greatly on how well we understand these unusual life forms.

Unfortunately, for the average hobbyist, the increased availability of these animals is not matched by the information available concerning their biology and care. Too often, hobbyists know more about who manufactures their aquarium equipment than basic biological information, or proper identification of the animals they are striving to keep. And yet, without this information it is difficult to provide the optimum conditions that will allow them to grow and reproduce."

Answers to Everything!​

Marine Aquarium Articles and FAQ's
WebMedia.com​

Learn to Live With It
​

Adam Blundell M.S. ​

"...As surprising as it may seem your tank will look ugly at first. This happens to all new marine aquariums as they cycle through their initial filtration phase. Your tank may go brown, and then green, and then red, and then just look junky. It happens. Consequently the one coral you really want to keep may not live. You may struggle to raise the prize fish you originally intended to acquire. It's okay; just learn to love whatever is working for you. Remember, not only is this a hobby, but we are keeping living ecosystems. Special efforts should be put forth to enjoy and appreciate what we are keeping, whatever it may be. It takes time and patience to turn a glass box full of rock into a beautiful, thriving reef tank..."



;D​

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Holy crap Omard thats one heck of a post, now i understand why your karma is so high......here have some more for cramping your fingers in the name of 3reef!