Hi, A Newbie

welcome the people here helped me get my tank under control in just about a week. listen and ask questions they are really helpful

 

Greetings from a fellow newbie. You're going to enjoy it.

Research, research, research.

Start with Hardware, live rock and live sand and an RO/DI unit. That will get you started in cost. I got my initial set up on Craig's list for $400. Then I started in on the live rock and replacing all the things I thought sucked, which I am still doing. This is far from an overnight thing. If I have what I want in a year, I will be very happy.

Also, don't just go out and get a 235g aquarium without thinking about how much it will cost to put live rock and sand in it. You need to think about the location in your house that it is going to be. Remember.....it is not easily moved. Originally, I was going to put mine in front of one of my living room windows. Wrong.

Get Aquariums for Dummies (latest printing) and a few other publications. You will want more than one person's opinion on what is good and bad. God knows opinions differ on some things, but you will get a real good idea about what EVERYONE agrees on quickly.

So buy books, ask questions and start a computer log.

Rock on.......and welcome to 3reef.......John

 

First, Welcome to the hobby and 3reef.

All great comments above, This hobby is not cheap, but is very very rewarding.

The best advice I can add is, Go Sloooooooow. Nothing good happens fast in this hobby.
Another thing, somethign I didnt understand till later on. The actual fish tank is the cheapest hardware purchase you will make.

Once you have a feel for the different prices on equipment lighting, skimmer etc.. You can then calculate how much you can spend on total equipment. Now you are ready to figure out what size tank you can afford.

55 is the smallest I would recommend but after a bit you will definately get the urge to upgrade. Their are many limitations to a 55gallon (width etc..).

But again, its up to you and your budget.
Enjoy the hobby.
Chubbs

 

Pitt eh? How about those Red Wings?........hehehe, had to i`m from Detroit.