Looking to start a saltwater aquariam

Hi Everyone,

How are you? - I have had many tanks over the years with particular interest in African Cichlids but the wife wants a Saltwater tank and I am interested in knowing more about this.

To create a decent starting point I have a few questions:

1. Does anyone have a decent link to a respectable article on starting a Saltwater tank?

2. What is a decent tank size - between 75 - 90G US, would I most likely find this adequate or restrictive?

3. What is decent fish to start with in the Saltwater hobby?

 

Reef Keeping 101

 

I am pretty new to Salt water but this is what I have learned.

Get opinions from multiple sources. (internet, LFS, friends, then forums)

Most people on here are very knowledgeable.

Get the biggest tank you can afford. I mean look into what you are going to have to buy. (examples: aquarium, heaters, skimmers, pumps, sand, water/RODI system, dry rock/Live rock, sump, lighting, etc) I've been told the actual aquarium is the cheapest part.

I started with a 29G with a 10G sump. I would have loved to have started with a 55 but just not in the budget.

Research, research research.

The single most important thing I have learned is go slow!

As for hardy starting fish: I have been told to get Damsels, but I have also heard they can be aggressive and if you want to get them out of the tank they are pretty hard to catch. Clowns are fairly hardy and a good starting fish after the cycle has completed.

Hope that helps and as I said I am pretty new to the saltwater world as well. It's worlds apart from freshwater.

 

ahh wrong thread????

 

First thing I'd say is that if you're thinking 75 then go 90 because they are the same footprint, require similar lighting, etc, but you get the extra volume. Now, if you're set on a 90, think about going to a 120 for the extra front-back space. A 24" tank is far better for aquascaping than an 18" tank and the lighting, etc. isn't much different than required for a 90.

As for a link, below is one to a thread I wrote along with the help of a bunch of 3reefers.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/whats-important-successful-tank-108699.html

 

I agree with the 4' thing. It's amazing how a 55 and a 120 have the same front demensions. Lighting won't be too bad money wise with a 4' tank.

 

be warned, this is an addiction.... no turning back ;D

 

Amen to that!

 

Do a 120g fish only, do not bother getting damsils. Because you will be taken them out at some point and saying the first part of their name over and over while trying to catch them. Buy dry rock, not live lot cheaper. Use a raw uncooked shrimp in 200 micron media filter. Take the biggest freshwater tank you have and do a diy sump, get a good RODI unit. Go plus one on the skimmer now. Cycle the whole thing in the dark. Then add your fish slowly over time. You have came to the best place for advice.

 

This post made me laugh, I was wondering when the sizing was going to stop.

"Right so now that I have sold you on a 24" - nothing to say do not go for a 36", ... 48", ......."

Thank you - I will take the time to read the links posted.