advice

[redemer123]

im a beginner looking for some help i welcome your advice

[jimsflies]

A few good reads to start with are the sticky threads in this forum (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=71). They are the top 3-4 threads in the list.

[EMUreef]

im a beginner looking for some help i welcome your advice

Alright well since this is going to be your first SW tank....

One thing i need you to answer.

1. What kinda of saltware aquarium do you want to have a Fish only with live rock, which means no coral just sweet fish? Or do you want an aquarium that has coral in it?



You mentioned that you want to get a 50g tank, its a good idea to start something bigger like that as the more water volume the better.

Saltwater is all about taking it slow and making the right choices. Going at this hobby fast and adding things fast only ends up in a big waste of money.

I would take some advice from a local fish store of LFS, than come back here and tell us what you learned so we can correct anything. Sometimes they give you advice only so they can sell sell sell.

Learn as much as you can before you start a tank, heck even go out and buy a few saltwater aquarium books to help you out.

Now more questions?

[redemer123]

ok well i figured it would probably be best to start off with a Fish only tank for a while to see if i can sucessfully keep a fish alive...and also if i find a 1$/gallon fish tank sale i will get the biggest tank possible

[redemer123]

thanks for the help jim....is there a way to friend people or something on this forum so im able to find you in the future?

[Sir Patrick]

+ to reading the first few posts in the new reefer area! Great base info there to help ya understand the rest as you grow and learn in the hobbie.

[Frank143]

Books and forum threads are what got me started.

[jimsflies]

thanks for the help jim....is there a way to friend people or something on this forum so im able to find you in the future?

No problem. Yes, there is a buddy list. I will add you to mine which should send you an friend request.

To add other peeps, the easiest way is to click on their name in the post (next to their avatar). There is an option to add to contacts in the pull down menu.

[XSiVE]

Research your fish selection
take your time
plan order of fish addition
take your time
research & plan filtration needs, advisable to go larger than what you think you will need.
take your time
research & plan your lighting needs, don't go midway between what you think you need & what you think you might upgrade to in the future, just go minimal for what you need and spend the least amount of money or go straight to the upgrade that you will want down the line, spending less $$ overall.
take your time
take your time
take your time.

:)

[schminksbro]

All good advice so far.
#1 Take your time. If you are researching your project you already have a project. You will only regret rushing into purchases. This can be difficult. Most veteran reefers have tons of worthless ineffective equipment laying around because the rushed, purchased, and replaced. This hobby can be expensive but for the most part you get what you pay for. If it takes a bit longer to get a quality piece of equipment you can spend the time researching. Buy once. Nothing GOOD happens fast in this hobby. If you think there is any possibility that you may want to keep corals in the future I would only add "reef safe" fish. Many of the beautiful fish kept in fish only tanks will eat coral. Once you have a tank full of these fish it can be difficult or impossible to remove them in the event you choose to add coral.

I added you to my buddy list so feel free to contact me with any questions. You have come to the right place. There are many of us here who are more than willing to help you get a successful tank going.

[ETBReefer05]

Petco is starting a $1/gallon this sunday til September 18th. Might upgrade to a 55 lol.

[RedfordReefer]

I dove in head first with the largest tank i could put in my home. I read a LOT, but I didn't really take my time. I rushed things.

Tank is growing like a weed. Everything is happily gobbling up its niche in my little ecosystem.

RESEARCH. That is the biggest thing. just read as much as you possibly can.

[lionhead]

Best advice ask questions to learn from our mistakes. Take it slow and save and buy the right equipment the first time. Do not just buy equipment to get you by. It will end up costing more money in the longrun than just saving up to get what you want to begin with. Go slow and research.

[shovelhead91701]

All good advice so far.
#1 Take your time. If you are researching your project you already have a project. You will only regret rushing into purchases. This can be difficult. Most veteran reefers have tons of worthless ineffective equipment laying around because the rushed, purchased, and replaced.

I bet if we get together we could all sell you some of our "worthless" "ineffective" equipment at a huge discount! That way you don't buy all the junk at full retail!!!!!! :crying: :silly: :doh:

Seriously though........ this is a great hobby and a very challenging one as well! My advice is don't let yourself become discouraged by any failures you may have at first, The age of your setup has as much to do with overall suceess sometimes as what you do does! Keep at it! Good Luck!

[redemer123]

why thankyou very much sir/mam :)

[jimsflies]

Petco is starting a $1/gallon this sunday til September 18th. Might upgrade to a 55 lol.

Please also give our sponsors a chance....we have many fine LFS's sponsoring the site. Some may be able to meet that price, but even if they can't, developing a relationship with your LFS can also be a great resource to help you succeed with this hobby.