a new fish tank

[devil_hunter]

Hi everyone, i have decided to buy a 110gallon tank in about a week or so, and leave the 29 gallon tank for a QT tank.

what i would like to ask this time is some instructions so i can start out this tank right. So here are my questions...

1. what things are REQUIRED have to start out the aquarium of this magnitude?

2. Explain how the cycle of a tank works? and how long is supposed to be for my 110 tank?

3. what type of fish do you recommend? how many can i have? i want salt water fish.

4. when i get new fish, what procedures do i need to do before i put them into the main tank? would this change if i buy the water from the seller?

after i had my bad experience with the LFS i rather ask you guys this questions than him.

Im still doing my readings on this site, if you have another useful tips for me please give them to me. thanks

[devil_hunter]

i forgot to mention i have a clown fish a blue tang and a baby yellow tang.

[H.Veras]

did you read all the post on the other thread, that everyone was telling you not to buy a bigger tank?


at this point forgot about the fish or livestock....
first let me ask you a question have you read all build thread out there?
second take it easy.
third read a lil more.
final read more... sorry but this will help you a lot.

alright.... plz post some pictures of the tank..
you'll need....
Skimmer.
Powerhead.
return pump.
light fixture.
Ref. sump or just a sump don't know what you wanted..
Live Rock most likely 150 lbs.
Sand. you need to find out if you want DSB or not..
A good test kit..

all this is just to star with...

plz read all the build thread b4 you do anything else...

it took me 7 month of reading and researching b4 i bought anything and took me almost 2 months to get my first fishes.. just take you time.. i learned one thing here.. patience is your friend in this hobby...

i'm not a expert but i'm just trying to help you..

[eho72]

There's a lot to learn going from a nano tank to a full blow 100 + gallon reef system. I have been doing a ton of research and focusing on one component at a time until I feel comfortable. You do not want to go out there and get everything all at once. Planning is key. One thing that was shocking to me is how much it cost just for the equipments alone. I started out thinking I only want to buy a reef system from one of the local that already has everything included. The more research you do, the more you want to build your own system tailored to your preference.

[tatmanfish]

just start with your filtration(sump,pump,overflow if not pre drilled) and your sand and rock. there are several ways to cycle your tank, just choose what sounds best to you. it will take some time to cycle you tank(there are some additives that speed this up). just know the longer you wait, the more stable your taank will be(generally at least a month). once your tank has cycled, add lights. and then get ready to add fish.

just look up the nitrogen cycle to get any/all the info you could need. basically waste produces amonia, thats broken down into nitrites, then to nitrates. water changes remove the being that they are all un wanted.

as far as fish, once your tank has cycled, add a couple small, inexpensive fish(damsels). you will need to look up fish acclimation as well. once again there are several different methods, choose what you feel sound best. if they do well over a month or longer than you can begin to add your desired fish. you can find info on most fish about their care, min tank size they should be kept in, what fish they are compatable, etc. there are lots of suggestions for the amount of fish you can have. the bigger they are, the less you want. really for easiest maintence, take a minimalist aproach on the number and size of fish you keep.

the best thing you can do during this whole process is to test your water often. it will give you better understanding of the nitriogen cycle as you see it right before your eyes.

you may want an RO unit for water, or most LFS sell fresh(use frsh to top off tank) and salt RO water if you dont want to have to hassel with mixing water.

each part of your tank research first, then you could always come here for 2nd opinions. there are a million ways to filet a fish. everyone has different opinions on whats best. thats why its best to research each piece, form your own opinion, then ask others.

best of luck