New to saltwater

Stang408 · 07/27/2008, 03:11 PM

Hi everyone! I just got a 55gal tank and thinking about starting a saltwater tank. I've kept freshwater fishes for about 5 years and left the hobby for 2 yrs. Now that I want to get back into fish keeping I want to try S/W. Anyway, can someone recommend a good & inexpensive protein skimmer? I'm looking to spend under $100 for one. Also, I really like lion fishes, puffers, triggers, clown fishes, blue tangs and blennies. Which ones can be kept together? Sorry, I'm new to saltwater fishes and don't know which ones are compatible. Lastly, what is the best type of live rock to get on a budget? I've seen ones from Fiji, etc..

reefworm · 07/27/2008, 03:23 PM

welcome on board RC

I would start by looking thoroughly at all the information in the link at the top of this forum for new to the hobby folks like yourself. lots of your answers will be found there. before you get into the fish themselves, take your time. marine tanks take LOTS of time and patience to be done successfully. research and more research of every step, every purchase, every change is always indicated. ask lots of questions. although there is some info and some skill sets that will transfer from your freshwater experience, the level of complexity in a marine system is orders of magnitude more. also, you'll learn that "you get what you pay for." this is not a hobby for cutting corners. to be sure, always shop for good deals, but NEVER compromise on quality. you'll just end up paying the money to upgrade later anyway. we'll be happy to help you walk through the mine field, and hopefully keep you from harm

Given all that, there are few hobbies that are more consuming and rewarding. make the learning part of the fun

all the best in your endeavor,
-rw

padi200 · 07/27/2008, 03:28 PM

Red Sea Prizm Hang-on Protein Skimmer is under 100 and hangs on the back of the tank.

padi200 · 07/27/2008, 03:32 PM

where it comes from is not the most imporant thing. Do you want cured rock, or are you gonna cure it. IF you are not sure about this, ask or read up on it.

Anyway, I like to combine rock if possible. You get different shapes and textures.

Playa-1 · 07/27/2008, 03:36 PM

To Reef Central

I think you need to slow down and rethink a few things. The fish you choose is going to dictate the size of tank you need. The size of tank and bioload is going to determine some of your equipment. So what do you want to keep? Be more specific. Some of these fish you mentioned could potentially require a much larger tank 150 gallon plus.

littlemannin · 07/27/2008, 03:43 PM

You may want to consider buying a used skimmer if your looking at a 100.00 budget. My buck was best spent on a Remora Pro. (that statement is gonna open a can of worms here). I bought 2 different skimmers before this one. Seaclone was one of them the other was some air pump operated thing. You want to steer clear of these as after I did the math, I spent the same on these 2 bad choices combined as I did for my Remora. Save some cash and research before buying.

Michael · 07/27/2008, 03:49 PM

personally id slow right down now, start to think about the long term, lots of questions you need to address, what do you intend to keep?reef or fish only, will you run a sump/ if so get askimmer suitible rather than hang on tank, will you set up a refugium? the list of questions can go on and on i agree with what playa said, id add to it as well, lots of great guys with great advice here on rc, but id also recommend a good book, and make a mental list of future livestock then you will have a idea of answers to your questions, welcome to reef central by the way and the best of luck to you

aj0716 · 07/27/2008, 04:04 PM

I got into this hobby pretty recently too. According to the other reefkeepers here, the best advice is to, "read, read, and read some more." Triggers, lionfish, and puffers are good candidates for aggressive fish-only tanks, while blennies tangs and clownfish are good reef fish. Good luck!

07/27/2008, 03:11 PM	#1
Stang408 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 65	New to saltwater Hi everyone! I just got a 55gal tank and thinking about starting a saltwater tank. I've kept freshwater fishes for about 5 years and left the hobby for 2 yrs. Now that I want to get back into fish keeping I want to try S/W. Anyway, can someone recommend a good & inexpensive protein skimmer? I'm looking to spend under $100 for one. Also, I really like lion fishes, puffers, triggers, clown fishes, blue tangs and blennies. Which ones can be kept together? Sorry, I'm new to saltwater fishes and don't know which ones are compatible. Lastly, what is the best type of live rock to get on a budget? I've seen ones from Fiji, etc..

07/27/2008, 03:23 PM	#2
reefworm Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Waxhaw, NC USA Posts: 2,139	welcome on board RC I would start by looking thoroughly at all the information in the link at the top of this forum for new to the hobby folks like yourself. lots of your answers will be found there. before you get into the fish themselves, take your time. marine tanks take LOTS of time and patience to be done successfully. research and more research of every step, every purchase, every change is always indicated. ask lots of questions. although there is some info and some skill sets that will transfer from your freshwater experience, the level of complexity in a marine system is orders of magnitude more. also, you'll learn that "you get what you pay for." this is not a hobby for cutting corners. to be sure, always shop for good deals, but NEVER compromise on quality. you'll just end up paying the money to upgrade later anyway. we'll be happy to help you walk through the mine field, and hopefully keep you from harm Given all that, there are few hobbies that are more consuming and rewarding. make the learning part of the fun all the best in your endeavor, -rw __________________ "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." - Thomas Jefferson Current Tank Info: 29 gal. reef/assist with 75 gal. at the school

07/27/2008, 03:49 PM	#7
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	personally id slow right down now, start to think about the long term, lots of questions you need to address, what do you intend to keep?reef or fish only, will you run a sump/ if so get askimmer suitible rather than hang on tank, will you set up a refugium? the list of questions can go on and on i agree with what playa said, id add to it as well, lots of great guys with great advice here on rc, but id also recommend a good book, and make a mental list of future livestock then you will have a idea of answers to your questions, welcome to reef central by the way and the best of luck to you __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

07/27/2008, 03:28 PM	#3
padi200 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: LA, CA Posts: 529	Red Sea Prizm Hang-on Protein Skimmer is under 100 and hangs on the back of the tank.

07/27/2008, 03:32 PM	#4
padi200 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: LA, CA Posts: 529	where it comes from is not the most imporant thing. Do you want cured rock, or are you gonna cure it. IF you are not sure about this, ask or read up on it. Anyway, I like to combine rock if possible. You get different shapes and textures.

07/27/2008, 03:36 PM	#5
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	To Reef Central I think you need to slow down and rethink a few things. The fish you choose is going to dictate the size of tank you need. The size of tank and bioload is going to determine some of your equipment. So what do you want to keep? Be more specific. Some of these fish you mentioned could potentially require a much larger tank 150 gallon plus.

07/27/2008, 03:43 PM	#6
littlemannin Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 276	You may want to consider buying a used skimmer if your looking at a 100.00 budget. My buck was best spent on a Remora Pro. (that statement is gonna open a can of worms here). I bought 2 different skimmers before this one. Seaclone was one of them the other was some air pump operated thing. You want to steer clear of these as after I did the math, I spent the same on these 2 bad choices combined as I did for my Remora. Save some cash and research before buying.

07/27/2008, 04:04 PM	#8
aj0716 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 72	I got into this hobby pretty recently too. According to the other reefkeepers here, the best advice is to, "read, read, and read some more." Triggers, lionfish, and puffers are good candidates for aggressive fish-only tanks, while blennies tangs and clownfish are good reef fish. Good luck!