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09/27/2011, 11:51 AM
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#1 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1
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New to salt water tanks
I just got a 80 gallon tank as a gift for my birthday. I have had goldfish and betas but that is it. I want to have corals and pretty fish. I know i am unexpierianced and it is very confusing. What should be my next step?
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09/27/2011, 12:09 PM
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#2 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 60
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Read all that you can and check your intended purchases with people in these forums. When I first started out a year ago I spent so much money on stuff that I never even used. If I would have asked for advice at the beginning I could have spent less on crap and more on the purchases that really matter.
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09/27/2011, 12:15 PM
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#3 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Streamwood/Elk Grove, IL
Posts: 96
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Not to discourage, but read up on everything about FOWLR (fish only with live rock) systems, corals are a whole different ballgame, but if you can get a good grasp on that, your next step is there. FOWLR is expensive, REEF tanks are 20x the amount,
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09/27/2011, 12:16 PM
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#4 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Streamwood/Elk Grove, IL
Posts: 96
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I like to tell people the start up for a coral tank is approx 20$ per gallon, just to get started.
And thats without any fish or corals yet. |
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09/27/2011, 12:31 PM
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#5 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Hamilton, NJ
Posts: 118
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Read & read some more. Draw up a list of what you think you need purchase wise and run it by people on here, see what they say. Also figure out what you want to keep fish / coral wise since this will influence what you need. You'll also need patience as rushing is a sure way to make mistakes and discourage you.
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09/27/2011, 12:41 PM
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#6 | |||
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Mayor of Podunk
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 263
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Quote:
Quote:
I would recommend starting off slowly with corals as the water quality requirements are a lot higher than that of fish. There's plenty of good starter corals though that are hardy and can take a little mishandling. Quote:
For fish www.liveaquaria.com can be a fairly good resource. You can browse, and get some basic info on fish you like. There's a lot to learn, but take your time because rushing into this hobby will only cause you headaches. Also, ask questions when you have them. Your much better off in a hobby as expensive as this one learning from other peoples experiences then learning from your own. IME most of the folks on this site are nice, knowledgeable, and willing to help. Last edited by Tin_Whistler; 09/27/2011 at 12:51 PM. |
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09/27/2011, 01:02 PM
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#7 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Belgium
Posts: 504
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I agree with my fellow reefers, read the stickies and take your time!
You already made the correct first step IMO with joining RC, there is soooo much wisdom to be found over here. Oh, be sure to check out sk8er's blog...... lots of good intel and very pleasant to read Good luck and welcome to the addiction!! Ivan |
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09/27/2011, 09:26 PM
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#8 |
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Registered Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wyocena Wi
Posts: 6,936
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Can't agree more read read read and ask questions. It will save you money and few headaches. Good Luck
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| Tags |
| help needed, new tank, salt water |
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