Newbie Questions

[twisted_arrowz]

I have recently decided to endeavor my first Saltwater Tank. Im completely oblivious to what it takes to get started, as well as maintain a good healthy tank. This said, I HAVE MANY QUESTIONS :).

:help:First, I went to my local Fish store to inquire about what I should be doing to get myself started. All I really got was "Just buy this expensive tank setup, and a Lionfish". My question I suppose is this: When starting out my first tank, should I go for a large tank, as in 55+, or should I start small and work my way up? Im assuming the smaller tank would be easier to set up and maintain, but alot more money invested in the long run due to all the necessary items for each tank. And Ill say up front , I dont have loads of money to throw around, I plan to set this up as I can till im finally ready for Fish and such.

And Second, what are some hardy fish to consider for my first attempt? I was told clown fish are easily maintained, but this came from the same fellow that told me a lionfish for my first.

If there is someone who could give me a good breakdown of what Items im going to need, and recommend exact models of filter systems, and such that would be GREAT. I plan on starting with a 55 gallon or slightly larger tank. However I have a 29 that could be utilized.

Well, thats about it for now I suppose. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Nolapete]

Ok, first don't buy an expensive setup and a lionfish. Second, find another local fish shop. That one is giving you stupid advice.

The first thing you have to decide before you even decide on a tank is what kind of marine system you want to keep. They basically fall into 3 categories: fish only, fish only with live rock (FOWLR), and a reef.

Once you decide on the type of system you want to keep, deciding on a tank is your next choice. That is based on your budget because there's more to saltwater than just the tank.

For fish only and FOWLR tanks there's not much more to buy than marine salt and a hydrometer than what you would buy for freshwater.

A reef is a different story altogether.

Oh, and stay away from damsels other than yellow tail blues. Most others get very large and very mean.

I would suggest using your 29 gallon and setting up a FOWLR tank as your starter tank. With the base live rock, your tank will be cycled quickly and very stable. There's plenty of easy fish you can put in there as well. If you decide you want to switch over to it being a reef, you already have the base rock as a foundation.

I like Instant Ocean marine salt for fish only and FOWLR tanks. Their Reef Crystals is good for reefs IMHO.

Aquarium Systems also has a good hydrometer.