Need info on starting marine tank.

[tear1977]

Have kept tropical fish for years but decided to start up a marine tank. Could anyone help me on where I start and what I need. I HAVENT GOT A CLUE..... I have a 125litre tank with heater and filter. PLEASE can someone let me know what I need, what water checks I need to do and what filters/lighting I need. Basically anything will do. Thank you, all info welcome.

robbie@tear1977.fsnet.co.uk

[mogurnda]

In my opinion, your first step should be to order Bob Fenner's Conscientious Marine Aquarist. Less that $30 online (not sure what the exchange rate is, sorry), and packed with useful info about setup, species selection and care. I think I can speak for everyone here when I say that we are happy to answer lots of questions, but Fenner's book will answer questions you haven't thought to ask. John Tullock's Natural Reef Aquariums is also very useful.
Before you can decide on the filtration, lighting, etc, you will have to decide what kind of marine tank you want. Only fish, or do you want to go with a reef with corals and invertebrates?

[SimonWoodstock]

I'll second that. I got that book recently and it is packed with answers to every question I have had so far. It's a must have for a marine newbie.

[Cearbhaill]

I've had my nose in the same book for a month!

[jhrivera]

I've read the Bob Fenner book from front to back. It's really an unbelievably good book. It helped me a lot. I also have read another book that is also pretty good. It called "The New Marine Aquarium" by Michael S. Paletta. It's a great beginner book that is a bit thinner than the Fenner book. It covers basically everything that you need to get started and to maintain a Marine Aquarium. I think they have it on Amazon for about $14.

[OrionGirl]

A Simple Guide to Saltwater Aquariums is also a good choice. I'm about 1/4 of the way through it, and it seems to have very good information regarding setting up a tank, including the most common pitfalls that result in failure. It's a fairly new publication, and cost $17.95--a great price, IMO.

[tear1977]

Must get that book.

Thanx

Robbie.

[Gujustud]

I just picked up "Bob Fenner's Conscientious Marine Aquarist" online at chapters.ca for $47 shipped.

Can't wait for this book to come in, I've heard quite a bit about it.