I have had a couple normal FW tanks threw the years and I have been wanting to move to the SW tanks forever. I have finally decided to dive in and not look back but I need a list of eczactly what to buy... I am planning on using a 30g tank...I know nothing at all about SW tanks and Need a shopping list of what I will need for a beginner tank and nothing more...just a few fish and maybe some of that live rock I have heard about...
Need to know What to buy for SW tank!
- Thread starter Farva
- Start date
While I am fairly new to saltwater aquariums myself I can offer you one piece of valuable information. The pinned post at the top of this page entitled "saltwater tank getting started" or something to that effect, was extremely helpful when I started my sw.
Good filter
Heater or Chiller (depending on what temp you'd like to keep the tank at)
Substrate (I use play sand from the big chain hardware stores. You can also use crushed coral or something similar)
Protien skimmer (very important IMHO)
Lighting (if you're going to keep certain inverts and or corals)
Powerhead (only needed if you require more water movement that your filter can provide)
R/O Unit (unless you have great water from the tap in your home. You can also purchase water at some pet shops or from a local store)
Test Kits
PATIENCE!!!
If you're going to try your hand at saltwater I'd say patience is the most important requirement. That and a commitment to work at upkeeping the tank.
Saltwater is just as rewarding as freshwater and not as scary as most people think. It is a commitment however. Just like with freshwater. IMHO though it's a little more difficult because more factors come into play. There's unwanted hitchhikers on live rock, nuisance algea, etc... Before starting I'd find a good book on maintianing saltwater aquariums. Reading everything you possibly can before jumping in is the best way to prevent failure and frustration.
Heater or Chiller (depending on what temp you'd like to keep the tank at)
Substrate (I use play sand from the big chain hardware stores. You can also use crushed coral or something similar)
Protien skimmer (very important IMHO)
Lighting (if you're going to keep certain inverts and or corals)
Powerhead (only needed if you require more water movement that your filter can provide)
R/O Unit (unless you have great water from the tap in your home. You can also purchase water at some pet shops or from a local store)
Test Kits
PATIENCE!!!
If you're going to try your hand at saltwater I'd say patience is the most important requirement. That and a commitment to work at upkeeping the tank.
Saltwater is just as rewarding as freshwater and not as scary as most people think. It is a commitment however. Just like with freshwater. IMHO though it's a little more difficult because more factors come into play. There's unwanted hitchhikers on live rock, nuisance algea, etc... Before starting I'd find a good book on maintianing saltwater aquariums. Reading everything you possibly can before jumping in is the best way to prevent failure and frustration.
The type of equipment you will need to buy depends on what you want to live in there, its also a good way to get compatable fish and inverts. Remember just about everything living thing on a reef is food for something else, thats what you want to avoid (which is why you research what you want living in there)