Hi all! I am new to this forum and would like some advice...
I have kept freshwater fish my whole life and really want a saltwater tank. However, the expense and size have always stopped me. There is a new fish store in my area that I went to today and they specialize in salt setups. The owner and I got to talking and he suggested that I start out with a 12 gal acrylic and that they work fine if you know what to do.
The set up he sells is very resonably priced and comes with all the pumps, skimmer (I think), live rock, water, sand and you can choose what light you want (He said that most invertebrates need stronger light, but some, like clams, need the lower light).
He said that I could do something like a couple of anemones and a couple of clown fish (the smaller single-banded ones). Or anemones and a couple of red fish (I can't remember what he said they were called - but I think they are another type of anemone fish that are bright red). However, he said those are best kept within the same species. He had a couple of other suggestions; basically I could have one or two invertabrates and two or three very small, docile fish and maybe a shrimp.
So, does this sound like good advice? Are there any inherent problems in a smaller tank (besides more upkeep)? Anything that I should know that you guys had the learn the hard way?
I really want a salt tank, but in no way have money for anything bigger now. Also, I would rather not do this at all if it is a bad idea. I take really good care of my tanks and moderate cleanings, etc. are not a problem (I enjoy it). I just want to make sure I'm not living a pipe dream and dooming animals to a horrible, cramped existence or death. Even though they only cost a few bucks, they're still living creatures.
Well, thanks for reading my ramblings and ANY advice is appreciated!
I have kept freshwater fish my whole life and really want a saltwater tank. However, the expense and size have always stopped me. There is a new fish store in my area that I went to today and they specialize in salt setups. The owner and I got to talking and he suggested that I start out with a 12 gal acrylic and that they work fine if you know what to do.
The set up he sells is very resonably priced and comes with all the pumps, skimmer (I think), live rock, water, sand and you can choose what light you want (He said that most invertebrates need stronger light, but some, like clams, need the lower light).
He said that I could do something like a couple of anemones and a couple of clown fish (the smaller single-banded ones). Or anemones and a couple of red fish (I can't remember what he said they were called - but I think they are another type of anemone fish that are bright red). However, he said those are best kept within the same species. He had a couple of other suggestions; basically I could have one or two invertabrates and two or three very small, docile fish and maybe a shrimp.
So, does this sound like good advice? Are there any inherent problems in a smaller tank (besides more upkeep)? Anything that I should know that you guys had the learn the hard way?
I really want a salt tank, but in no way have money for anything bigger now. Also, I would rather not do this at all if it is a bad idea. I take really good care of my tanks and moderate cleanings, etc. are not a problem (I enjoy it). I just want to make sure I'm not living a pipe dream and dooming animals to a horrible, cramped existence or death. Even though they only cost a few bucks, they're still living creatures.
Well, thanks for reading my ramblings and ANY advice is appreciated!
