I want a salt water tank...but I don't have a clue where to start??

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oscarchick

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Dec 30, 2002
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Hello! Okay, I have 3 freshwater tanks and I have learned the process the hard way. I want to set up a saltwater tank, BUT I want to learn all about it first, rather than jumping in blind like with my freshwater tanks. My FW tanks are great now, but with lots of time and unnecessary mishaps, if only I had taken my time.

Question 1: I am looking at purchasing a 29 gallon bow front tank, is that big enough for a saltwater tank?

Question 2: Woah!! What kind of filters? (keep in mind I am a complete beginner on saltwater

Question 3: Sand or rocks, or something else?

Okay, better yet, perhaps I need to go and check out some books at the library...Does anyone have any ideas about some good books?? :confused:

I would certainly appreciate any help I could get! Thanks in advance...

Heather
 
I'm pretty new at this too, but I can tell you what I've learned.
1) Are you sure it's 29 gallon? I've only seen the bow's in 26 that small. And if it is, it's a really tall tank, which would mean some pretty limited biostocking options. You could certainly do it though.
2) Get 4" of fine silica or southdown sand from Menards or the like. It's like a buck for 25lbs. This, with the pound per gallon of live rock, should cover all of your filtration needs, along with a 10% weekly water change. Just make sure the sand is really fine, like finer than sugar. That should cover question 3 too.
4) There's a link at the top of this forum or the general marine forum as to good books. Just about everything is covered there.
Several true experts I'm sure will chime in. Hope this helps though!
 
26 gallon...

Thanks for the info! You are so right, it is a 26 gallon. My husband just corrected me on that also. The tank I am considering is absolutely beautiful with the stand! I am imagining such a gorgeous tank, I just don't know how to get there!! I'll check out the link about the books. Thanks again!
Heather:)
 
A 26g isn't going to offer a whole lot of room for fish...probably 3-4 fish that max out around 3" each is the most that you would want to attempt. Are you interested in corals or other invertebrates? This will determine to a large extent what you will need to buy.

Spend some time looking around on this site:
www.wetwebmedia.com
Lots of good photos and it should help you narrow down your choices a bit.
 
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