need advice on new SW tank

[jhrivera]

Hello everyone! I am contemplating setting up a SW aquarium. I've read most of the Fenner book, and have also read many articles on the web. I have never set up any kind of tank at all. I really want to set up a SW tank because they look so wonderful, especially when compared to FW aquariums. I'm not sure if I should start with a SW tank because of my inexperience with the whole thing. Should I start with a FW tank, even though I am really not too interested in FW, or should I just jump into SW? Right now, I'm only interested in doing a fish-only tank. Also, I was thinking of getting a 40G acrylic tank. Is that too small, or should I go with a 50G tank? Also, I have a friend that has a 30G SW coral setup and he doesn't use a hood. He leaves the top open and hangs his lights over the tank. Does this sound like a good idea? I like the idea of being able to look in the tank from above. It also seems easier to do water changes without a hood. Thanks.

[Walrus]

Well let me first welcome you to AC!

There is no need to start with FW and then move to SW. Most people do, but not because they should. Fenner's book is an excellent choice. It sounds like you have done some research but do more and make a plan as far as livestock and equipment goes, it will pay off in the end.

A 40g tank would be fine to start but if you can afford the 50g or larger, i would get the biggest you can. As far as the hood is concerned, i personally prefer them but many people dont like them. If you run your tank without a hood that will cut back on the type's of livestock you can stock with. Fish & inverts that are "jumpers" should not be kept in an open top tank.

Have you ever looked directly down into the top of an aquarium? With the lights shining down on the water the inside of the tank looks blurry when looking down, its due to the refraction of light off the water inside.

Hope this info helps!

[jhrivera]

Thanks for the quick response. Would my choices for livestock in a hoodless aquarium be reduced only because certain fish jump out, or are there certain fish that won't do well in a hoodless aquarium for other reasons?

[Walrus]

Originally posted by jhrivera
Would my choices for livestock in a hoodless aquarium be reduced only because certain fish jump out, or are there certain fish that won't do well in a hoodless aquarium for other reasons?

It would be because some fish have a tendency to jump out of the tank.

[karlas]

hello
for saltwater the bigger the better a 40 would work well but if you can get a 55 to with that.
i got some really good links for you to check out all for beginners

reefkeeping 101 (http://www.reefcorner.com/reef%20keeping_101.htm)

creating understanding and maintaing (http://www.expat.or.id/info/aquarium.html)

live rock faq (http://sps.reefkeepers.org/LiveRockFAQ.htm)

sand ;bed faq (http://www.reefkeepers.org/faq/cache/33.html)

starting marines (http://www.shirleyaquatics.co.uk/pages/marine/keeping_marine_fish_printable.html)

as far as having no hood you would have to research your fish and see if there known for jumping or not some gobies and blennys are good for this plus some others