How to start?

[John Davis]

Hi,
I'm new to this forum. I want to start this hobby and would appreciate it very much if you can help me how to start it? I'm into koi keeping so I hope its not that hard if I'll try marine fish.

Thanks in advance

John Davis

 

[mogurnda]

Welcome to AC! I guess the first step is your "vision" for the tank. What did you have in mind? Colorful fish? A coral reef?

In my opinion, you should start with a little reading. First, it will help you to understand the possibilities. Would a fish-only system be best for you, fish-only with live rock, or maybe a dense collection of soft corals? A good book will describe these systems, the technology involved and the underlying principles. If you buy online, all of the books listed below are under $30 here, although I don't know the availability in the Philipines. Reading them will save you a lot more than that in dead livestock and unnecessary equipment.

Excellent beginners books:
The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by R Fenner
Natural Reef Aquariums by J Tullock

Less complete, but still very useful:
The Simple Guide to Marine Aquariums by J Kurtz
The New Marine Aquarium by M Paletta

 

[John Davis]

Hi

I'll take you adviced fish only with live rock and soft corals sound good for me but as soon as I get hooked by it just like my spoiled kois maybe I'll go for coral reef if I'm ready.

For a start can you advice the dasic on how to set it up and the equipment I should have. I already have a 50 gals tank excluding the sump that I'm planning to have. How big the sump should be? What media will I put and the recommended flow rate? What kind of salt and how much must i add to have the salinity of 1.022 to 1.024?

I know the answers to my question is in the books but I want to have a direct answer from the experts from this forum.

Thanks in advance.

 

[OrionGirl]

The largest sump you can manage. It will increase the volume of water, making it easier to maintain and stabilize, as well as providing lots of room for equipment.

In the main tank: sand, 3-4 inches. Any small grained kind will work, but the tropical play sands are preferred. Home Depot and Lowe's carry them, much cheaper than the LFS.

Live rock, mixed with base rock, about 50-50 mix.

There are several good brands on salt. It's best to stick with just one, rather than switching around. I like Instant Ocean, but YMMV. For getting the correct salinity--get a hydrometer. Salt volume will vary with humidity, so trying to use a set colume will not result in the same specific gravity each time. It's usually about a cup and a half per gallon--but testing is safest.

For low-light corals, you'll still want about 3 watts per gallon lightin--PC may be your best bet.