Overwhelmed: Need a Primer

D

Dopey

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Dec 5, 2002
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Hi.

I'm re-doing a 90 gallon tank. I had planned to re-do it as a freshwater planted. I've kept FW for years and years. But I've always wanted to try salt. Honestly, though, I'm intimidated. All the talk around here is so far over my head. So much knowledge is assumed by posters that much of what the posts take for granted is cryptic to me. Where would a good place to start learning be?
 
It is like anything in life, there are terms used that you have to learn and it takes time. I haven't seen or read it, but I bet there is a "Saltwater for Dummies" book out there that would be a good primer to at least get the basics and terminology down. One of the things I think most people do wrong in beginning of SW is focus on the wrong things to start out with. Focus on the right equipment first, then livestock second. Easier said than done, equipment isn't exciting to watch like the fish are, but if you get good equipment to start with you will have less problems down the road with livestock getting sick/dying.

Also, don't think to deep into things... people are so intimidated and think you need a PHD to do saltwater but after your doing it for several years you realize how simple it can be if you build it correctly in the beginning. If you don't, you have problems the entire time and it is not a fun hobby. Don't buy 100 different bottles that state will do magic for your tank expecting them to do anything but cause problems, not resolve them.

Like a lot of things in life, there is the "Government way" of doing things that takes 1000's of people and millions of dollars to get from point A to point B, or you can do it the KISS method, keep it simple stupid, and 1 person and $500 can accomplish the same goal.
 
I'll echo Ace's statements. I have seen some amazing tanks and I can tell you that the knowledge of marine biology, chemistry, engineering, etc. is minimal to zero with most of them. That's not to say that it doesn't help, because it can make it easier, but it is very far from necessary. All it takes is some determination, good sense, a desire to learn and experience, and some good ethics. That's all you need to be on your way to having a great tank. Just take your time, learn, and go from there. We're always here to help, too :).
 
Ouch!
I started on that link, and it sure is enough to keep me busy. Sumps, overflowing of sumps, live rock issues, stands (mine doesn't have room for a sump. Would have to build a new one), protein skimmer (whatever that is), kalkwasser, and on and on.

What the h#!! is a "Berlin NNR set up"? This term was thrown out with no explanation in the very first paragraph of "Saltwater 101 for Beginners."

Everything I read just brings up more questions/tasks/money. All of these things and more are making me think that I can't go down this road at this time. Maybe if I just look at a FO set up to start with. But that's kind of boring... the flora is just as interesting as the fauna.

My head is spinning.
 
NNR = Natural Nitrate Reduction. Berlin setups are essentially reef systems modeled after Peter Wilkens' setups, which had no substrate (no sand, gravel, etc.), had only live rock, strong protein skimming, light fish load, and calcium hydroxide (aka kalkwasser) for calcium and bicarbonate additions. The combination of NNR and berlin systems already occurs, but the link alludes to the addition of sand for extra denitrification (or NNR).

Skimmers are cylindrical or conical containers in which a mixture of water and fine air bubbles are injected. This creates an environment with multiple (many, many multiples) of air-water interfaces, or areas where water and air meet. This, as you've observed many times, is where oily substances like to collect. Well, because of the unique circumstances inside of the skimmer, these oily substances collect on the surfaces of the tiny bubbles and are slowly but surely pushed out of the water in the form of a stable foam into a collection cup. This is another highly effective filtration device. It also works well in removing small particles completely from the contact with the water, which is another way it helps with water quality indirectly.
 
I've been reading this book for a couple years to do research. Everything is set forth in a well orgainized manner, with explanation of sceintific terms. It's not that it's taken me years to read, I just pull it out every now and then and reread it, since I don't have a SW tank, but want to start one, and like to keep the information fresh.
 
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