Saltwater clueless...

jrawebb83

AC Members
Jul 5, 2009
251
0
16
Florida
I'm considering venturing into saltwater. I saw a used 55 gallon at my lfs with stand and light for $125. I think I could talk him down a few bucks. Anyhow my question pertains to the fact that I'm completely clueless when it comes to saltwater.

What would I expect to spend for a saltwater setup, and what would that setup entail?

What kind of stock would be suggested for a 55, preferably a community?

Any suggestions or good websites for beginners?

Thanks
 
I'm also a newbie to sw. i have some live rock cycling now. my best advice would be to just read read read. plenty of people have asked and answered similiar questions. I'm done so much researching that it seems like another language at times, but it'll come around. good luck.
 
I personally wouldn't buy the tank or anything until you read about saltwater for a month or 2 if not more. Saltwater has so many more factors and is crazy. A new 30gal setup could set you up 1000bucks. You would pay a bunch for live rock most likely then filter salt and testing supplies fish. It will cost alot thats all I have to say.
 
Well, I'll probably get another tank even if I don't try saltwater. I may do a african cichlid tank. I plan on doing tons of research either way. Salt water fish are just so much more vibrant. I find my self wandering into that section at the lfs all the time. Time will tell...

Edit: I also plan on buying most stuff used and doing as much as possible DIY, so that should cut some costs.
 
I'm reading Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies right now. It's really helpful and clear. It breaks down a lot of seemingly complicated info so it's easy to understand. It tells you all about set up, what you need, what you don't need and what livestock is good for newbies and what livestock to avoid.
 
Thanks! I'll see if I can find it amazon.com.

Edit: Found it new, $2.57 plus $3.99 shipping.
 
[shameless plug]Do remember that if there is any confusion about terms or concepts relating to marine tanks (or any other tank for that matter) that AC is here to help, as well. Everyone would be more than happy to help out and there is never a bad question. [/shameless plug] :D
 
Keep in mind that if you want to do a reef aquarium and do it properly you will need the right budget.. There is alot of stuff that can be done DIY but the bulbs, fixtures, pipe, apoxy's, equipment,building materials, skimmer and more end up costing quite alot.. and You still havent added live rock or substrate yet. So keep it in mind and do more reading before you decide to take the endeveur.

Personally I was reading for 3 month's before I started cycling my first tank and took the time to observe everything.

AC is probably the best place/people I have found to ask my questions to and get positive results from the instructions received.
 
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900 dollars :)

good luck!
 
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