Starting a Marine Tank

enrique4jc

enrique4jc

AC Members
Oct 17, 2006
615
13
18
Russell Springs, KY
Real Name
Eric
I have been keeping freshwater fish for about 3 years, and for about the last 6 months, I've been considering doing a saltwater tank. I know that there is a good deal more expense involved in saltwater, and that there are many different factors that do not have to be considered with freshwater, but I would seriously love to set something up.

I am open to the fact that it could be a very long process getting things started (both to make sure things are done right and because of the $$$). In fact, I dont even want to think about starting the process until I have had the chance to learn. I happen to believe that all life (human or otherwise) is a gift from our Creator, and should be respected, and I do not want to harm anything I might choose to integrate into my tank.

With that in mind, I was wondering what suggestions any of you might have on getting started, or even helping me decide whether it is something I am willing to invest in. Perhaps you could point me to a good informative book, a reliable website, or you might just want to share what has worked for you.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
EDW
 
Welcome, to s.w. !
It really depends on if you want fish only or to do a reef . If you could just narrow things down a bit it would really help us help you.
thanks
Max
 
Well if I do it I'd really like to do the total package with a reef and all - BUT - since this is my first saltwater experience, might it be wiser to start off with something a little less complex? I dont know!

I also dont really know that much about matching up compatible fish at this point (much research to do before I start anything) I'd like to have some clown fish, some different varieties of tangs, etc.

Maybe that will help you in advising me?
 
Got ya thanks.
Well what I would do is start out with the reef in mind in other words don't buy anything that's not reef compatible like camel shrimp or trigers. I think that mushrooms,polyps,xenia, and clove polyps are good starter inverts and you'll be able to practice most aspects of the more difficult critters husbandry.
I'd limit a 90 gal to members of different genus that really don't look alike. Other wise you can have real issues and I would never add two yellows for example or even another fish that they could confuse for one of their species. Keep in mind that they are also refered to as surgeon fish they have a spur on their tail that's very sharp and they aren't afraid to use it.
I'd also look into fish like the cardinals, some of the wrasses like fairy and 6line, gobies and blennies etc.
hth
Max
 
Thanks. So could you walk me through the steps of getting started (what to add when, add coral or fish first, etc.), or at least recommend a good resource that could explain the steps to me?

EDW
 
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