Thinking of Starting an Aquarium, Advice?

[Carosylics]

So, after some thought, I think it might be nice to have a saltwater aquarium. I'm still in the "research" stage though, so I pretty much know next to nothing.
Does anyone have book suggestions? Threads on this forum that are helpful? Currently working through the Guide for New Hobbyists by SnakeBlitz33, so there's that. Any websites, personal experience, or videos? I just need more information other that 'sand is generally believed to be better than crushed coral', 'diatoms use silicate, if needed use calcium-based sand', 'CYCLE THE TANK', 'test the water', 'use live rocks and sand', and a few other random tips.
I have found a live fish store, although I'm not sure how good/trustworthy it is. Seems fine though.
If I do get the tank though, is there a preferred size? I'd probably get a 10 or 20 gal tank because of space and price, but I've heard smaller tanks make it harder to balance the pH and saltiness and nitrate(?) and other stuff.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Hi,

So you want a saltwater tank? Get out while you still have money and sanity! Lol

Your right though, a smaller tank is a little more difficult to control the water parameters, but it shouldn't deter you from staying small. What I suggest is an all in one system such as a biocube 24g, so you can modify it a little with LEDs and an upgraded filtration system. Red Sea Max also makes great little tanks with standard filtration and lighting and enough for a new hobbyist to get started for the price.

Back when I started, these little systems weren't so easy to modify and no one carried specially parts, let alone sold kits.

As to what other information you are looking for im not really sure. Most of the real decisions are left up to the aquarist to decide - aqua scape, substrate, lighting, filtration, flow - fish and corals.

I suggest looking at some systems that have been up and running for a while and asking some questions.

 

[Carosylics]

Hi,

So you want a saltwater tank? Get out while you still have money and sanity! Lol

Your right though, a smaller tank is a little more difficult to control the water parameters, but it shouldn't deter you from staying small. What I suggest is an all in one system such as a biocube 24g, so you can modify it a little with LEDs and an upgraded filtration system. Red Sea Max also makes great little tanks with standard filtration and lighting and enough for a new hobbyist to get started for the price.

Back when I started, these little systems weren't so easy to modify and no one carried specially parts, let alone sold kits.

As to what other information you are looking for im not really sure. Most of the real decisions are left up to the aquarist to decide - aqua scape, substrate, lighting, filtration, flow - fish and corals.

I suggest looking at some systems that have been up and running for a while and asking some questions.

Thanks for the kit suggestions, probably will end up getting one of those. Not sure how to modify them, but I'm reasonably sure the internet will have all the answers.

I'll just see if there're any more mature tanks anywhere that I could inspect, too, since that also seems like a nice idea.

 

[snakeblitz33]

You can find mod kits by doing searches. Unfortunately, I can not post links to competitor sites. I don't think that this site sells them.

If your going to get a biocube, try to find biocube tanks and people to talk to. General knowledge is also great though- when dealing with an initial cycle or what critters do well in that size tank.

I personally have owned tanks anywhere from 240g on down to 2.5 gallons, and my favorite size has always been either a 75g or a 40g because of the width. (18.5").

Beware of live fish stores and double check your purchases with online research. You will save yourself hundreds in livestock mistakes.

Welcome to the forums though! I hope you stick around and become one of the regulars!

 

[flower]

Hi,

Welcome to the site!

I got the "Saltwater Aquariums for dummies" book. It explains things in easy to understand English, from what size tank, to what equipment, and what it does. If you don't know anything about fish...that's a good place to start. The internet will only be useful if you know what questions to ask....

 

[Carosylics]

Hi,

Welcome to the site!

I got the "Saltwater Aquariums for dummies" book. It explains things in easy to understand English, from what size tank, to what equipment, and what it does. If you don't know anything about fish...that's a good place to start. The internet will only be useful if you know what questions to ask....

Thanks for the book rec! I'll be sure to read it sometime soon.

 

[flower]

Thanks for the book rec! I'll be sure to read it sometime soon.

There are better books, but none as basic as that one that I have found. To be honest, I wouldn't start with anything less then a 75g. Not only are smaller tanks harder to keep, it REALLY limits you on what you can put in the tank. A 75g is a very small tank for saltwater critters, upgrades are expensive, so if you start out with the 75g you will save yourself some money, because once you dive in...we all want bigger tanks.

 

[Carosylics]

There are better books, but none as basic as that one that I have found. To be honest, I wouldn't start with anything less then a 75g. Not only are smaller tanks harder to keep, it REALLY limits you on what you can put in the tank. A 75g is a very small tank for saltwater critters, upgrades are expensive, so if you start out with the 75g you will save yourself some money, because once you dive in...we all want bigger tanks.

I see about larger tanks, then, but space is a bit of an issue. If I do get them, I might as well just remove a side-table-thing somewhere and stick the tank/stand there instead. Although location could be a bit annoying to figure out.

 

[beth]

The best reference book I've run across for beginners and even moderate exp hobbyists is the "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" written by Bob Fenner. It is highly recognized, easy and fun to read. Pretty much has topics on everything a new hobbyists needs to know and consider.

From my own perspective, as you do your research, also include time in looking at quarantining new fish. IMO this a must, not only to keep your aquarium healthy but also to make stocking a new tank fun and exciting (as it should be) rather than a headahe and a bad exp (which it often is if you don't quarantine).

Good luck!

 

[flower]

I see about larger tanks, then, but space is a bit of an issue. If I do get them, I might as well just remove a side-table-thing somewhere and stick the tank/stand there instead. Although location could be a bit annoying to figure out.

Hi,
I also have the "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" it's good book. I read that one after reading the dummies book.

I have a tiny house, I totally understand about space. LOL...I was so happy for a flat screen TV that could be mounted on the wall...anyway, I got a 56g column tank, the footprint is small, but they are pretty deep, even with a step stool I could just reach the bottom of the tank... I think it's still better then a 20g, which would make a great quarantine tank....

 

[Carosylics]

The best reference book I've run across for beginners and even moderate exp hobbyists is the "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" written by Bob Fenner. It is highly recognized, easy and fun to read. Pretty much has topics on everything a new hobbyists needs to know and consider.

From my own perspective, as you do your research, also include time in looking at quarantining new fish. IMO this a must, not only to keep your aquarium healthy but also to make stocking a new tank fun and exciting (as it should be) rather than a headahe and a bad exp (which it often is if you don't quarantine).

Good luck!

I have this sheet of paper with random book names on it now. "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" would be added.
A quarantining tank will be smaller, right? I was under the impression it was for big and show-y tanks or something. Have to look into that soon.

 

[Carosylics]

Hi,
I also have the "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" it's good book. I read that one after reading the dummies book.

I have a tiny house, I totally understand about space. LOL...I was so happy for a flat screen TV that could be mounted on the wall...anyway, I got a 56g column tank, the footprint is small, but they are pretty deep, even with a step stool I could just reach the bottom of the tank... I think it's still better then a 20g, which would make a great quarantine tank....

Would the tank being more vertical affect the fish? Read somewhere fish prefer more horizontal area than up/down area to swim in, but that might be just for some fish. Can't remember D:

 

[aduvall]

In my experience you're right. I have a 65g for my first. A 75 adds a ton of length which makes a difference for types of fish.

A lot of my fish tend to stay in a certain "level" if the water column... Although as they get more secure they do tend to get braver!

 

[Carosylics]

aduvall,

Perhaps I could find a longer but thinner tank? Maybe that'll fit in a hallway somewhere.

On another note, does anybody have suggestions for snails? Heard of the "1 snail per gallon" rule floating around here, but not sure if it's excessive or not. Do hermits also count as a "clean-up crew" member? Lawnmower blennies? Been reading about them earlier and they seemed pretty important.

 

[beth]

I have this sheet of paper with random book names on it now. "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" would be added.
A quarantining tank will be smaller, right? I was under the impression it was for big and show-y tanks or something. Have to look into that soon.

All fish get fish diseases, not necessary for them to be in larger tanks.....

Fish carry many parasitic infections that are highly contagious that will rapidly spread to other fish in your fish tank if careful quarantine is not implemented. Fish that you place in your display tank should be disease free, and the only way to ensure that is to quarantine all of them, making sure they are healthy BEFORE you introduce them to your display tank. Once a sick fish is in a community tank, all fish in the tank are potentially and very likely infected as well. Also, treating the disease becomes a major obstacle because your display tank should not be subjected to the treatments needed by sick fish.

 

[Carosylics]

All fish get fish diseases, not necessary for them to be in larger tanks.....

Fish carry many parasitic infections that are highly contagious that will rapidly spread to other fish in your fish tank if careful quarantine is not implemented. Fish that you place in your display tank should be disease free, and the only way to ensure that is to quarantine all of them, making sure they are healthy BEFORE you introduce them to your display tank. Once a sick fish is in a community tank, all fish in the tank are potentially and very likely infected as well. Also, treating the disease becomes a major obstacle because your display tank should not be subjected to the treatments needed by sick fish.

Thanks, that cleared it up a lot. Does a quarantine tank need to be constantly up and running, even if there are no fish in it (maybe in case of emergencies or something)?? Should you quarantine crabs and snails and other invertebrates? I'm guessing that you do, since they probably could also have illnesses, but are they done in the same way?

 

[beth]

aduvall,

Perhaps I could find a longer but thinner tank? Maybe that'll fit in a hallway somewhere.

On another note, does anybody have suggestions for snails? Heard of the "1 snail per gallon" rule floating around here, but not sure if it's excessive or not. Do hermits also count as a "clean-up crew" member? Lawnmower blennies? Been reading about them earlier and they seemed pretty important.

Nope this "fish tank legend" is a big myth. With all animals placed in a fish tank, including snails, you must research their needs and assess your ability to meet their needs in your own set up. For instance, multiple Mexican turbo snails will starve to death in many average fish tank setups because they will quickly graze-out their only food source in an aquarium. Other snails may be predators to snails that you have already included in your tank. Most snails are not going to make it in a strictly fish-only fish tank.

Research each living organism you place in your tank and assess your tank's ability to properly support that species (and how many). Its an interrelated ecosystem; each species should have relative compatibility. For instance, you wouldn't place a bear in your bedroom, or set up your outdoor furniture next to beehives, would you? Would you expect your pet dog to live off a of apples and broccoli? Don't expect your fish to be happy with just one can of flake foods, because I can guarantee you they won't be.

 

[Carosylics]

Nope this "fish tank legend" is a big myth. With all animals placed in a fish tank, including snails, you must research their needs and assess your ability to meet their needs in your own set up. For instance, multiple Mexican turbo snails will starve to death in many average fish tank setups because they will quickly graze-out their only food source in an aquarium. Other snails may be predators to snails that you have already included in your tank. Most snails are not going to make it in a strictly fish-only fish tank.

Research each living organism you place in your tank and assess your tank's ability to properly support that species (and how many). Its an interrelated ecosystem; each species should have relative compatibility. For instance, you wouldn't place a bear in your bedroom, or set up your outdoor furniture next to beehives, would you? Would you expect your pet dog to live off a of apples and broccoli? Don't expect your fish to be happy with just one can of flake foods, because I can guarantee you they won't be.

Yikes, I smell long hours sitting in front of a computer reading about fish and other animals.
My fault, probably should have realized that much earlier.

 

[beth]

Thanks, that cleared it up a lot. Does a quarantine tank need to be constantly up and running, even if there are no fish in it (maybe in case of emergencies or something)?? Should you quarantine crabs and snails and other invertebrates? I'm guessing that you do, since they probably could also have illnesses, but are they done in the same way?

The best practice is to keep a QT up and running until you at least have stocked your tank completely. QT has to be a well cycled environment just as the display tank must be. You can't achieve a well cycled tank on the quick. Also, sometimes fish get sick down the line with an infection even after you have placed a healthy QTed fish in your display. Ideally, you'll have the facilities needed to treat if your favorite 2 yr old fish suddenly gets sick.

Yes, the best thing to do is QT all fish and hard surfaced animals....but I must admit I only QTed fish. As for other animals such as crabs (don't ever get hermit crabs) and snails is to know if they came from a dedicated tank, or a community tank that contained fish. Crabs and snails can't get fish diseases but there is a remote possibility that they could carry a pathogen on their hard shells....same for hard corals (if they have been exposed to fish, fish equipment, fish water, etc.) Many of your best saltwater fish shops have separate systems, but if you're buying from your basic all purpose pet shop, you can count on everything being all mixed up together some how.

 

[beth]

Yikes, I smell long hours sitting in front of a computer reading about fish and other animals.
My fault, probably should have realized that much earlier.

If at some point your feel like all the research is not worth it....its time to decide not to go in to the hobby. I researched reef tanks for a solid 6 mos. before I set one up and that is after many years of exp with fish-only tanks. The research should be something you want to do and look forward to doing, otherwise, saltwater tanks is not for you. Fortunately, there is a lot of help now with the internet, particularly forums such as this one. But also, a lot of good free reads on the www.