101 Tips to Beginning and Maintaining a Saltwater Aquarium
- Thread starter lion_crazz
- Start date
S
sbrawley
Guest
Originally Posted by lion_crazz http:///forum/post/2413516
1.FIND OUT WHAT YOU LIKE. Know what you like and what you want to keep. Do you like fish or coral? What do you want your tank to be mostly of? This one step will make everything else much easier. It will allow you to choose the right size aquarium, the right type of set-up, and will allow you to buy the right equipment in order to keep everything that you want. Many things in the saltwater hobby are not compatible, so, knowing what you want will allow you to set up a tank that gives you the things you want to keep the most.
2.GET A GOOD BOOK TO EXPLAIN THE BASICS. Once you know whether you want your tank to be centered around fish or corals, pick up a book to get yourself acquainted with all that is the saltwater hobby. This does not mean that you need to be an expert after reading the book, but you should know the basic terms such as protein skimmer, live rock, flow, lights, etc. All of this can be very overwhelming when you know nothing about saltwater. A good book will give you a little preview of what you are getting into. Some books that are very worthwhile are “The Conscientious Marine Aquarist” by Robert Fenner, “Aquarium Corals” by Eric Borneman, or “The New Marine Aquarium” by Michael S. Paletta.
3.SAVE A LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS FOR QUICK REFERRAL. There are many abbreviations in this hobby. Seeing SPS, FOWLR, PC, QT, LFS, and MH all over the place can get confusing. Have a list available so that you can refer to it until you learn what all of the acronyms mean. We have a great one right here on this website. https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/42388/bulletin-board-acronyms
4.BE PREPARED TO SPEND MONEY. Get it in your mind that you are going to spend a substantial amount of money setting up your saltwater aquarium. If you go into this hobby thinking that it is an inexpensive one, you will be lying to yourself, and ultimately, will make your experience a very unhappy one when you try to cut corners and save money. The only way you are truly going to save any money is if you look for used equipments on classified sections of message boards, online, or in the newspaper. Any other way you try to save money, such as getting a less effective piece of equipment, will do only negative for you and your tank. Get the best you can afford if you really want to do this right.
5.DO NOT SPEND MONEY WITHOUT SHOPPING AROUND. With these four things done, now you are ready to purchase your saltwater aquarium. Before doing this, compare prices of some of your local stores. You may think that they are all around the same price, but this could not be any farther from the truth. There is sometimes a huge difference in price from shop to shop. If you are going to buy your equipment new (and not used), comparing prices is an absolute necessity. You will see a huge difference in prices and this will save you greatly. Take all of those savings and put it towards good equipment.
6.GET THE BIGGEST TANK YOU AND YOUR WALLET CAN AFFORD. Now that you have found a store that has reasonable prices, you are ready to buy your tank. Buy the absolute biggest tank that you can afford. It may seem like a lot of work, but quite the contrary, the bigger the tank, the easier it is to keep. With a bigger tank, you are allowed much more room for error. In a smaller tank, when one thing goes wrong, it can greatly impact the water quality because there is less water to make a change in.
7.DO NOT SKIMP ON FILTRATION. There are many ways to filter a saltwater tank. Many of them work, but some of them work much better than others. For example, when going with a larger tank, a sump or wet/dry is an absolute must. If planning a reef tank, a sump with a refugium is your best bet. If it is just going to be fish with live rock, a wet/dry will do just fine.
8.NATURAL IS ALWAYS BETTER. Setting your tank up naturally is always better. A sump with a refugium, live rock, and sand replicates how the ocean operates. This is what you want to achieve. The ocean has been there for millions of years. It must work well. Not that the unnatural way is bad (wet/dry with bio balls), but it will definitely be more work (cleaning the bio balls, cleaning ornaments, etc.).
I have been running a 10 gal freshwater tank for a few years now, and have decided to try a marine tank. I have been shopping around for tanks and equipment, and picked up a couple of books. I have read that a large tank is practically necessary, but nothings states what classifies as a large tank. I have found a 46 gal bow front tank I am interested in getting, but im wondering if that will be too small. I'm planning on getting a couple of clownfish, damselfish, angelfish, starfish, and a coral band shrimp. Any info you can give will be greatly appreciated.
1.FIND OUT WHAT YOU LIKE. Know what you like and what you want to keep. Do you like fish or coral? What do you want your tank to be mostly of? This one step will make everything else much easier. It will allow you to choose the right size aquarium, the right type of set-up, and will allow you to buy the right equipment in order to keep everything that you want. Many things in the saltwater hobby are not compatible, so, knowing what you want will allow you to set up a tank that gives you the things you want to keep the most.
2.GET A GOOD BOOK TO EXPLAIN THE BASICS. Once you know whether you want your tank to be centered around fish or corals, pick up a book to get yourself acquainted with all that is the saltwater hobby. This does not mean that you need to be an expert after reading the book, but you should know the basic terms such as protein skimmer, live rock, flow, lights, etc. All of this can be very overwhelming when you know nothing about saltwater. A good book will give you a little preview of what you are getting into. Some books that are very worthwhile are “The Conscientious Marine Aquarist” by Robert Fenner, “Aquarium Corals” by Eric Borneman, or “The New Marine Aquarium” by Michael S. Paletta.
3.SAVE A LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS FOR QUICK REFERRAL. There are many abbreviations in this hobby. Seeing SPS, FOWLR, PC, QT, LFS, and MH all over the place can get confusing. Have a list available so that you can refer to it until you learn what all of the acronyms mean. We have a great one right here on this website. https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/42388/bulletin-board-acronyms
4.BE PREPARED TO SPEND MONEY. Get it in your mind that you are going to spend a substantial amount of money setting up your saltwater aquarium. If you go into this hobby thinking that it is an inexpensive one, you will be lying to yourself, and ultimately, will make your experience a very unhappy one when you try to cut corners and save money. The only way you are truly going to save any money is if you look for used equipments on classified sections of message boards, online, or in the newspaper. Any other way you try to save money, such as getting a less effective piece of equipment, will do only negative for you and your tank. Get the best you can afford if you really want to do this right.
5.DO NOT SPEND MONEY WITHOUT SHOPPING AROUND. With these four things done, now you are ready to purchase your saltwater aquarium. Before doing this, compare prices of some of your local stores. You may think that they are all around the same price, but this could not be any farther from the truth. There is sometimes a huge difference in price from shop to shop. If you are going to buy your equipment new (and not used), comparing prices is an absolute necessity. You will see a huge difference in prices and this will save you greatly. Take all of those savings and put it towards good equipment.
6.GET THE BIGGEST TANK YOU AND YOUR WALLET CAN AFFORD. Now that you have found a store that has reasonable prices, you are ready to buy your tank. Buy the absolute biggest tank that you can afford. It may seem like a lot of work, but quite the contrary, the bigger the tank, the easier it is to keep. With a bigger tank, you are allowed much more room for error. In a smaller tank, when one thing goes wrong, it can greatly impact the water quality because there is less water to make a change in.
7.DO NOT SKIMP ON FILTRATION. There are many ways to filter a saltwater tank. Many of them work, but some of them work much better than others. For example, when going with a larger tank, a sump or wet/dry is an absolute must. If planning a reef tank, a sump with a refugium is your best bet. If it is just going to be fish with live rock, a wet/dry will do just fine.
8.NATURAL IS ALWAYS BETTER. Setting your tank up naturally is always better. A sump with a refugium, live rock, and sand replicates how the ocean operates. This is what you want to achieve. The ocean has been there for millions of years. It must work well. Not that the unnatural way is bad (wet/dry with bio balls), but it will definitely be more work (cleaning the bio balls, cleaning ornaments, etc.).
I have been running a 10 gal freshwater tank for a few years now, and have decided to try a marine tank. I have been shopping around for tanks and equipment, and picked up a couple of books. I have read that a large tank is practically necessary, but nothings states what classifies as a large tank. I have found a 46 gal bow front tank I am interested in getting, but im wondering if that will be too small. I'm planning on getting a couple of clownfish, damselfish, angelfish, starfish, and a coral band shrimp. Any info you can give will be greatly appreciated.
lion_crazz
Active Member
Originally Posted by sbrawley
http:///forum/post/3013293
I have been running a 10 gal freshwater tank for a few years now, and have decided to try a marine tank. I have been shopping around for tanks and equipment, and picked up a couple of books. I have read that a large tank is practically necessary, but nothings states what classifies as a large tank. I have found a 46 gal bow front tank I am interested in getting, but im wondering if that will be too small. I'm planning on getting a couple of clownfish, damselfish, angelfish, starfish, and a coral band shrimp. Any info you can give will be greatly appreciated.
A 46 gallon aquarium will be plenty sufficient to be your first saltwater aquarium. Post or PM me any questions you may have.
http:///forum/post/3013293
I have been running a 10 gal freshwater tank for a few years now, and have decided to try a marine tank. I have been shopping around for tanks and equipment, and picked up a couple of books. I have read that a large tank is practically necessary, but nothings states what classifies as a large tank. I have found a 46 gal bow front tank I am interested in getting, but im wondering if that will be too small. I'm planning on getting a couple of clownfish, damselfish, angelfish, starfish, and a coral band shrimp. Any info you can give will be greatly appreciated.
A 46 gallon aquarium will be plenty sufficient to be your first saltwater aquarium. Post or PM me any questions you may have.
S
sbrawley
Guest
This is my first time using a message board, and all the information that I have read has really helped me understand what I need to run a successful tank. I really appreciate all the time and effort you put into this so that us newbies can enjoy this hobby as much as the experienced hobbyists.
D
dmojo
Guest
this was great reading. I am new to this doing my reading trying to figure it all
out. I finally decide on a 30 gallon tank and stand also the location on where to put it. But now i need to figure out the best filtiration and light can i buy one unit for the light day and night lighting. Any inputwould be great.
Thank you
mojo
out. I finally decide on a 30 gallon tank and stand also the location on where to put it. But now i need to figure out the best filtiration and light can i buy one unit for the light day and night lighting. Any inputwould be great.
Thank you
mojo
mkroher
Member
You've stated that bubbles are bad.
I'm on my first SW tank, (fish and live rock) and I'm using a Marineland bio wheel filter. It produces bubbles when the the cycled water contacts the surface.
Is that bad? Should i keep the water level high enough so bubbles aren't created? Should i invest in a different filter?
I also currently have one powerhead. Do these create oxygen? How?
Thanks
I'm on my first SW tank, (fish and live rock) and I'm using a Marineland bio wheel filter. It produces bubbles when the the cycled water contacts the surface.
Is that bad? Should i keep the water level high enough so bubbles aren't created? Should i invest in a different filter?
I also currently have one powerhead. Do these create oxygen? How?
Thanks
S
sbrawley
Guest
Originally Posted by lion_crazz
http:///forum/post/3014804
A 46 gallon aquarium will be plenty sufficient to be your first saltwater aquarium. Post or PM me any questions you may have.
Well I finally got my tank. I found a good deal on an 80 gal. long. I'm thinking of getting an HOB overflow, leading down to a wet/dry filter. What are your opinions on this?
http:///forum/post/3014804
A 46 gallon aquarium will be plenty sufficient to be your first saltwater aquarium. Post or PM me any questions you may have.
Well I finally got my tank. I found a good deal on an 80 gal. long. I'm thinking of getting an HOB overflow, leading down to a wet/dry filter. What are your opinions on this?
kissypice
New Member
Okay so here goes my story sorry if it is long but i have a lot of questions or concerns after reading your WHOLE 101 topics till 4am this morning that is. Okay so I wanted to start out with a 30 gallon tank but I found this great deal in our local bargain trader 75 gallon tank, homemade stand (beautiful) came with everything to set it up including a sump, protein skimmer and RO but guess what I dont have a clue how any of those things work but it sounded good. Well I went and bought the live rock because the tanks rock was dead and it was putting way to many nitrates in my tank and I wanted to HURRY HURRY I had a tank to fill, okay so I get 50lbs live rock, 40lbs live sand gravel, put around 20-35lbs of my old rock in there also along with all the premixed water that already has the salt. Well my tank is staying around 83 degrees cant seem to get the thrmometer (of course I bought one big one) to adjust to 80-81 and the timers guess what cant get them set either LOL..So i just wanted a few fish what could that hurt i got my sump running but still no protein skimmer which happens to be a BERLIN OMG and the RO well that is latin to me. But I had to have something in it so I bought a chromesis(excuse the spelling) a few snails and hermits, a clown fish (dont know what type (another mistake) and a chocolate chip starfish. Well thats not it I also had that pretty coral you see in the aquariums at the pet shop a mushroom and a kenya tree nothing has died yet but i might just be lucky right now. The question is now that i have all that in there in less than 2 weeks what do i do now? This may be too much for you to go into but i hope you have a little input for me. The lights i have our bi pin 2 55watt white and then 2 blue lights. PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN. I've been testing everything and it all looks good except nitrates are 30 and i havent done a water change yet cause im scared ill kill the fish.
rjohnson12234
New Member
Man I Wish I Would Have Seen This Site $2000 Ago
I could not agree more
I could not agree more
sherrytxbrat
New Member
Even though this is an old thread I thought it was worthy to say Thanks soooo much! I am new to SW got a 55gal tank LR & LS waiting to cycle... lol my kids are growing impatient and are tired of me saying look there is a sea monkey! Thanxs 4 all the gr8 info sherry
S
surfinusa
Guest
Lion Crazz, I respect all your knowledge of saltwater keeping, but the comment on keeping away from the younger employees is a bit harsh. I mean I'm 13 years old and work at a extremely respectable all aquatic saltwater specialty store. I'm not there to just clean tanks and bag fish, I'm quite knowledgeable on fish and corals. I'm friendly and ready to help any customer with what they need, and will not just sell a customer, that is just starting in the aquarium world, any fish or any coral to make a quick buck for the store. Just saying my point of view. I'm not saying I'm a know it all, but I'm not entirely new to the hobby.
lion_crazz
Active Member
Originally Posted by surfinusa
http:///forum/post/3102771
Lion Crazz, I respect all your knowledge of saltwater keeping, but the comment on keeping away from the younger employees is a bit harsh. I mean I'm 13 years old and work at a extremely respectable all aquatic saltwater specialty store. I'm not there to just clean tanks and bag fish, I'm quite knowledgeable on fish and corals. I'm friendly and ready to help any customer with what they need, and will not just sell a customer, that is just starting in the aquarium world, any fish or any coral to make a quick buck for the store. Just saying my point of view. I'm not saying I'm a know it all, but I'm not entirely new to the hobby.
It's been quite a while since I wrote the list but I do not recall writing that someone should stay away from the younger employees. I think I said spend some time talking to the people who work at the store, saying "and no, I do not mean the 16 year old bagging fish." What I meant was this: a visitor to the store is not going to get an idea about the staff by talking to its young members. While these may be some of its best and hard-working members, the young people are cheap because it is usually their first job. The bulk of the stores money spent on staff is with the older, more seasoned members of the staff. If the store is spending the majority of its funds on sleezy people who are just there to sell you something, it is not typically a good store.
I apologize about the confusion.
http:///forum/post/3102771
Lion Crazz, I respect all your knowledge of saltwater keeping, but the comment on keeping away from the younger employees is a bit harsh. I mean I'm 13 years old and work at a extremely respectable all aquatic saltwater specialty store. I'm not there to just clean tanks and bag fish, I'm quite knowledgeable on fish and corals. I'm friendly and ready to help any customer with what they need, and will not just sell a customer, that is just starting in the aquarium world, any fish or any coral to make a quick buck for the store. Just saying my point of view. I'm not saying I'm a know it all, but I'm not entirely new to the hobby.
It's been quite a while since I wrote the list but I do not recall writing that someone should stay away from the younger employees. I think I said spend some time talking to the people who work at the store, saying "and no, I do not mean the 16 year old bagging fish." What I meant was this: a visitor to the store is not going to get an idea about the staff by talking to its young members. While these may be some of its best and hard-working members, the young people are cheap because it is usually their first job. The bulk of the stores money spent on staff is with the older, more seasoned members of the staff. If the store is spending the majority of its funds on sleezy people who are just there to sell you something, it is not typically a good store.
I apologize about the confusion.
tracey868
New Member
Happy Summer all. My husband and I have had a feshwater tank for over 12 years. We finally decided to convert over to salt. Since I am the teacher in the family I have been good doing my research.
Our freshwater tank is 30 gallons but hubby wants to get a new tank and start fresh. We only have a length of 36' so the biggest we could get is a 40 high. Not sure with all the lighting if a tall tank is OK? We live in a condo so not many options.
I have talked to the people in the stores, but I feel like my head spins and they just want to sell me what is in their stores. I am interested in a fish only tank with maybe some easy coral sometime down the road.
I am looking for your opinions on best lighting, filter system, protein skimmer.. etc.. the whole package. My husband was looking into the sump system since living in a condo hard to hide things behind wall and want most under tank in cabinet. I am not looking for the cheap way out .. just what would be our best options and good companies for each.
We do understand this is an investment but want the right information. I also know we need a chiller as it gets warm in here summer time.
Thank you all for your help. I know I am asking a loaded question.
Thank you in advance.
The newbie Tracey
Our freshwater tank is 30 gallons but hubby wants to get a new tank and start fresh. We only have a length of 36' so the biggest we could get is a 40 high. Not sure with all the lighting if a tall tank is OK? We live in a condo so not many options.
I have talked to the people in the stores, but I feel like my head spins and they just want to sell me what is in their stores. I am interested in a fish only tank with maybe some easy coral sometime down the road.
I am looking for your opinions on best lighting, filter system, protein skimmer.. etc.. the whole package. My husband was looking into the sump system since living in a condo hard to hide things behind wall and want most under tank in cabinet. I am not looking for the cheap way out .. just what would be our best options and good companies for each.
We do understand this is an investment but want the right information. I also know we need a chiller as it gets warm in here summer time.
Thank you all for your help. I know I am asking a loaded question.
Thank you in advance.
The newbie Tracey
flower
Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by Tracey868
http:///forum/post/3116905
Happy Summer all. My husband and I have had a feshwater tank for over 12 years. We finally decided to convert over to salt. Since I am the teacher in the family I have been good doing my research.
Our freshwater tank is 30 gallons but hubby wants to get a new tank and start fresh. We only have a length of 36' so the biggest we could get is a 40 high. Not sure with all the lighting if a tall tank is OK? We live in a condo so not many options.
I have talked to the people in the stores, but I feel like my head spins and they just want to sell me what is in their stores. I am interested in a fish only tank with maybe some easy coral sometime down the road.
I am looking for your opinions on best lighting, filter system, protein skimmer.. etc.. the whole package. My husband was looking into the sump system since living in a condo hard to hide things behind wall and want most under tank in cabinet. I am not looking for the cheap way out .. just what would be our best options and good companies for each.
We do understand this is an investment but want the right information. I also know we need a chiller as it gets warm in here summer time.
Thank you all for your help. I know I am asking a loaded question.
Thank you in advance.
The newbie Tracey
Welcome!
You should post your question to another thread...I think this 101 tips is a sticky for folks to read and learn. This site is awesome for info! When you start the new thread we can start answering your questions...
http:///forum/post/3116905
Happy Summer all. My husband and I have had a feshwater tank for over 12 years. We finally decided to convert over to salt. Since I am the teacher in the family I have been good doing my research.
Our freshwater tank is 30 gallons but hubby wants to get a new tank and start fresh. We only have a length of 36' so the biggest we could get is a 40 high. Not sure with all the lighting if a tall tank is OK? We live in a condo so not many options.
I have talked to the people in the stores, but I feel like my head spins and they just want to sell me what is in their stores. I am interested in a fish only tank with maybe some easy coral sometime down the road.
I am looking for your opinions on best lighting, filter system, protein skimmer.. etc.. the whole package. My husband was looking into the sump system since living in a condo hard to hide things behind wall and want most under tank in cabinet. I am not looking for the cheap way out .. just what would be our best options and good companies for each.
We do understand this is an investment but want the right information. I also know we need a chiller as it gets warm in here summer time.
Thank you all for your help. I know I am asking a loaded question.
Thank you in advance.
The newbie Tracey
Welcome!
You should post your question to another thread...I think this 101 tips is a sticky for folks to read and learn. This site is awesome for info! When you start the new thread we can start answering your questions...
king_neptune
Active Member
Originally Posted by kevin725
http:///forum/post/3121583
i have a 125 gallon and the saltwater turned green it is clear but green i have did a water change about 30 gallans and it is the same i pulled everything out of the tank and can not get it to clear up can you help please thanks
Algae.
What do you have for filtration?
Some possible solutions would be getting a turf scrubber or a GFO/PHOS reactor. either would be a cheap solution. The scrubber would be built out of parts at home depot, I did a REALLY REALLY nice one for about 90 bucks. But I went all out.
Literally you can do one out of a 5 gal pail and a couple cheap lights, for under $30.
The GFO/Carbon reactor can be another good alternative. Google bulk reef supply. The dual stage reactors are about $60 and you would need a $20 maxi jet to power it. The media is also sold, ranges from cheap $30 for about a 3/5 month supply, to $800 for something that would last you years to come.
I would recommend choosing their top line media(ROX 0.8 carbon and High Capacity GFO), but get them in the $25-$35 1lb bag. This will let you decide how you like their brand, and how much you will need to buy on a yearly basis.
Both solutions should clear up your water within weeks, if not days. And by clear...I mean Crystal clear pristine!
http:///forum/post/3121583
i have a 125 gallon and the saltwater turned green it is clear but green i have did a water change about 30 gallans and it is the same i pulled everything out of the tank and can not get it to clear up can you help please thanks
Algae.
What do you have for filtration?
Some possible solutions would be getting a turf scrubber or a GFO/PHOS reactor. either would be a cheap solution. The scrubber would be built out of parts at home depot, I did a REALLY REALLY nice one for about 90 bucks. But I went all out.
Literally you can do one out of a 5 gal pail and a couple cheap lights, for under $30.
The GFO/Carbon reactor can be another good alternative. Google bulk reef supply. The dual stage reactors are about $60 and you would need a $20 maxi jet to power it. The media is also sold, ranges from cheap $30 for about a 3/5 month supply, to $800 for something that would last you years to come.
I would recommend choosing their top line media(ROX 0.8 carbon and High Capacity GFO), but get them in the $25-$35 1lb bag. This will let you decide how you like their brand, and how much you will need to buy on a yearly basis.
Both solutions should clear up your water within weeks, if not days. And by clear...I mean Crystal clear pristine!
spanko
Active Member
Green water is an algae bloom. Too much nutrient and possibly light. Is the tank near a window that gets direct sunlight?
From fishlore;
"Your tank water is nutrient rich, which may mean that you're feeding too much, your tank may be overstocked or you're not doing enough water changes or a combination of all the above."
"To correct this problem, perform 25 percent water changes daily, rinse out or replace the filter media to reduce the amount of nitrates, feed your fish a little less and leave your tank light off for a few days or until the water clears up. If you do practice good aquarium maintenance and still have algae problems, look into testing your tap water. You may be introducing nitrates and possibly phosphates into your tank via the water changes and not even know it. Also look into keeping live aquarium plants which will compete with the algae for available nutrients."
From fishlore;
"Your tank water is nutrient rich, which may mean that you're feeding too much, your tank may be overstocked or you're not doing enough water changes or a combination of all the above."
"To correct this problem, perform 25 percent water changes daily, rinse out or replace the filter media to reduce the amount of nitrates, feed your fish a little less and leave your tank light off for a few days or until the water clears up. If you do practice good aquarium maintenance and still have algae problems, look into testing your tap water. You may be introducing nitrates and possibly phosphates into your tank via the water changes and not even know it. Also look into keeping live aquarium plants which will compete with the algae for available nutrients."
marthat
New Member
Originally Posted by jgless12
http:///forum/post/3123069
I was wondering if you could tell me about sicklets? Just anything you would know about them?
I'd like to know too
http:///forum/post/3123069
I was wondering if you could tell me about sicklets? Just anything you would know about them?
I'd like to know too