1st time saltwater aquarium

[patsy]

Hello,
I am very interested in having a saltwater aquarium but I am wanting to start small because it's my understanding it's a very expensive hobby. I'm wondering about just having a 20 gallon tank with seahorses and a few fish. Any suggestions and any idea price wise what the cost would be to set up a 20 gallong tank without counting the fish, but everything else needed to have a successful saltwater aquarium.
Thank you very much.
Patsy

 

[gasman4433]

I dont know that I would go with sea horses right off.I have heard they are not really for beginners.

 

[surfinusa]

maybe about 1000 dollars but if you keep seahorses then you have to keep them alone so i would keep just small fish that stay small like clown fish and sea horse are NOT FOR BEGGINERS they get sick easily and usually just stay in 1 place all day

 

[sepulatian]

I think a $1,000 estimate is a bit high, lets not scare her away.

Think about what kind of things you would like to keep. I also agree that sea horses are deffinately not for beginers. You could have a pair of clowns or a few other small fish. Some nice rock, a cleanup crew. It is up to you of how you want to set up your tank. One thing to remember is to start slowly and have patience. This hobby is a little expensive compared to fresh water fish keeping, but it is also a very rewarding one.

 

[psyparrot]

You could also concider gobies. Check out some of the ones offered by this site. Remember to find out if they can live in the size tank ur getting (most can as they don't get that big).
Welcome to this addicting hobby

 

[fgcu14]

I'm near my 1000 dollar mark and I havn't even put water in it yet. Of coarse my tank is twice the size of hers. But believe me I cannot wait to have my thriving tank....in ten weeks

 

[integral9]

Seahorses are not for beginers because they get sick very easily. My LFS almost killed theirs just changing it's tank. Also, I wouldn't put them into a non established tank (min 1 year old). Start with a clown (percula) and a cleaner shrimp, snails and crabs. After you get the hang of it move on to gobies. Your tank is probably too small for most Tang and Angels. Also, *research everything*. There is sooo much to learn.
Good Luck