Advice for a beginner

[bailey945w]

:help: Hello everyone.. I've always been interested and fascinated by saltwater tanks. I'm embarking on my own adventure and I have no idea on what's required for a new tank. I have a 37 gallon tank with an eclipse system that's been sitting empty for a year because of fear and lack of informational resources. Where do I go from here?? My primary fish choices are damsels and clowns with maybe a few anemones. Something simple yet pretty and I'll go from there. Any and all info will be greatly appreciated!!
P.S. Great site!!
:happyfish

 

[sweetdawn]

if you dont have anything in the tank do a search on cycling and buy a book on setting up aquarium

 

[thedraven]

I would recommend a good book, lile "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert Fenner. In fact, I believe they sell it on this site under the category "dry goods."

 

[jag3365]

I agree with thedraven. I bought that book, plus a few more and finally filled my 125 with water this summer after waiting to collect parts and curbing ym fear of SW. That book and others and this board will help in so many ways....you'll be able to handle it and if you have specific questions, do a search or post a question. Been reading these baords for a year and gathered tons of info. Good luck!

 

[meadbhb]

Hiya,
Hey...that's the same system I'm about to set up! We can learn together!
I have read that this system won't handle anemomies unless you get some special lights. Can't remember the name's right now. However there is a retro fit kit to convert it to a compact light that will allow you to keep a nice selection of corals.
Meadbhb

 

[ratpack]

hello and welcome to SWF.com
i really recomend you "THE CONSCIENTIOUNS MARINE AQUARIST" by Robert M. Fenne. Ypu can get this book for just $45 brand new and $18 in second hand (almost brand new with manor scratch or reminding mark)
also it will help you to get THE NEW MARINE AQUARIUM Step by Step Setup & Stocking Guide by Michael S. Paletta this is a very good book for people who doent know a !@#$% you can also get it in second hands for $12 apr
this two book together will help you before, during and after you get your tank and fishs.
i still us both for reference

 

[bailey945w]

Thanks everyone for you replies.. I've found the books online that everyone has mentioned.. What about the book Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies? Any comments on that one? I didn't know if it would be easier to understand terms and concepts. And to Meadbhb, good luck, we'll keep each other posted!!
:happyfish

 

[lion_crazz]

Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies is a good book, but get The Conscientious Marine Aquarist first. I strongly recommend that book. It will save you a lot of time, effort, money, and unneccessary frustration.
Good luck, and please feel free to post any questions you may have!

 

[scotts]

B,
First of all Welcome to the board.

You are off to a good start. I jumped into this hobby and...well let's just say that I have learned a lot. The Conscientious Marine Aquarist is a highly recommended book. I would also suggest reading as many posts on this board as you can. There is a lot of information here.
One thing that I would recommend is to research EVERYTHING before you buy it. You can eleminate some of the mistakes that I made.
BTW, where in MO are you? I lived in the big town of Columbia for 5 years.
Scott

 

[yellowtail]

hello there,
i would recoomend the books above as well as a book i believe is called "reef aquarium". it tells what each aquarium item does and what you need. it is great. i am over a year into this hobby and continue to read it.
good luck:happy: