Basic Questions for the Veteran

atlantis16

atlantis16

Member
Hey guys,
I am finally in a position where I am allowed to get into my new hobby, saltwater tanks. I have heard all the time how hard it is to upkeep a sufficent tank and such, and now I am at an age where I can devote a solid amount of time towords it. I just am a little confused and need some start-up advice.
-Tank sizes:
They all sound so big, but what would you reccomend. I dont wanna spend a fortune yet want nice fish such as a tang(?)
-Starter Fish Kits
I want some of the more popular fish and am just curious if they can live together. I am currently interested in:
-clownfish (whats the diffrence between the false ones & what are the common ones at the aquarium?)
- Powder Blue Tang
-Anemone for clowns ( I believe atlantic carpet fit nicely?)
-Star fish
-angel fish
-seahorses
ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS? Thanks
 
mcbdz

mcbdz

Active Member
Originally Posted by atlantis16 http:///forum/post/2508740
Hey guys,
I am finally in a position where I am allowed to get into my new hobby, saltwater tanks. I have heard all the time how hard it is to upkeep a sufficent tank and such, and now I am at an age where I can devote a solid amount of time towords it. I just am a little confused and need some start-up advice.
-Tank sizes:
They all sound so big, but what would you reccomend. I dont wanna spend a fortune yet want nice fish such as a tang(?)
-Starter Fish Kits
I want some of the more popular fish and am just curious if they can live together. I am currently interested in:
-clownfish (whats the diffrence between the false ones & what are the common ones at the aquarium?)
- Powder Blue Tang
-Anemone for clowns ( I believe atlantic carpet fit nicely?)
-Star fish
-angel fish
-seahorses
ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS? Thanks
I'm not really a vet, but can help out with these ?'s.
If you are set on having tangs then the smallest tank you would beable to start out with would be a 125gal 6 foot long tank.
All your fish list would be compatable except the seahorses which require a spieces only tank. There is a board farther down where you can do some reaserch on them, but would recommend waiting until later on when you have been in the hobby for awhile.

Keep a close check on craig's list, the classifieds farther down on here, and anywhere else you look for used and you can find some good deals to help save you some money.
I would suggest going to these threads and reading through them.

Great to answer most of the questions you need to have answered.
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/264597/a-list-of-extremely-helpful-threads-for-all-hobbyists
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/301033/101-tips-to-beginning-and-maintaining-a-saltwater-aquarium
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/301033/101-tips-to-beginning-and-maintaining-a-saltwater-aquarium
 
keith burn

keith burn

Active Member
The bigest you can get. You can get good deal on a use one on line.
(want nice fish such as a tang) imo 6ft tank will be the best or you will need to up grade and spend more $.
Clownfish are a good starter fish and as for the diffrence between the false ones it is just a look NBD.
Powder Blue Tang.... well one word (Not) this ia not a starter fish...
Anemone for clowns only with good and IMO (mh) lights (the clown you get will be what tipe of anemone you need to get).
Star fish not in a new tank 1y+ IMO
Angel fish not a starter fish and a 6ft tank will be best for most all angels.
Seahorses (NOT) in the same tank at all need to have a seahorses tank and not a starter fish.
ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS? take some time to read all you can on all the fish you see and will like.Ask questions befor you buy a fish or Equipment.
And have fun looking and reading all you can and Welcome to swf.com mb
 
atlantis16

atlantis16

Member
Originally Posted by keith burn
http:///forum/post/2508774
The bigest you can get. You can get good deal on a use one on line.
(want nice fish such as a tang) imo 6ft tank will be the best or you will need to up grade and spend more $.
Clownfish are a good starter fish and as for the diffrence between the false ones it is just a look NBD.
Powder Blue Tang.... well one word (Not) this ia not a starter fish...
Anemone for clowns only with good and IMO (mh) lights (the clown you get will be what tipe of anemone you need to get).
Star fish not in a new tank 1y+ IMO
Angel fish not a starter fish and a 6ft tank will be best for most all angels.
Seahorses (NOT) in the same tank at all need to have a seahorses tank and not a starter fish.
ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS? take some time to read all you can on all the fish you see and will like.Ask questions befor you buy a fish or Equipment.
And have fun looking and reading all you can and Welcome to swf.com mb

WOW guys thanks for the very lengthy posts, it is greatly appreciated. I am very very sold on the clown fish/anemone idea, so i know for a fact that I will purchase them. Ok updated questions....
-ANY FEEDBACK ON NANO TANKS (or should i just go all out)
-IS ADDING CORAL A BAD IDEA?
-WHICH TYPE OF CLOWNFISH IS BEST (there are so many, i just want the generic popular aquarium species)
-HOW MANY CLOWNFISH ?
-WHAT IS THE PROS/CONS/PROCEDURES OF SETTING UP A BREEDING SYSTEM?
Thanks, if it is not completely oboviously i know nothing about this subject other than the fact that I am facinated with it.
 
mcbdz

mcbdz

Active Member
I personally would go all out, but I'm just like that.

Carpet anenomes require a lare mature tank with strong lighting. It just all comes down to what you really want and you work around that. It really sounds like you are still trying to decide. I would suggest you do a lot of reading of different posts on these boards for a little while and look through the special areas if your intrested in them. See what others are saying and asking. Also, look in the photo board. It is usually best to start with something easy to maintain and learn how to take care of it and decide the level of care you want to do.
 
jaymz

jaymz

Member
Originally Posted by atlantis16
http:///forum/post/2508925
WOW guys thanks for the very lengthy posts, it is greatly appreciated. I am very very sold on the clown fish/anemone idea, so i know for a fact that I will purchase them. Ok updated questions....
-ANY FEEDBACK ON NANO TANKS (or should i just go all out)
-IS ADDING CORAL A BAD IDEA?
-WHICH TYPE OF CLOWNFISH IS BEST (there are so many, i just want the generic popular aquarium species)
-HOW MANY CLOWNFISH ?
-WHAT IS THE PROS/CONS/PROCEDURES OF SETTING UP A BREEDING SYSTEM?
Thanks, if it is not completely oboviously i know nothing about this subject other than the fact that I am facinated with it.
False Purculas are the popular aquarium clown. Smaller ~3" or so. NEMO.
Nano harder than larger systems for the begginer.
The number of clowns depends on size of tank these fish are territorial.
Special expensive lighting is needed for anemones.
Breeding clowns is somewhere down the road if you are a new to saltwater.
If you just want to do the clowns a 29g would be good for a couple clowns an anemone and some corals and your cuc.
There is alot that goes into the breeding system.
Food for the fry, food for the frys food. all which you will have to grow yourself.
And multiple tanks are needed to breed successfully. A tank for the clowns to breed. A tank for the eggs to hatch out. and a tank for the fry to grow out in.
 
keith burn

keith burn

Active Member
Nano tanks are cool but IMO not a good starter tank.
IMO go all out

As for me i love the gbm have 2 pars love them.
A pair of the same kind of clown is the only way to go.IMO
Breeding is cool but one tank at a time you have got your hands full now..

IMO stop and read ask questions like this and you are 1/2 way to a sweet tank...
We love it and i see you have it bad you will be ok.
Just say hi my name is _ _ _ _ _ and i am a fish Addict lol
 
alabama reefer

alabama reefer

Member
For someone who started with a nano tank years ago; buy as big as you can afford (including the cost of tank, stand, lighting, pumps, protein skimmer etc...) I have a 150g now and IMO it is hands down easier to maintain then my nano. I know from your posts you really want an anemone but please be patient with that invert until your tank has been established for a while.
 
atlantis16

atlantis16

Member
Originally Posted by keith burn
http:///forum/post/2509072
Nano tanks are cool but IMO not a good starter tank.
IMO go all out

As for me i love the gbm have 2 pars love them.
A pair of the same kind of clown is the only way to go.IMO
Breeding is cool but one tank at a time you have got your hands full now..

IMO stop and read ask questions like this and you are 1/2 way to a sweet tank...
We love it and i see you have it bad you will be ok.
Just say hi my name is _ _ _ _ _ and i am a fish Addict lol

Haha yeah part of me says go all out but i want a nice, clean, porportional tank...
I want to have coral and anemones but do not want it to be messy looking,.... i saw that the nanos are small, limited,but provide a nice display
I will probally try to buy a used 55 gallon, bc new tanks cost a fortune!
ANY OTHER THINGS I SHOULD KNOW?
 
1journeyman

1journeyman

Active Member
Welcome to the boards.
You've already got some good advice.
First off, I would suggest buying Fenner's "The conscientious Marine Aquarist". It's a bit dated, and he is working on a new edition. That said, it will explain a host of information to you, explain the different methods of filtration, lighting, etc.
This is a costly hobby. Startup is brutal, and monthly maintenance costs do exist. That is especially true for coral/anemone tanks. One of the most expensive aspects to this hobby is lighting for photosynthetic inverts (anemones are among hte most demanding).
You are starting on the right foot. Research. Next step, decide what you want (anemone and clownfish). After you have done that, you can begin to build the tank around what you for sure want.
Nano tanks and anemones are not a good mix. In addition to anemones needing the intense lighting discussed (which most nano's do not have) anemones also grow big. An anemone can swallow a nano tank. Anemones also need pristine, stable water conditions. More difficult to maintain in a nano whether less water equals less room for error. Anemones are also not considered "reef safe". They can/will move, and when they do they sting everything around them.
A 55 is a good size tank, but... price wise check out a 125 instead. a 6 foot long tank will give you more options on aquascaping your tank and livestock. 55's are taller, which limits stocking.
Figure out a budget and start planning. Live rock and sand will be big purchases too.
 
atlantis16

atlantis16

Member
Originally Posted by 1journeyman
http:///forum/post/2509811
Welcome to the boards.
You've already got some good advice.
First off, I would suggest buying Fenner's "The conscientious Marine Aquarist". It's a bit dated, and he is working on a new edition. That said, it will explain a host of information to you, explain the different methods of filtration, lighting, etc.
This is a costly hobby. Startup is brutal, and monthly maintenance costs do exist. That is especially true for coral/anemone tanks. One of the most expensive aspects to this hobby is lighting for photosynthetic inverts (anemones are among hte most demanding).
You are starting on the right foot. Research. Next step, decide what you want (anemone and clownfish). After you have done that, you can begin to build the tank around what you for sure want.
Nano tanks and anemones are not a good mix. In addition to anemones needing the intense lighting discussed (which most nano's do not have) anemones also grow big. An anemone can swallow a nano tank. Anemones also need pristine, stable water conditions. More difficult to maintain in a nano whether less water equals less room for error. Anemones are also not considered "reef safe". They can/will move, and when they do they sting everything around them.
A 55 is a good size tank, but... price wise check out a 125 instead. a 6 foot long tank will give you more options on aquascaping your tank and livestock. 55's are taller, which limits stocking.
Figure out a budget and start planning. Live rock and sand will be big purchases too.
Ok wow this is great feedback and I feel that I am now stepping onto the right path. I now need to aquire a tank but I really want to plan this all out. I am officially sold on clownfish, and heavily considering a carpet anenome. Here is my questions at the moment...
-I want to have a little coral and an anemone... bad mix?
-What other fish would have a nice combo with the clowns?
-Budget : What is YOUR setup and what would be a nice starter kit. I really am lost since I am new to this. I want a 55g tank, some clowns, anemone, and basic coral. Add in lights and such ... I would like if you could sort of propose an idea of a starting tank w/ the works... thanks again ... you have no clue how much this helps...
 
D

dennis210

Guest
Read - read - and READ! Have your entire system planned out before you buy anything. Face it it is going to cost ya to get what you want. The questions you have asked are going to get opinionated answers back. That is why I say as someone else told you to read and Research. Fenner's book Conscientious Marine Aquariast is great. Also look at Paletta's The New Marine Aquarium and then Tullock's Natural Reef Aquariums. If you can read as much as possible, take notes, plan your system out. The information you will learn will help you through this hobby and even let you help others!
Good luck and welcome to the boards
 
atlantis16

atlantis16

Member
Originally Posted by Dennis210
http:///forum/post/2510689
Read - read - and READ! Have your entire system planned out before you buy anything. Face it it is going to cost ya to get what you want. The questions you have asked are going to get opinionated answers back. That is why I say as someone else told you to read and Research. Fenner's book Conscientious Marine Aquariast is great. Also look at Paletta's The New Marine Aquarium and then Tullock's Natural Reef Aquariums. If you can read as much as possible, take notes, plan your system out. The information you will learn will help you through this hobby and even let you help others!
Good luck and welcome to the boards

I really need to purchase a few books and familarize myself with aquatics...
In the meen time I was wondering how many coral does it take to make a tank look like an exhibitt in an aquarium (POST YOUR PICS PLEASE)... AND can I put a sea turtle in one with clown fish?
 
U

usirchchris

Guest
Sea Turtle (were you serious)...my eyes are watering. I mean no offense at all, and I love your enthusiasm...but no sea turtles. I don't know of any species that are not huge in regards to keeping in an aquarium..particularly a 55 gallon. I will reinforce what everyone is saying...read as much as you can, and not just this thread. Good to have a solid base before you begin, so as to protect your fish, and so that the evil lfs does not take advantage of you. What you want and what you can have depend on what you know and $$. If you step in over your head you will have constant headaches and will get frustrated and give up. Especially when considering corals...I have been doing this for quite some time, just recently got back into it, and I am having to re-learn alot. But I know I am not ready for corals, and know that you are talking big money if you get into a reef setup. Equipment costs are very high, and you don't want to skimp.
 
atlantis16

atlantis16

Member
Originally Posted by usirchchris
http:///forum/post/2513803
Sea Turtle (were you serious)...my eyes are watering. I mean no offense at all, and I love your enthusiasm...but no sea turtles. I don't know of any species that are not huge in regards to keeping in an aquarium..particularly a 55 gallon. I will reinforce what everyone is saying...read as much as you can, and not just this thread. Good to have a solid base before you begin, so as to protect your fish, and so that the evil lfs does not take advantage of you. What you want and what you can have depend on what you know and $$. If you step in over your head you will have constant headaches and will get frustrated and give up. Especially when considering corals...I have been doing this for quite some time, just recently got back into it, and I am having to re-learn alot. But I know I am not ready for corals, and know that you are talking big money if you get into a reef setup. Equipment costs are very high, and you don't want to skimp.
the sea turtle was mostly joking, yet i saw a guy with a stingray, so i thought it may be possible..fyi like a miniture one... i think i can put live rock as a sub for some coral
 
woody189

woody189

Member
i'm starting out like you...i went with a 46gal that is currently cycling, and i already wish i went bigger (this is before i even added 1 fish)...
i posted a thread about what i was going to buy and ppl on this board seemed to approve so here is my final list of what i'm running right now if you're interested... just to give you an idea of what you need and the cost...the grand total was $450, that's all new from another online site..
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/304966/first-swa-help-with-checklist-please
if you do use it as a guide, get 2 higher powered powerheads...i got one 300gph, and one 172gph, and wish i got 2 of the 300's...also, i decided to go w/ the stealth heaters not the other one's i listed.
Definetly get a skimmer. I have no previous experience, and no fish even, but i can't imagine not having one. All i have in my tank is LR, and it is rediculous the amount of nastiness the skimmer cleans out of the water in a matter of a few hours. U'll read that they aren't neccessary, but encouraged, and agian i have no experience, but i can't see me having a tank w/o one.
this site is amazing and i would not have even thought about starting this hobby if i ddin't have their support (it sounds gay, i know, but it's true). And i read that book that was recommended. Idk if it's really necessary considering you learn so much from this site, but it helps a lot.
I hope i helped
 
alan1

alan1

Member
I'm also kind of in the same boat you are in. I have the same clownfish/Anemone desire as well. There have been a number of posters recommending the Conscientious Marine Aquariast. The recommendations worked, and I placed my order last night.

One thing which hasn't yet been mentioned yet is what type of sump to have with your tank, and which kind of stand you are going to need. I'm currently in the process of designing a stand and "system". There are some good threads on this site regarding stand designs. I highly recommend you peruse them, and copy what you like.
 
atlantis16

atlantis16

Member
Thanks It helped...
I now need to figure out the lingo...whats a cycle... how does it kill fish?? how do u like it so far
 
woody189

woody189

Member
just do a search on cycle and a lot will come up. there are pleny of good explanations that'll be better than anything i can give.
As for whether or not i like. I only started a few weeks ago and like i said my tank is still cycling (you have to let your tank run for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to get the ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels right and to get some good bacteria in your tank). this means i have no fish, hermit crabs, shrimp, nothing, just some rock.
to be completely honest, so far i can't stand it... It put a HUGE dent in my wallet, and is taking a crapload of my time. BUT, i'm sure it's going to pay off once i start adding some fish. The start up is a pain i the asz, but once it get's going i think i'll be happy i made the investment...
I am by no means trying to discourage you, but I personally am not enjoying it yet, but i don't regret it...ask me that question in a month. you need a lot of patience
 
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