Beginner's Advice Anyone?
- Thread starter thax
- Start date
zanemoseley
Active Member
What do yoy want to do, do you want fish only, fish only with live rock, reef tanks? I just started my 75 reef and my total costs will be about $2250 and that doesn't include livestock, I built my own oak stand and canopy, if you're looking to see if you like saltwater I'd reccomend a tank such as a oceanic 58 gallon, I like the size of them alot, you could go smaller but the smaller you go with saltwater the harder it is to stabilize water chemistry paramters, decide how much money you want to spend, how much room you have for the tank and equipment to take up and what you want to keep, I'd reccomend "The conscientious marine aquariast" book to read on and get some general knowledge and then you can ask us specialized questions about it, in general SW tanks don't take too much maintenance after being set up, more maint. is necessary if you have corals, I'd reccomend fish only with live rock to start but you can decide based on your budget
clint_reno
Member
I would say, that if you already own a 70 gallon tank!! than you're in a decent position to get hooked onto one great hobby. But one post, or ten posts can't accurately determine if you and your wife are going to enjoy a marine aquarium. Or can afford it.
The big question is: Was this tank purchased new, or did you previously have tropical fish, and are now moving up? Although it is not required, many first start with tropical fish and switch to marine, after a period of experience.
Although many will suggest that the cost gap between tropical and marine aquariums has closed over the past two decades, to me, the cost difference is still real.
But you have found the premier source of friendly, experienced saltwater hobbiests here, at the message boards. And the online store is top notch, too. (From my experience.)
If you read the posts on this forum for a couple weeks, purchase some decent resource books, such as "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" (You can get it through this site!), and exercise patience, you could easily manage a FO (fish only) tank for around $1000. This is just my opinion, and most would not quote a price. But I am thinking you already own the tank and light, and not the filtration, heater, salt, sand, fish, etc.
I have a 36 gallon FO. I've spent about $400 so far, and that included the tank and light. I would have spent more if it wasn't for this forum.
I hope this helps.
The big question is: Was this tank purchased new, or did you previously have tropical fish, and are now moving up? Although it is not required, many first start with tropical fish and switch to marine, after a period of experience.
Although many will suggest that the cost gap between tropical and marine aquariums has closed over the past two decades, to me, the cost difference is still real.
But you have found the premier source of friendly, experienced saltwater hobbiests here, at the message boards. And the online store is top notch, too. (From my experience.)
If you read the posts on this forum for a couple weeks, purchase some decent resource books, such as "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" (You can get it through this site!), and exercise patience, you could easily manage a FO (fish only) tank for around $1000. This is just my opinion, and most would not quote a price. But I am thinking you already own the tank and light, and not the filtration, heater, salt, sand, fish, etc.
I have a 36 gallon FO. I've spent about $400 so far, and that included the tank and light. I would have spent more if it wasn't for this forum.
I hope this helps.
crazy4reefs
Member
what dreeves said is true but if you go with a fish only with live rock (fowlr) it will be easier than going with a reef tank that have live corals. a reef tank is more demanding for time and money. a fowlr will be expensive but it is also a good starting point. get some books and read up on it and spend time reading on this bb before you decide. i do believe it is a rewarding hobby.. and usually once you start you are hooked !! if you have more questions just ask away, everyone will help..
birdy
Active Member
I agree with what everyone says, it is an expensive and time consuming hobby. But most get very addicted, it is very rewarding and fun. There are ways to cut cost's especially if you are doing a FOWLR. I also highly suggest reading the Conscientious Marine Aquarist and reading here as much as possible. There is really no way to get your feet wet, you really have to dive in, the bigger the tank the less trouble you may have with water quality.