Completely New

[quaos]

I have been interested in saltwater aquariums for a while now and have decided I want to try and put one together.
I have had freshwater aquariums but nothing special. I am planning on something simple so that I can get used to the care and learn some tricks of the trade.
The biggest problem is through reading these forums I'm not even sure all of the exact things I need.
Is there such thing as a complete list of items needed to get started?
What is a cheap but easy to maintain tank size?
I'm interested in clown fish and other starting basic fish but I would like variety and beauty as any of you desire as well I'm sure.
Is there a direction you can point me in starting equipment, tank size, fish, and price?
Thank you all!

 

[hot883]

It all depends on what your long rangegoals are.
Oh, by the way;

welcome to the boards.
I bought the cheap walmart 55 gal. set up that came with basic filtration and cheapo lights. Good enough to start with. $140
It is recommended that you have about 1-2 lbs. of live rock per gallon and for a 55 gal. about 60 lbs. of live sand. With that cheap set up you will be able to keep fish and low light corals such as feather dusters and some mushrooms. It just gets more and more expensive from there. Ha!
A ph or powerhead is also used for circulation. Go to the top and do a search on "Cycling a tank" or cycle etc. Pick up the book,"The conscientious Marine Aquarist by "Fenner". Great starting book there are alot out there. research on here before you buy anything. Ask, read and ask, read somemore. Everyone has their own opinions thats for sure but do what you research and feel is right. Do not cycle the tank with live fish. It is an outdated and cruel method. Hope that alteast confuses you, no just kidding and good luck.

 

[surferb]

i would say for salt water 29 or 55 gal. tank to start. as for basic things you need.
1. bio-wheel or some other biological filter ex. wet dry
2.live sand most fish stores carry it i recommened live crushed coral
3.live rock about 1.3 lbs per gallon
4.hydrometer
5.sea salt recommened instant ocean
6.salt water master test kit
7.protein skimmer you can wait a good 5 months before purchasing one because it won't be effective until some time after tank has cycled
8.heater and thermometer
9. ro water to fill your tank (reverse osmosis) you can buy it from walmart
9.after it is setup you may need some buffers
thats a basic setup for salt water if you want to keep corals and such you will need an upgraded lighting system depending on what kinds you get if you have any other questions just post them here

 

[reefer75]

Well you are onto a good start all ready. Keep reading the forums, and books. First you need to decide if you want to do a sump or not. As far as tanks go, the bigger the better. I started with a 75 gallon. It was simple and sumpless. I had a good filter,heater,skimmer, and LR and LS. For a beginner, I would do a FOWLR. As you feel comfortable with the systen you cand go on to add corals. Just remember to take your time, and read. I now am in the process of doing a 200 gal , and a sump/fuge.
P.S. I walked out of the LFS after buying my tank, stand.filter,heater,salt,carbon for the filter, and some misc. stuff, and the bill was 1000. It is an expensive hobby, but worth it.

 

[quaos]

Wow thanks everyone already I didn't even plan on buying fish till mid October when I have some more money saved up. So I definately have plenty of time and plan on reading. I'll probably go pick up that book today. I'm very excited to learn some more. I realize jumping in is fatal to the fish and my wallat so I'm definately going to take my time. I was planning on a 55 gallon tank. Now I have seen pictures of set ups where the tanks were on a stand and under the tank had the pumps. Do all need to be set up that way. I know the tank becomes very heavey but is there a way to save money on stands. If not simply say no. I will dish out the money when the ideal things are needed because I don't want to "mess up". I will be looking up prices based off of the list from surferb. If anyone can evaluate that list add or subtract from what he had to say. I will greatly appreciate any input. I also know some of the lingo but if you guys can use the real names it would make my life easier.
Thank you all.
More input is certainly needed so please keep it coming!

 

[psyparrot]

You don't have to use a stand. I put my tank on my bedroom table.
But if ur going to do that, remember that the area around it will get wet! I suggest putting it on some sort of material if you dont want yor table damaged.
And make sure that the table can support the weight! A full 29 gallon aquarium is more than 300 pounds!
Have fun and welcome :happyfish

 

[payton 350]

use live sand not crushed coral...take your time and have some fun
also a refractometer not a hydrometer

 

[sebae09]

crushed coral sucks it just gets worse over time go with the live sand. good luck and welcome to the hobby and life for some of us, me included.

 

[reefer75]

As far as stands go, you could build one yourself with 2x4's. and skin it in a sood of your choice, then stain it. You could also as mentioned before use a night stand or something else that is real sturdy. As far as the systems you see with a tank underneath (sump/fuge) you can just use canister, or hang on filters.
FOWLR = Fish Only With Live Rock
LFS = Local Fish Store
LS = Live sand
LR = Live Rock

 

[bbhuey]

Like some of the others have said use RO water or Distilled water. The water is the most important aspect of your system. TAKE CARE OF IT. I had issues with local water, went to Wally World and bought distilled water and virtually all issues of Nitrites, nirtates, PH, Ammonia just never materialized. Bob

 

[quaos]

29- Gallon Tank
Penguin 150B Power Filter
Live Sand<How much? Where to buy from?>
Live Rock<1.3 x 29 = 37.7 lbs. Where to buy from?>
Refractometer <Suggestions?>
Instant Ocean <How much to buy?> <How much goes into the tank?>
Saltwater Master Liquid Test Kit
Protein Skimmer <When do I need to buy one of these? Recommendations?>
Stick on Digital Thermometer
Heater <Suggestions?>
This is my list of items that I need to start. Am I missing anything? Can you all give me recommendations, suggestions, tips etc.
Great community here:-D

 

[quaos]

Bump
need guidance

 

[hot883]

Originally Posted by Quaos
29- Gallon Tank
Penguin 150B Power Filter
Live Sand<How much? Where to buy from?>
Live Rock<1.3 x 29 = 37.7 lbs. Where to buy from?>
Refractometer <Suggestions?>
Instant Ocean <How much to buy?> <How much goes into the tank?>
Saltwater Master Liquid Test Kit
Protein Skimmer <When do I need to buy one of these? Recommendations?>
Stick on Digital Thermometer
Heater <Suggestions?>
This is my list of items that I need to start. Am I missing anything? Can you all give me recommendations, suggestions, tips etc.
Great community here:-D
live sand 30-40 lbs.
lr buy it from here
automatic temperature control ATC refracto; here or on

[hr]
bag of salt tells on front how much it makes, follow directions but mix it seperate container first
skimmer in about 2 months
no stick on thermometer, use a glass one just do not leave it in all the time
heater goes by size of tank, look at the packages.

 

[crabsrkewl]

as for a price my 55g was about $1200 but don't get overwhelmed if this is too high. It is definitely worth the price (Ok I admit it my dad helped budget my tank

)

 

[quaos]

I'm feeling very overwhelmed. I'm not even sure if I know what to buy where to buy it from how I know its good and how expensive it is going to be. You all have been very helpful but I'm very overwhelmed and confused :-

 

[surferb]

i bought my stuff myself but at different times i already had a 55 gal. i gradually bought everything. 1st i bought salt, hydrometer (don't hate me cause i use one), heater and this stuff called bacter boost i highly recomened it! it says it'll fully cycle your tank in 2 days but don't go by that just use it to help establish bacteria in your tank. basicly the longer you let it run without fish the better. so buy like i did in incriments it really helps reduce stress of spending so much

 

[swampcoon]

Originally Posted by Quaos
I'm feeling very overwhelmed. I'm not even sure if I know what to buy where to buy it from how I know its good and how expensive it is going to be. You all have been very helpful but I'm very overwhelmed and confused :-
Welcome to the world of SW. LOL. THe best advice I can give you is RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH. Which it seems you are off to a good start doing the reading and asking advice here. Local reef clubs are also very helpful, often times having get together meetings for a little face time and a chance to actually see setup tanks and systems. Another valuable piece of advice is to read the entire section on the first thread entitled What I wish I knew before I got started. THis will give you a good idea of our mistakes and discoveries.
Beginning setup is your choice, but remember, bigger is better. Easier to maintain water perimenters, and think of it this way, you are gonna want to upgrade later anyways, and the added time to save up the money will give you that much more time to research. Plan your tank out before buying anything. Never buy second rate equipment, the money saved will actually cost you more in the long run.
But go ahead and join the local reef club, even without a tank. The members will understand, and often times, they might have just upgraded from a great tank and let you have the old one for a great deal. Usually this means a complete setup for pennies on the dollar, and the equipment will be experienced users stuff, usually top of the line.
But of course, this is just my opinion which along with a dollar might buy you a cup of coffee.

 

[hot883]

Originally Posted by swampcoon
Welcome to the world of SW. LOL. THe best advice I can give you is RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH. Which it seems you are off to a good start doing the reading and asking advice here. Local reef clubs are also very helpful, often times having get together meetings for a little face time and a chance to actually see setup tanks and systems. Another valuable piece of advice is to read the entire section on the first thread entitled What I wish I knew before I got started. THis will give you a good idea of our mistakes and discoveries.
Beginning setup is your choice, but remember, bigger is better. Easier to maintain water perimenters, and think of it this way, you are gonna want to upgrade later anyways, and the added time to save up the money will give you that much more time to research. Plan your tank out before buying anything. Never buy second rate equipment, the money saved will actually cost you more in the long run.
But go ahead and join the local reef club, even without a tank. The members will understand, and often times, they might have just upgraded from a great tank and let you have the old one for a great deal. Usually this means a complete setup for pennies on the dollar, and the equipment will be experienced users stuff, usually top of the line.
But of course, this is just my opinion which along with a dollar might buy you a cup of coffee.
Great advice

Quaos, just stop, take a breath and try to digest all this. Ha! The local fish stores LFS are out to get your money and repeat money. We are here to help free of charge and hopefully let you learn by our mistakes and successes.I bought 1 rock at a time at $9 a lb. then I got educated on here and realized that I should not have spent the money on crushed coral CC but should have got live sand instead. Hey, we all make mistakes, all want to keep tangs in a way to small tank etc. Like I said, I paid $140 for my 55 set up at walmart. Start with the largest tank you can afford, buy or make your own stand etc. Figure out what filtration you want to use etc.
Go to the classifieds on here and see whats near you.
By the way, where are you located?

 

[quaos]

The way I got into this really was just an idea/suggestion. My girlfriend and I brought it up over dinner one time and I started doing some investigating. Tonight I went out bought this book She had said her cousin works at a local fish doctor. At the time it didn't register but apparently he owns it and I'm not sure yet but hopefully will be able to get some discounts.

This book seems to be helping as far as I have read. I want a fish-only tank and I would love a 55Gallon but it seems it may be too much for my budget. "Like I said, I paid $140 for my 55 set up" when you say set up what does that include? I will continue to research and continue posting here. Still any recomendations, suggestions any great information you would like to share please send it here. Also I'm located in Canton/Plymouth MI area.
Thank you all!

 

[payton 350]

i would recommend against a glass thermometer...use a good digital..they are cheap too ...if one of your fish break it in the tank , you're done for.....i don't think you're gonna get a trigger but they like to put it in their mouths and chew on them