Getting into this hobby

[herper55]

I was thinking about getting into the saltwater hobby.I was thinking about 3-4 clowns fish in a fish only tank about 20 gallons.I need to know about how much this might cost me cause I don't know if I can afford to get into the hobby and I don't want to harm the fish if I can not.I was thinking it would be about $300-400 does this sound about right?

 

[florida joe]

getting in a staying in are two very different things if you are on a tight budget i would suggest you wait until you can devote funds other then the initial cost

 

[speg]

It is an expensive hobby for sure. The smaller the tank you purchase the cheaper the hobby should be for you. I have a little 12 gallon nano tank that I've put at least a grand into so far...but you don't have to go as crazy as I do. 300-400 should certainly get you started and add some livestock...although there are a lot of good tools we have to make our hobby go more smoothly. Refractometers are a good example of what I mean and these things aren't that cheap (around 40 for "cheap one".)
Also, you really don't want 4 clowns in a tank together..as they mature they'll certainly pick a lot of fights with each other..I'd stick with 2.

 

[herper55]

I would like to thank you both for your posts..I am usually in the reptile hobby.So I am still thinking what I want to do.Thanks again for the help.

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by Herper55
http:///forum/post/3282679
I would like to thank you both for your posts..I am usually in the reptile hobby.So I am still thinking what I want to do.Thanks again for the help.

LOL...A bearded Dragon then.

 

[florida joe]

BUT let me just say there are not many things we can attempt to keep that can bring as much beauty to our home as a marine aquarium

 

[meowzer]

Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/3282733
BUT let me just say there are not many things we can attempt to keep that can bring as much beauty to our home as a marine aquarium
I could think of a few things

 

[florida joe]

yes but you are a very hands (and other parts) on person

 

[herper55]

I have thought about and think that Joe is right that I should wait til I have more funds.Cause it would be better all the way a round.But I would like to know some good books to have about the hobby.Like books on Clowns,Reef tanks,and Diseases and whatever else that might help me.

 

[jstdv8]

I can attest to the money thing. When I bought my 90g tank mid october last year I had a good paying job (I thought) and everything was going good. I cut a hole in my wall of my living room to finally make the tank I wanted. Found out about a month later that the guy I was selling siding for was going bankrupt adn wasn't going to be able to pay me the 10k he owed.
went jobless for about 4 month. Still pretty broke, but I have managed to just squeak by and keep everything going. My tank isn't anywhere near what I had envisioned now 8 months later, but all my occupants are happy and visitors think it's the coolest thing in the world when they visit.
Let me just say. Thank goodness for frag swaps

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by Herper55
http:///forum/post/3282830
I have thought about and think that Joe is right that I should wait til I have more funds.Cause it would be better all the way a round.But I would like to know some good books to have about the hobby.Like books on Clowns,Reef tanks,and Diseases and whatever else that might help me.
YOu are on your way to being a good hobbyist if you chose marine tanks, start at your local library and read all they have on the subject. some of the books may be old but for the most part the foundation infromation is going to alway be the same

 

[spanko]

Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3282737
I could think of a few things

Yeah but I am happily married!

 

[herper55]

Thank you I did not think of that.I will see about getting to the library soon.

 

[beaslbob]

IMHO
for almost any tank and most especially for a fo tank you can actually setup the system for very little more that a fw tank.
By using macro algaes in an in tank refugium and very little else the tank will thrive. I use building materials for sand, rocks, and lighting. With no other filtration. Additionally I do no water changes so that saves on water and salt as well.
But that may not work for an anemone for your (future) clowns.
my .02