how hard is a saltwater tank?

[kelkoolaid]

we switched after many years of what now seems boring FW. we thought about switching our 55 gal to SW. the new prices of equipment was more then what we found a used complete 75g SW on ----. so we bought the 75 (for 455)and sold our 55 (got 175.00)
then the most surprising thing was the LR and LS we spent 300 on LR and 110 on LS. so by the time we had our 75 up with 90lbs LR 115lb LS and two clowns and some clean up crew we had 1100 less the 175.
not wanting to scare you but its nice to have an honest example.
My best suggestion is to find someone moving selling the whole sha-bang.If you do save all the water you can, it will save you the cycling.
But doing research here and reading as much as you can. Someone told me once the tank is the least expensive part. I do believe them.

 

[atf88]

:nope: my LFS sells it for 8.99 per/lb, another sells LR for 5.99 per/lb, but its not fiji and it dint look as nice...should I have gotten that instead n e way?

 

[ty_05_f]

It all depends on if you have to money to spend the extra.

 

[moonrs]

I also agree that setting up the sw tank is much more expensive than freshwater, but I also agree that it's much more rewarding to me. My experience is that, after the initial expenditures for equipment and livestock, the actual maintainence from day to day is nearly the same(except when you get that idea to go to the lfs "just to see what they have",and walk out with $100 worth of live rock or fish!). The expensive part is getting set up in the first place... Just do your research, be patient(you don't have to get everything at once), and do your research. Oh yeah, do your research! Good luck.

 

[robchuck]

New_Noob,
This is all great advice. The only thing I will add is that this hobby requires a ton of patience. I've heard it said many times that only bad things happen fast in this hobby.
Also, aquiring used goods is a great way to get into the hobby at a reasonable price. You can often find people selling used equipment in the trading/classified forum for 30-40 cents on the dollar of what it would cost new.
If you're planning on lights, PC is not a bad way to start out unless you know you want to go to MH eventually. I know it's a shameless self-promotion, but I've got a 36" PC fixture for sale in the classifieds that would fit a 50 gallon tank nicely. (You can view the listing here.)
Welcome to the board, and best of luck with the hobby!