How To Start?????

[ocean_diva]

I'm just now feeling confident enough to start my tank...although I've read so much I think I confused myself!!! Freshwater fish are so fun and easy I though...yeah, lets take the challenge...but now I'm not sure....what I would really love is a clown fish or two, some anemones, and maby a starfish. Nothing too big.
How much lighting am I going to need, and is a 30 gallon tank too small for this???
Any tips would be apreciated!!!

 

[ophiura]

Welcome!

Well, there is an issue right away. The seastars you could keep in that size tank (except brittlestars) are a potential threat the the anemones. They are not easy to keep...not basics critters....nor are anemones. Anemones and seastars need pristine water quality and a mature tank. Anemones, furthermore, need very intense lighting (not standard tank lights). While clownfish are certainly possible in that size tank, you may not be able to do some of the others. So there is a lot of reading and more research to do I am afraid, but we will be more than willing to assist you in making some decisions, and in helping you through the ups and downs

 

[easy88]

u think your confused now there is along way to go buy some books first i jsut started tryign to figure it out a moonth agoa nd is till dont knwo anyhting but this forum ahs given me more knowledge in a day than random searches will in a year

 

[ocean_diva]

Originally Posted by easy88
u think your confused now there is along way to go buy some books first i jsut started tryign to figure it out a moonth agoa nd is till dont knwo anyhting but this forum ahs given me more knowledge in a day than random searches will in a year
I Know! By just reading random threads here I understand more than most of the books I have. (Although I just started) I have turtles and two fresh water tanks and thought it would be fun to start a saltwater one for my daughter....wich I will do...someday..
I want to make sure I understand everything first b/c I don't want to hurt any cute little critters!!! It would break my heart!!!!!

 

[ocean_diva]

Originally Posted by ophiura
Welcome!

Well, there is an issue right away. The seastars you could keep in that size tank (except brittlestars) are a potential threat the the anemones. They are not easy to keep...not basics critters....nor are anemones. Anemones and seastars need pristine water quality and a mature tank. Anemones, furthermore, need very intense lighting (not standard tank lights). While clownfish are certainly possible in that size tank, you may not be able to do some of the others. So there is a lot of reading and more research to do I am afraid, but we will be more than willing to assist you in making some decisions, and in helping you through the ups and downs
Yeah...I was just reading about wich "critters" are compatable.....it seams like everything I like doesn't "mix well"........I'll get it figured out I guess. I know I really want clown fish! Any sugestions?????