Just Researching
- Thread starter newfisher
- Start date
ophiura
Active Member
In the classifieds, you probably won't get anyone answering this. I'm going to move it to New Hobbyists, and folks will help you out.
To start, this is VERY DIFFERENT from freshwater, much more expensive, less forgiving, and very different in terms of stocking a tank (far fewer fish). I would do a lot of research and thinking about the animals you would like to keep, draw up a budget of what you can afford, and get the largest system you can. Small tanks are more difficult to keep than larger in this hobby :yes:
To start, this is VERY DIFFERENT from freshwater, much more expensive, less forgiving, and very different in terms of stocking a tank (far fewer fish). I would do a lot of research and thinking about the animals you would like to keep, draw up a budget of what you can afford, and get the largest system you can. Small tanks are more difficult to keep than larger in this hobby :yes:
fishmamma
Active Member
Hi and welcome!
I switched a 16 gallon fresh to salt but is very hard to keep parameters stable and won't hold many fish so I wouldn't recommend that size if you can help it. I just started another tank, this time 29 gallons and it is somewhat easier to regulate. Many folks will tell you 50 gallons is the way to go, and I am sure it is but I do not have the space. I would have gone 39 gallons if I had more room- IMO the perfect size tank (without ever running one that is
)
$$ is definatly a factor- lots of live rock and a good protein skimmer will get you far in this hobby. Definatly check out some pics on this site, read all the boards and pick up some books to see what kind of fish you would like to stock and go from there. Clownfish are a beginners favorite and prettty hardy if they are tank raised. Have fun and good luck to you!
:happyfish :happyfish
I switched a 16 gallon fresh to salt but is very hard to keep parameters stable and won't hold many fish so I wouldn't recommend that size if you can help it. I just started another tank, this time 29 gallons and it is somewhat easier to regulate. Many folks will tell you 50 gallons is the way to go, and I am sure it is but I do not have the space. I would have gone 39 gallons if I had more room- IMO the perfect size tank (without ever running one that is
)$$ is definatly a factor- lots of live rock and a good protein skimmer will get you far in this hobby. Definatly check out some pics on this site, read all the boards and pick up some books to see what kind of fish you would like to stock and go from there. Clownfish are a beginners favorite and prettty hardy if they are tank raised. Have fun and good luck to you!
:happyfish :happyfish
kaotik
Member
:joy: WELCOME TO THE FORUMS!! :joy:
i have always done freshwater until about 4 months ago when i started my first salt tank. I have a 60gal and have had great water conditions from the start. I agree with everyone that bigger is better and easier. I'd say no less than 40 gal. IMO
It is also true that saltwater is a lot more expensive. Make sure you add everything up and you know what you are getting into. I didn't at first!! My tank is still not completely stocked like it want it to be and ive already spent well over $1500. Not to say im not happy with it, because i would never go back to freshwater after having salt, but just a warning to make sure you can afford to keep everything in your tank healthy and happy!!!
GOOD LUCK!!! :jumping:
i have always done freshwater until about 4 months ago when i started my first salt tank. I have a 60gal and have had great water conditions from the start. I agree with everyone that bigger is better and easier. I'd say no less than 40 gal. IMO
It is also true that saltwater is a lot more expensive. Make sure you add everything up and you know what you are getting into. I didn't at first!! My tank is still not completely stocked like it want it to be and ive already spent well over $1500. Not to say im not happy with it, because i would never go back to freshwater after having salt, but just a warning to make sure you can afford to keep everything in your tank healthy and happy!!!
GOOD LUCK!!! :jumping:
newfisher
New Member
WEll I work days and nights, so i would just keep it on one schedule and close the door if it's too bright. I was leaning towards a 55 gallon, but looking for a good deal on a tank and stand. In not big hurry i have a lot to learn before i just on this project and some rearranging in my house too.
xjayx
Member
If you're interested in keeping fish sort of how you would in a fresh water tank then I would say, IMO, nothing smaller than 30 gal.
You could have a nano tank but you wouldn't be able to keep very many fish at all.
An Ideal tank size to me would be 150 to 200 gals but obviously it's way out of my reach. (money and space)
But a more feasable sized tank and one that could still house a lot of really cool fish could probably be a 55 gal tank.
You could find those anywhere...
Just remember, this isn't like fresh watter so the price of the tank isn't going to be the bulk of your money put into this hoby.
In this hoby you'll also need to get live rock (about one pound per gallon) a good protine skimmer, live sand or crushed coral (I'm switching to sand soon, it's better for your tank), a strong clean up crew, lighting and all kinds of filteration...
Good luck
You could have a nano tank but you wouldn't be able to keep very many fish at all.
An Ideal tank size to me would be 150 to 200 gals but obviously it's way out of my reach. (money and space)
But a more feasable sized tank and one that could still house a lot of really cool fish could probably be a 55 gal tank.
You could find those anywhere...
Just remember, this isn't like fresh watter so the price of the tank isn't going to be the bulk of your money put into this hoby.
In this hoby you'll also need to get live rock (about one pound per gallon) a good protine skimmer, live sand or crushed coral (I'm switching to sand soon, it's better for your tank), a strong clean up crew, lighting and all kinds of filteration...
Good luck