looking into salt

[rlb]

i was looking at getting into a salt tank should i start with just fish and then work into a reef,,, yes or no

 

[goofieones]

It is really up to you, but I started with a fish only, because I did want some fish that weren't reef safe. Also because keeping a reef can be harder, not to mention a little more expensive, because you do need to buy better lighting. Reefs aren't as forgiving in water quality changes. Obviously you don't want to have bad water quality, but in the begining you may make small mistakes, that fish will foregive you for, corals won't.

 

[goldfish]

It is really a personal choice. I happen to agree that its a bit tougher to keep the coral, but do what you think you will enjoy the most. I have a fish only tank, but I enjoy watching the colors move etc.

 

[saltwater marauder]

IMO, start with fish only. Less to worry about initially, such as lighting, additives and trace elements and treating disease. If you make a mistake or something goes bad in an FO tank you might lose 50 to 100 bucks in fish but if you start going downhill in a reef tank, sin loy, you'll lose your butt if it's stocked. If you have never kept a salt tank I would deifnitley start out with FO and move to reef once you have researched. GL1 whatever your choice.

 

[tonka]

I think it's easier now more than ever to keep reeftanks. Using natural filteration is sooo much more simple than all of the other filter methods. I was reading The Natural Reef Aquarium by Tullock and he made a very good point. "Keeping reeftanks is alot easier than keeping specialized cichlid tanks with the Berlin filteration." I see no reason why you shouldn't go right into reefs. Other than the price, you should have no problem. Your first purchase? And the most important? Book(s)! The one I just mentioned is good but even better is "The Reef Aquarium" by Delbeek and Sprung. Spend the money for these books. I promise you'll be happy you did. Then decide what kind of setup you want. Good luck