Need advice on a tank setup, books to read etc.

[aresb16a2turbo]

Ok, let's get started. I am completely new to saltwater tanks, I have a pond with a few butterfly koi, and that is about it. I was looking into getting a indoor tank, and was trying to decide between a saltwater tank and a freshwater tank, and decided that I would give a saltwater tank a shot, especially considering the beauty and asthetics it lends to a home. I know very little about saltwater tanks. Any advice? Starter fish? Tank size? Books to read? Webpages with information? Any help at all would be awesome, thanks.

 

[thomas712]

First Welcome to the Board , take your time over the next few months and read and enjoy. Fire the questions and sift through the answers on this board. We will be here and waiting.
Book of Coral Propagation, Volume 1: Reef Gardening for Aquarists - Anthony Rosario Calfo
Reef Fishes Volume 1 - Scott W. Michael
Corals: A Quick Reference Guide (Oceanographic Series) - Julian Sprung
The Conscientious Marine Aquarist: A Commonsense Handbook for Successful Saltwater Hobbyists - Robert M. Fenner
The New Marine Aquarium: Step-By-Step Setup & Stocking Guide - Michael S. Paletta
Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History - Eric H. Borneman
Natural Reef Aquariums: Simplified Approaches to Creating Living Saltwater Microcosms - John H. Tullock
Aquarium Corals by Eric H. Borneman,
Natural Reef Aquariums by John H. Tullock, Martin A. Moe
The New Marine Aquarium by Michael S. Paletta,
Print that off and take it to the bookstore
Thomas

 

[thomas712]

As to tank size go for the largest that you can not only afford but able to maintain. I would go for a min. of 55gallons or larger.
Thomas

 

[aresb16a2turbo]

Thank you for the list Thomas. Money isn't to big of a problem, I was looking at a 100Gal or larger. Once I get the point, are there any good starter fish you would recommend for a beginner?

 

[javatech]

http://www.simplifiedreefkeeping.com/faq/faq.htm

 

[elan]

there are too many good beginning fish to get.... what is more important is what you want to end up with in your tank.... for example.. you dont want to get a great beginner fish if you plan on putting in corals.. and then finding out that great beginner fish loves eating corals.

 

[elan]

oh yeah... The Conscientious Marine Aquarist: A Commonsense Handbook for Successful Saltwater Hobbyists - Robert M. Fenner is my favorite book.. great for starting out.

 

[aresb16a2turbo]

I was looking at doign a reef tank, because I think they look really cool, more work I am sure to take care of, but I think in the long run it would be worth it. Thanks a bunch for the book list.

 

[livingwater]

well your in the right place...........(smile)
I will put my 2cents in.
One thing about the tank size. I would not do anything less than a 75. Thats just my lttle hang up. What ever size you go with make sure you get a lot of surface area. I would go with a longer or wider tank instead of a higher(taller) tank, espeaclly if you go with a fish only tank. If you go with a reef tank, would keep in mind the cost of lighting. I have a 280(8 ft lng and 30 inches high 30 inches wide) For me to do a reef would break me on a good lighting system.
Oh yeah one more thing ...........if you get into the marine life(SALTWATER) do it out of love. Some people buy nice tanks and go saltwater becuase it looks good. They are not true hobbists. They want a nice piece of furniture. AND THEY CRASH. Tehy sale they tanks becuase its more work and attemion than what they thought. And much more money.....just something to keep in mind. Welcome Aboard.......and good luck!!!!!!!!!!!