Need some info

[squidworth]

Hello all, been reading the boards for a month just go gather info and educate myself a bit.
I have been pretty excited about getting into saltwater for a few years. But with family and other expensive hobbies (flyfishing, mountian biking) I have not pursued my dream......until now
I have never even had a fish tank in my life so I just went out and got a walmart 50 dollar special 10 gallon about 5 months ago to see if I could even handle that. Well I have now decided a large saltwater tank will now live in my home and I will have another thing to fritter my money away on and make my wife completly insane with me talking about it all the time.
Ok enough of the preramble (hehe). I have what seems to be a good local lfs (only have one salt here and I have no previous exp to work off of, I just like the guy and what he says). He said he would not sell me fish or anything else unless he thought my tank was ready for it. I just want to get an idea of a set up that I need for a 75 gal tank (no idea of size other than 48" long).
I will have some space and cash restrictions, but am willing to wait till I can purchase exactly what I need for a solid quality setup.
I am looking at 75 gal fish,live rocks, live sand prolly non aggressive.
Need suggestions on all equipment to power,filter, and light a tank.I want to buy quality componets that will have plenty of power (more power is always good).
Thank you in advance and pray for my family not to be consumed in this new hobby

 

[garyfla]

Hi
I've worked in a lfs and I've foound
a common thread about people just getting
into aquariums and particularly the marine
aspect of the hobby.Maybe this will helpyou
at least give you some thoughts.Runaway #1
They don't set realistic bugets This hobby
is expensive.time consuming and requires
lots of patience.I would estimate at least
3 to 4 times the cost of FW setups.
#2 They get the tanks and then decide what to keep.
#3 They don't set goals on what they want to
accomplish and a realistic timetable.
#4They don't spend nearly enough time gathering info and how many alteratives there
are.or the complexities of management.
You sound like you're starting out the right way.What do I want?How difficult will
this be?How much will it alter my other activities?How much will what I have in mind cost?How interested an I in doing all the things necessary to arrive at my goal.?
Aoid the steps of the average newbie.
#1 Wild enthusiasm
#2 Buying lots of equipment or not nearly enough
#3Awakening to the fact that is seriuos money
involved.
#4 It isn't easy even with all the expensive equipment.
#5 The loss of some livestock,frustration,
disappointment,disgust,blame ignorance of
lfs.Loss of interest.
#6Sell all equipment for 10% of cost
Most people fall into this category and it usually takes about 6 months to a year.
Hope this gave you some help planning the
first steps. gary