allentankers
New Member
Alright, so I was wondering if you guys could help answer some questions I'll be having on my way to having a saltwater tank. So here's the background info:
I'm 15 years old, and right now, my dad is in Afghanistan. (USAF)
I've wanted a saltwater tank since I was like 6. I definately do my research. That would be why I'm here.
I have very little experience with aquariums. My dad has quite a bit with freshwater tanks, mainly Cichlids. He's coming back in October and he wants to start doing more stuff with me. So he told me if I buy most of the supplies for a Saltwater tank, he'll buy the fish. I don't have a job, so I obviously have a limited budget. ($300-$350/maybe more) So to the tank:
I'm thinking a good 55 Gallon community tank. Safe to have invertebrates preferred. I have a few good fish lined up that I know I want.
These are:
Red Spotted Sandperch
Mandarin Dragonet
Royal Gramma
False Percula Clownfish
Jewel Damsel
I'm currently deciding on a Goby.
I was also wondering if a Shy Hamlet would be compatible.
I have some flexibility with tanks I could go up to a 75 Gallon, but money is tight. So think 55 Gallon.
I'd also like a few crabs, a mexican turbo snail or two, a few cleaner clams and a Cleaner Shrimp.
I would love some help from you guys. If you think it can't be done or if there are some flaws in this, please let me know.
I printed out a packet of fish that could be compatible, so let me know if you see flaws with any of these fish or invertebrates. I have corals/anenome options printed out as well.
I have a quarantine tank, and I was thinking that I could buy some salt water from ***** and start there. I will also get adequate Live sand and Live Rock from ***** once I have my display tank all set up for water.
Speaking of: How much live rock do you think I need?
I'm getting a Penguin Biowheel filter. I haven't decided on a powerhead or any other main supplies. I know what I need, I just haven't decided the best bargain and models.
I understand that Mandarin Dragonets are hard to care for, with the copepods and all. So I'm hoping to get a Fuge for the Copepods and introduce the Dragonet at a later date once most of my other fish are settled.
My dad is coming home in October. So I have time.
This is sort of an introduction because I will be asking lots of questions and I will be online a lot. Especially once things start getting under way.
I really want to be prepared for a saltwater tank. Despite my lack of experience so if you have any tips or suggestions, please; I'm all ears.
I'm 15 years old, and right now, my dad is in Afghanistan. (USAF)
I've wanted a saltwater tank since I was like 6. I definately do my research. That would be why I'm here.
I have very little experience with aquariums. My dad has quite a bit with freshwater tanks, mainly Cichlids. He's coming back in October and he wants to start doing more stuff with me. So he told me if I buy most of the supplies for a Saltwater tank, he'll buy the fish. I don't have a job, so I obviously have a limited budget. ($300-$350/maybe more) So to the tank:
I'm thinking a good 55 Gallon community tank. Safe to have invertebrates preferred. I have a few good fish lined up that I know I want.
These are:
Red Spotted Sandperch
Mandarin Dragonet
Royal Gramma
False Percula Clownfish
Jewel Damsel
I'm currently deciding on a Goby.
I was also wondering if a Shy Hamlet would be compatible.
I have some flexibility with tanks I could go up to a 75 Gallon, but money is tight. So think 55 Gallon.
I'd also like a few crabs, a mexican turbo snail or two, a few cleaner clams and a Cleaner Shrimp.
I would love some help from you guys. If you think it can't be done or if there are some flaws in this, please let me know.
I printed out a packet of fish that could be compatible, so let me know if you see flaws with any of these fish or invertebrates. I have corals/anenome options printed out as well.
I have a quarantine tank, and I was thinking that I could buy some salt water from ***** and start there. I will also get adequate Live sand and Live Rock from ***** once I have my display tank all set up for water.
Speaking of: How much live rock do you think I need?
I'm getting a Penguin Biowheel filter. I haven't decided on a powerhead or any other main supplies. I know what I need, I just haven't decided the best bargain and models.
I understand that Mandarin Dragonets are hard to care for, with the copepods and all. So I'm hoping to get a Fuge for the Copepods and introduce the Dragonet at a later date once most of my other fish are settled.
My dad is coming home in October. So I have time.
This is sort of an introduction because I will be asking lots of questions and I will be online a lot. Especially once things start getting under way.
I really want to be prepared for a saltwater tank. Despite my lack of experience so if you have any tips or suggestions, please; I'm all ears.