New to Saltwater Fish Tanks

[jeremy newman]

Hey everyone, i have always had a huge interest in starting a saltwater fish tank and its now summer so i have the time to set one up. I was wondering what people would recommend as a first tank, the cheaper the better .
Thanks

 

[swimmer4uus]

In the case of saltwater, the cheaper you get, the more problems you get. I'd suggest getting a 20 gallon long...setup with some display macros, softie corals if any, and get your basics under way before going much larger.

 

[saxman]

my first advice: RUN! run FAST and FAR! (these are the words of a person who has 14 SW tanx).first thing to know is what critters pique your interest? do you like reefs? fish? a mix?
personally, to give it a first shot, you might want to go with a FOWLR (Fish Only with Live Rock).
the reason i suggest this is that it will let you get used to the mechanics of keeping SW, you can get by with NO (Normal Output) fluorescent lighting (which is cheap), and generally speaking, fish have much more margin for error than coral.
i'd get as large a tank as possible as you'll always want a larger one, but more importantly, a larger volume of water is more stable than a smaller one, so changes happen more slowly and let you get a handle on them before they become "critical" (my first SW tank was a 55 gal).
with many folks leaving the hobby due to financial issues, there are some great deals out there right now, some for pennies on the dollar, others for FREE. for instance, i know a guy who is giving away a 70 gal setup...i have another friend who just got a 125 gal and a bunch of LR for free. the deals are out there...
think about what type of critters tickle your fancy and then go from there. build your setup to suit them and there will be fewer "oh cr@p" moments.

 

[handbanana]

Well I just want to say WELCOME!
Since no one else did.

 

[ibanez]

I recommend a 29 gallon biocube, with pc lighting. It is a fairly inexpensive set up with everything it needs to get started, and would make a good qt tank once you decide to upgrade. It won't house tangs, or larger fish, but you could put a couple clowns, gobies, blenny,.... and some of the other easy fish to keep. I think you could have it set up for around 500 or less.

 

[ibanez]

A side note, this hobby is great, and doesn't cost a fortune, but you will need to set aside money for it monthly and at times can be more expensive than other hobbies. Just be prepared, it sucks you in.

 

[beaslbob]

Jeremy
welcome to the forum.
I recommend you add macro algaes right from the state to balance out and stabilize operations. Then do the rest.
Macro algaes are algaes in saltwater that can look like plants.
I simple partition near the glass with some horizontal lighting to light up that area can from an inexpensive in tank protected area to keep the macro thriving. (that area is called a refugium.)
just my .02

 

[handbanana]

Hey beasle,
How come you go on to tell every new person they should set up Macros and then when someone wants to follow up on some info about the topic you seem very passionate about you compleatly igore them?
How about a bit more info than get macros, put them in youtr tank and put a light on them?
This person doesnt even have a tank yet and already its "get macros to stabalize operations".

 

[ibanez]

Originally Posted by Handbanana
http:///forum/post/3268350
Hey beasle,
How come you go on to tell every new person they should set up Macros and then when someone wants to follow up on some info about the topic you seem very passionate about you compleatly igore them?
How about a bit more info than get macros, put them in youtr tank and put a light on them?
This person doesnt even have a tank yet and already its "get macros to stabalize operations".

 

[handbanana]

I'm not trying to be a d### or anything. I just think a bit more explanation would be nice.

 

[acrylic51]

Welcome !!!!

My advice is go as big as your pockets can afford...Take your time, do a lot of reading and research before spending hard earned cash, ask tons of questions, but all in all a very enjoyable hobby, but as stated can be costly.

 

[mony97]

Whats Up, and welcome to the boards!! My input is over the weekend find the book "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Fenner and give that a read or a least begin to dig in. That book will teach you a lot and is also written by a fellow hobbyist so you are able to get very good information on keeping SW tanks.
Good Luck and keep asking questions!

 

[jeremy newman]

Thanks for all the welcomes and advice! this has actually helped me alot. i wish someone would give me a free setup but the chances are slim in the middle of iowa. i think im going to find out as much as i can and then buy the tank when im able to spend more money on it

 

[ibanez]

Keep your eyes on CL, it can get you a good deal at times.

 

[beaslbob]

Originally Posted by Handbanana
http:///forum/post/3268350
Hey beasle,
How come you go on to tell every new person they should set up Macros and then when someone wants to follow up on some info about the topic you seem very passionate about you compleatly igore them?
How about a bit more info than get macros, put them in youtr tank and put a light on them?
This person doesnt even have a tank yet and already its "get macros to stabalize operations".
Actually just trying to keep it simple. I didn't realize I was ignoring anyone and my email is in my location above.
Jereme:
I was born and raised in Des Mones. Best of luck with your tank.
We will be here when you get more $s and start setting things up.
my .02