Newbee with questions

[kris s]

I've been thinking about starting a small aquarium for several months and I'm not really sure where or how to get started.
Can any of you recommend any books (or additional websites) that would serve as a good starting point for a beginner? Also, what size tank would you recommend? Is a 55 gal. too big as a starter tank? (A friend has a 55 gal tank, stand, and accessories sitting in storage. I'm HOPING he's willing to part with it. )
I've read enough to have some understanding about tank cycling, pH levels, etc. What sort of hardy stock would you recommend that I start out with? I'm also looking for something relatively inexpensive because I'm sure I'll make mistakes as I'm getting the hang of things...and I don't want to kill several hundred dollars in fish in the process.
*Eventually*, I'm looking to move from fish only to a reef tank and hope you can give me some pointers on what I can buy early in the tank's existance that would successfully move into a reef.
Thanks in advance,
Kris

 

[ophiura]

Actually, the bigger problem in this hobby is starting out too small. A 55 is a good size, however, if you can afford to go bigger, I would. Smaller tanks tend to be more of a battle, because they are more unstable. I tend to tell people to go as large as they can afford (and be sure to know what you will need in order to determine what you can afford). Larger tanks are much easier to care for, even if moving more water around, and most people will tend to move up in size anyway.
There are a lot of thread on this here in the new hobbyists section. Do a lot of hunting around, reading as much as possible. There are a lot of good books out there as well. It is important to read and research everything before you buy, both equipment and livestock!
Welcome to the board!

 

[jtroutine]

I would go as big as your pocket will let you and of course your floor. Dont be like me and buy a 55 and then wish a month later that I went with something bigger. As far as learning this board is awsome ask lots of ?'s and read read read read read and then read some more.

 

[killafins]

regret of having a small tank and starting with a small tank is different. I would recommend buy anything from 20 gallons to fifty five. First of all, you will find that a 20 gallon will cycle faster and will keep your fish cost down (u can't buy the expensive ones)... but for beginning that's alright. I started with a twenty and had marvelous results. It's all about patience and how much you want it. Also, you can't think about a fish's death as a waist of money because some fish are inexpenisve. You have to think of a fish's death as a life lost, the fish's gift of life destroyed. Otherwise, you will never understand the hobby.
I few good books are the new marine aquarium and the marine aquarist. They will explain everything you will need. As for websites, this site is really all you need. The largest part of fish keeping is facts and oppinions but facts arn't always accurate for a certain setting. You have to ask thousands of questions and soon everything will come to you.
As for hardy fish, I would consider damsels or chromis. They are sordove the same fish. They are extremely hardy to stat changes and you will find that they are pretty too. The only draw back is that they get a bit aggressive but as I say the only reason a fish would attack another fish is because it feels threatened. You have to make sure they have enough hiding places.
And after reading the previous posts i would feel left out if I didn't say, "Oh my god, this site is the best sight with all this knowledge and crap"
Just, good luck and alot of this is gut feeling. I know it doesn't make sense but facts arn't everything.

 

[rubberburnerme]

the larger the tank is the slower the problens accure when they happen and more room to make mistakes ex. evaperation in a 55 raises salinty a little per day but in a 29 its a lot this is a instance where bigger is better but remember the other cost goes up on other item that u need

 

[kris s]

Thanks for the replies guys & gals.
Also, you can't think about a fish's death as a waist of money because some fish are inexpenisve. You have to think of a fish's death as a life lost, the fish's gift of life destroyed.
Agreed...but if I'm going to lose a fish, I'd still rather lose an inexpensive fish than one that I gave my right arm and first born child to obtain. That's the only reason I was looking for ideas for hardy & inexpensive stock for a young tank. I definitely understand what you're saying though
I'm still really indecisive as to what I want the end product to be. I really want a reef tank...but I realize that is probably a bit too advanced for a first time aquarium. What could I start with that would translate well into a reef tank in a year or two?