NEWBIE! help? suggestions?

[ecbuddy123]

ok so i want to start a salt water aquarium, ive seen somre really nice ones, and i dont want anything huge just yet, a 5 gallon, a ten or a 20 long gallon is what i am going to use when i start off, want something small and cute and fit in my room type thing u know just something nice to look at,
as for a sump im not sure, maybe a 5.5 for the ten or a ten gallon for the 20 long, and no sump on a 5.5 (wats the point? another 5.5? ok maybe? im so undicided haha)
there are mixed ideas for a skimmer, but i hear that skimmers are not needed if the water is kept near perfect, and most likely i wont get one unless i cant keep stuff nice and stable,
i do want to get live rock and sand, and those live animals that look like their growing from the rock (inverteabrates if i can) but dont want those expensive light fixtures, and want cheaper easy to maintain animals right now,
and have no idea wats good for 5 gallon (im leaning towards the 5 gallon cause its nice and small and can have it in my room and cheaper even in price for maintnence

)
i want a finding nemo fish doe even if just one, can he be in a 5 gallon? and wat other fish (just want 2 fish) and some cleaning crabs or cleaner shrimp

 

[ecbuddy123]

ok i just started the thread, and im already thinking of doing a 5 gallon (maybe a 6 or 7) with a 5 gallon little sump as filter, or a hob filter,

 

[meowzer]

I would forget a 5G, first of all you will not be able to keep a clown fish in it (Nemo) 2nd...the smaller the tank, the harder they are to care for
Go for the 20 if your can.....At least you can keep a clown or 2......you will definitely want live sand and live rock too....and I believe in protein skimmers (my opinion)
read some of the top threads in the new hobbiest section....

 

[speg]

Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3271902
I would forget a 5G, first of all you will not be able to keep a clown fish in it (Nemo) 2nd...the smaller the tank, the harder they are to care for
So true. Not much room for error.

 

[ecbuddy123]

yea i was expecting for someone to say no to "nemo" haha, well the thing is i know its going to be hard, but i dont want something big, and a 20 for my room is pretty big, and well i guess i will do the ten or the 20, depends which i can get the supplies for first, and i will look at the new hobbiest section thanks (nice cat l0l )

 

[ecbuddy123]

thanks, yeah i guess that is true because a little bit too much can mess things up, ok so a 15 gallon i guess i will do because i want in my room and it adds 5 gallons of water to mistake, or do a 20 long since i can also keep it in my living room, thanks you guys, but another thing i want to know is how do i know if fish can cohabitate?

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by ecbuddy123
http:///forum/post/3271919
thanks, yeah i guess that is true because a little bit too much can mess things up, ok so a 15 gallon i guess i will do because i want in my room and it adds 5 gallons of water to mistake, or do a 20 long since i can also keep it in my living room, thanks you guys, but another thing i want to know is how do i know if fish can cohabitate?

Books

 

[soviettaco]

This is one of the best 12 gallons I've seen out there and it really shows how much one can do with such a small tank. You want to stay away from the 5 gallons and under for a while they get jacked up pretty fast even in the hands of the most veteran reefers.
I highly suggest the JBJ 12 Gallon Nano-Cube which usually run around $120-180 depending on where you find it. Sometimes you may get a free stand in the deal which is always a good thing

Product Description
The Ultimate Reef Ready Biotope!The newly redesigned Nano Cube is now offered in a Deluxe version to meet the needs of the serious reef enthusiast. The New Nano Cube Deluxe offers double the light output of the original model, giving your corals and invertebrates 48 total watts of intense JBJ compact fluorescent illumination. All models come standard with (2) built-in cooling fans to dissipate excess heat, a new highly efficient (Fulham, UL Approved) remote electronic ballast with disconnect cable, and return nozzle for directional flow output.Advanced Features:12 Gallon Glass CubeOffers Panoramic viewing with smooth rounded corners. The Nano Cube Deluxe offers the ideal dimensions for a mini-reef tank that requires depth for proper rock stacking.Built-in 3-Stage FiltrationNewly redesigned filtration system allows for better surface skimming and more room in the rear for larger pumps for DIY customers. The filtration compartment is hidden in the rear and provides maximum space for tank inhabitants. All models now include an output return nozzle for directional flow control.JBJ Compact Fluorescent Bulb LightingIncludes (2) 24 watt CF lamps with a durable (Fulham, UL Approved) remote electronic ballast w/ disconnect cable. Offered with our powerful 50/50 lamps for marine tanks and 6500K daylight for plant tanks. Both lamps include UL Approved German "Snap-In" lamp sockets for easy bulb install and removals. Installed with splash guard lens for lamp protection.CE ApprovedManufactured with the highest quality components for trouble free performance. Dimensions: 15.8" (L) x 13.8" (W) x 14.8" (H) Capacity: 12 gallons Power Supply: AC110V-60Hz Pump (included): 106 GPH Lift: 0.8m Lighting: (2) 24 Watt 50/50 CF Lamp + Remote Ballast, (2) Nite Vu LED Moonlights Includes M.S.S. (Modular Surface Skimmer)....... Does not include a heater but that can be easily purchased for around $30
If you want 2 more gallons for roughly the same price go with the 14 Gallon Oceanic Bio-Cube
Product Description
This 14 gallon Oceanic BioCube features unique, high-quality components including Coralife lighting and can be used for saltwater or freshwater setups. Just set it up then plug it in and enjoy the results. It's that simple! The BioCube contains an enhanced filtration system that features dual filter intakes (at the surface and mid-water) for improved water circulation and filtration, a replaceable 2-stage filter cartridge which provides easy-to-maintain mechanical and chemical filtration as well as a bio-ball trickle filter system that improves gas exchange and provides efficient biological filtration. There is a viewing window for the filtration water pump which offers you "at-a-glance" convenience to ensure optimum filter performance.1 Coralife 10,000K 24Watt Compact Fluorescent lamp and 1 Coralife Actinic 24Watt Compact Fluorescent lamp 2 ¾ Watt Lunar Blue and Moon Glow LED lights Dual fans integrated into the hood. Plug and play unit with all necessary components built in. Ready for salt or freshwater use Integrated wet/dry filtration L 15.5" x W 16.7" x H 15 ....... Does not include a heater but that can be easily purchased for around $30
I also want to say that in this hobby the bigger the tank is the better off you will be so if your budget allows it go with a 24g, 28g, or 29g either by JBJ or Oceanic Bio-Cube which will be about $40 more then the 12g and 14g. They are just as easy to start and maintain as the smaller two tanks but have double the real-estate. I have a 24g JBJ and love it. I have had no problems and I've only been in the hobby for about a year. I hope this has helped you.

 

[ecbuddy123]

yes i was just thinking that i will go saturday and hopefully they have books at the library haha, thanks! are these some of the best books out there? will look for the

 

[ecbuddy123]

the 14 is supposely 250! at petsmart idk might go looking after church at petstores to see prices of these tanks i really like the 12, look really cool but yeah like u said bigger ='s better so yeah if i can i would like to try to make the 12 into a 29, if there is not so much of a price change, this really helped most ive seen didnt look like this, and this does fit in my room (well the 12 and14 and maybe the 24 fit) and i do have a heater but its not submersible, but i can work on that, so now im going to research wat can live together i guess (is there any sites to try and sorta get some fishies and invertebrates? since the library is closed on sunday?)

 

[ecbuddy123]

also those tanks can support live animals besides fish stock right?

 

[soviettaco]

Originally Posted by ecbuddy123
http:///forum/post/3271943
the 14 is supposely 250! at petsmart idk might go looking after church at petstores to see prices of these tanks i really like the 12, look really cool but yeah like u said bigger ='s better so yeah if i can i would like to try to make the 12 into a 29, if there is not so much of a price change, this really helped most ive seen didnt look like this, and this does fit in my room (well the 12 and14 and maybe the 24 fit) and i do have a heater but its not submersible, but i can work on that, so now im going to research wat can live together i guess (is there any sites to try and sorta get some fishies and invertebrates? since the library is closed on sunday?)
I'm glad I could help. As for websites we can't really list them as it is against the forum policy because they may be in competition with SWF. But looking through tank diaries on this forum and browsing google is always helpful.
The best thing to do is check prices at as many places as possible, and don't be scared to ask LFS (local fish shop) workers/owners for help, ask as many questions as possible and keep in mind that no one is an expert, even if they have been doing this for years. And yeah you want an aquarium heater that is submersible, as well as a thermometer (sticker types work well, are cheap, and don't break).
It is also very important to say that patience is very important in this hobby, rushing in can be dangerous and expensive, so I would hold off on buying anything yet.
This was the first book I ever read on the subject and it helped out a great deal. It's a great starting point for beginners.
http://img.infibeam.com/img/9be32d1e...0470068052.jpg
Just make sure it is the 2nd edition and check the library Monday if you can for other books on the subject.
Originally Posted by ecbuddy123
http:///forum/post/3271944
also those tanks can support live animals besides fish stock right?
This is my tank and it is all pretty much stock except for a couple things like carbon and a very crude refugium but that will not be necessary for your tank just yet, so don't worry about it. But yeah basically this tank is as stock as it gets
once you get a grasp on what everything is by reading a tank guide the easier it will all be and then I and I am sure others will be more then happy to help out with your initial tank cycle, making or buying salt water, picking out LR (live rock) and LS (live sand), a stock list for fish, coral, inverts, cuc (clean up crew) and everything else you will want and need. There is a great group of people on this forum that like to help out beginners like yourself, and I have found many of them here in the nano section. You might run across a couple bad eggs but don't let them discourage you.

 

[ecbuddy123]

I'm glad I could help. As for websites we can't really list them as it is against the forum policy because they may be in competition with SWF. But looking through tank diaries on this forum and browsing google is always helpful.
The best thing to do is check prices at as many places as possible, and don't be scared to ask LFS (local fish shop) workers/owners for help, ask as many questions as possible and keep in mind that no one is an expert, even if they have been doing this for years. And yeah you want an aquarium heater that is submersible, as well as a thermometer (sticker types work well, are cheap, and don't break).
yeah im going to do this slow, and i dont have much money so i have to save, to buy xomething especially pets since i dont even have a setup, but yeah im going to look for the book to help me or try to buy one if i can, and i might do the 24 or 29 since it gives more space for fishies thanks

 

[ecbuddy123]

ok you guys i changed my mind again... (haha i get undeceive a lot) but i think this time it is for sure what i think i want to do and most likely do, a 20 gallon long, this is because it has a lot of surfae area rather than vertical area, hear its nice for fish, corals, and live rock (which i think im going to use base rock since it is cheaper and in no hurry at all since im low on cash, which is another reason for using my 20 long)
With the 20 long i am going to make sump out of a 10 gallon, yet im not too sure how sumps work like how to make the water levels the way you want them, in this sump i wanted to do a first chanber with the tank water to come from and go into sponges on the next chamber, on top of the sponges i want some bags of carbon (prob 2 or one long one but i want two for when ever i have to remove one the other has the beneficial bacteria on it and replace on at the time, older first) the third chamber with a small refuge, with algae in it and stuff to help control it to some extent but not eat it all, this i read is good and can sorta replace skimming since the algae takes alot of the stuff not wanted by corals to grow, and then into a chamber of bioballs to the return pump in the last chamber, think it will work?
i wont drill the tank but use those cheap pvc over flows and return pumps, look easy to use and very effective, but for a return pump idk wat to use, i want a strong pump to return and make the max gph so it can go through my tank many times and hour for max filtration (i know how much tats needed since i have 3 turtle tanks with 7 turts...)
so thats going to be the thing i really want to make right now so when the tank has sand in it the filter is already working, and when i have the base rock (which btw base rock doesnt need to cure, it only needs to become "alive" again right?) let two power heads do their thing, have the sump in and keep everything up to check like salinity, ph, and amonia/nitrates/nitrites, warning this build will be very slow
but the main reason i want to do this tank setup myself is to know how the saltwater tanks differ from the freshy and see how it works and know how it works cause i made it so yeah, going to save up to get my sump done, got the ten gallon in use but will empty up soon since my gecko (in my pic) will be moving into a reptile cage
wow tat was long....

 

[mandolihn]

if ur using an aquarium that has been used for a terrarium, make sure that the silicon is in tact. (the water weight is really impressive in those things and if ur silicon isn't good, u will end up with a huge mess all over the floor!)

 

[ecbuddy123]

Originally Posted by Mandolihn
http:///forum/post/3272807
if ur using an aquarium that has been used for a terrarium, make sure that the silicon is in tact. (the water weight is really impressive in those things and if ur silicon isn't good, u will end up with a huge mess all over the floor!)
yeah they have all been aquariums at one point, or were made for tat (the 20 long i have holds turtles right now, the swimming kind, (terrapins) so i know it holds water, and the tan gallon is on reserve holding my gecko until i get the cage im buying this weekend yeah doesnt one gallon = ten pounds?

 

[mandolihn]

i believe so. yeah, i had been looking at a great deal on a 55 gal for 85 bucks and when i did research, realized just how much weight it would entail. I talked to an LFS and they said not to use it and seeing as how i live in an apartment, kinda didn't want to risk 55 gals of water all over the floor on the second level. So very cool on having one that will work! Good luck in your endeavor! I know having a saltwater aquarium brings me LOTS of entertainment. Love it!

 

[ecbuddy123]

Originally Posted by Mandolihn
http:///forum/post/3272871
i believe so. yeah, i had been looking at a great deal on a 55 gal for 85 bucks and when i did research, realized just how much weight it would entail. I talked to an LFS and they said not to use it and seeing as how i live in an apartment, kinda didn't want to risk 55 gals of water all over the floor on the second level. So very cool on having one that will work! Good luck in your endeavor! I know having a saltwater aquarium brings me LOTS of entertainment. Love it!
yeah, as of right now i have a 75 gallon tank with a sick oscar (the prior owner just fed it live fish... so it has whole in the head, but he eats fine) and a pleco
a 40 breeder with 2 ReD Eared sliders, a
35 gallon with 2 australian turtles, a
nd my 20 long with my two maps and a stinkpot musk turtle,
but the 20 will be empty soon (need to get rid on some fungus), because the sliders and maps will go into the 75 with the giant 9 inched oscar, and pleco, and my australians in the 40 breeder, and they are entertaining, and hearing apperantly SW fish are very entertaining (looking at your dog haha nice!) also since i have so many turtles i want to make a smaller tank than a larger one since being 15 i live with my parents

 

[mandolihn]

that sounds like a ton of aquatics! makes sense that you want to do a smaller tank. i know that having a gecko, a 2.5 gal with glo fish, and my 60 gal saltwater all in one room is overwhelming at times. can't imagine trying to do all of that in a bedroom. props to ya!

Have fun and if you have any questions, I will do my very best to help you out!

 

[ecbuddy123]

Originally Posted by Mandolihn
http:///forum/post/3272880
that sounds like a ton of aquatics! makes sense that you want to do a smaller tank. i know that having a gecko, a 2.5 gal with glo fish, and my 60 gal saltwater all in one room is overwhelming at times. can't imagine trying to do all of that in a bedroom. props to ya!

Have fun and if you have any questions, I will do my very best to help you out!
well they are all over the house! haha, but soon i am just going to be running 3 tanks with this new sw soon, since i plan on putting some of my turtles together as soon as they get better, you have a 2.5?! i wanted to try a 5 gallon, but theres really aint no fish that can go in there, and i know its hard to do, and everyone said try someting bigger so i guess i will do it, (still want the 5 gallon! haha!) and who knows maybe i will... :| l0l!